The Australian Maritime Safety Authority highlights the importance of a two-way communication between the parent vessel and their dories or tenders, to boost safety and “be there” to assist or in case of an urgent medical help.
Specifically, a VHF marine radio is the best way for the parent vessel to know where their dories or tenders are.
The installation of a fixed or acquiring a portable VHF marine radio on board all tenders enables the crew to be in touch and be able to communicate in case of assistance, for example in an occasion of an urgent medical help.
Also, potential accidents and fatalities could be prevented with the right safety equipment onboard a vessel. Thus, AMSA recommends to have the following onboard:
- lifejackets
- VHF radio
- registered beacon
- navigation equipment—such as AIS
- first aid kit
- flares.
Moreover, the Administration proposes interested parties to familirize their crew on how to use the equipment and how to act in case of an emergency.
It helps for everyone to be aware of the risks and plan ahead. Run safety drills so every crew member knows what to do if they get into strife
… AMSA highlights.
Overall, to ensure safety, one should:
- Install fixed or make available portable VHF radio and registered beacons on all tenders and ensure crew wear life jackets and have the right safety gear.
- Use a parent tender vessels radar systems and/or automatic identification system (AIS) to monitor and track your dory / tender locations.
- A parent-tender operation should include in their vessel’s safety management system a process of regular check-ins at scheduled times as well as scheduled return times.
For additional safety measures, see also:
- AMSA recommends safe pilot transfer arrangements
- AMSA: How to achieve a safe-vessel access
- Handbook for mariners operating in Australian waters
