Friday, June 5th, 2015
Just when you think you have everything covered, another requirement comes along – this time it’s the new requirements under SOLAS, which came into force July 2014, that require all ships to have plans and procedures to recover persons from the water.
These plans are aimed at ensuring all vessels – including yachts – have the capability to effectively serve as a rescue asset and have the right equipment to be able to rescue persons from the water and from survival craft, in the event of an incident. Which of course is a good thing. We would all hope that the boat on horizon, as we are bobbing around in the water, has a plan to get us out … right?
While these plans not only assist in search and rescue efforts it also provides a procedure for recovering crew who may have fallen overboard, a situation that could occur at anytime and often does.
Vessels constructed before 1 July 2014 are required to comply with the requirement by the first periodical or renewal safety equipment survey of the ship to be carried out after 1 July 2014, whichever comes first.
So, if you haven’t written your plan yet, or are confused as to its purpose, now is the time to write it (if you haven’t already) and prepare your vessel for any situation.
Need help putting together your plan for recovery of persons from the water? Get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a chat.
