POWERBOAT SAFETY BY DAY AND NIGHT


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Philip Godwin RYA Advanced Powerboat & Yachtmaster Instructor looks at the benefits of the RYA Tender Operator Course


he qualification most requested by the yachting industry for using a yacht tender is the RYA Powerboat


Level 2. This qualification covers the skills needed to handle a small powerboat such as coming alongside, man overboard, safety and regulations.


This course is great for anyone starting out in the industry, but it is not specifically geared towards the more demanding situations that deck crew are often faced with, such as operating at night and embarking passengers. Further training courses have been developed to fill the gap between Powerboat 2 and Yachtmaster training which many deck crew go on to later in their careers.


The RYA Tender Operator was specifically developed for yacht crew engaged in transporting guests form yacht to shore. The course aims to further the skills learnt on the RYA Powerboat 2 by placing students in more demanding situations. For instance, on a typical Powerboat 2 course a student would be taught to dock alongside the fuel berth inside a port. On the RYA Tender Operator course a student might be asked to berth alongside a typical quay for restaurant in an open bay. Further discussion and training would include how to ensure guests could then be disembarked safely from there.


The RYA Tender Operator course moves onto planning coastal passages, by day and night. It also includes search patterns. It is often taken by the operators of chase boats and larger tenders that operate at longer distances from their ‘mother ship’.


The use of electronics, such as chart plotters, is covered on both courses. It is recognised that these are not always fitted to a yacht tender, so the courses also teach the importance of traditional pilotage and route planning.


TOP TIPS FOR SAFE TENDER OPERATION BY DAY AND NIGHT We have compiled our top tips that we emphasise on these courses.


1. Controls Check that the vessels engines function correctly. They should not start in gear and the kill cord should work. Kill cords should always be worn. The preferred method is around the leg where it does not become tangled with steering etc. and will not slip off. It is also worth having a procedure that the boats helm station should never be left unattended whilst the engines are running. A possible scenario could be that whilst the helm is helping a guest onboard the vessel is accidentally ‘knocked’ into gear with disastrous consequences! Not all small craft have the ‘interlock’ which keeps the controls in the neutral position and modern electronic controls only need a feather light touch.


2. Safety equipment


The vessel’s safety equipment should be easily accessible. Too often the safety grab bag is stowed under seating which is difficult to access. A throwing line should be kept ready, and at night a search light. Whilst the guest tender should look aesthetically correct, it’s advisable to spend some time planning how the equipment might be used and stored so it is ready immediately.


3. Make sure you have a plan! A passage plan is required by the SOLAS regulations for even the simplest and shortest of journeys. A sketch can be used or with headings and notes on any hazard, and land/sea marks which can be used to aid navigation. The plan should be easy to read and follow, and at night should take account of any unlit marks/buoys. This plan and the ETA should be logged with the bridge before leaving the vessel.


12 | TENDERS & TOYS | ONBOARD


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