Working safely on tenders, dories or auxiliary vessels

Know the risks and stay safe

If you operate a fleet of tender vessels or work on a tender, it’s important to know the hazards and risks and make sure each vessel has the right safety procedures and equipment in place to keep the crew safe.

The danger of working solo

In certain operations, tenders work at a distance from the parent vessel and at times stray from the vessel looking out for them. If you need urgent help or medical attention, you need to contact and alert your parent vessel quickly and easily.

A VHF radio is the best way for parent and tender vessels to stay in contact over longer distances.

Know where your tenders are at all times

Maintaining reliable communication between vessels is vital. If you are the master of a parent vessel it’s your responsibility to monitor your tenders at all times.

A radar or Automatic Identification System (AIS) can help you keep track of each tender’s location.

Every crew member must be trained and competent to operate a tender safely and know what to do if they stray from the parent vessel or get into trouble.

A simple checklist can help prevent emergency situations.

CHECKLIST

- Read your safety management system

Prepare your vessel

- Do you have a maintenance plan?

- Is the vessel in good condition?

Before you go

- TELL SOMEONE where you are going and when you will return

- Check the weather forecast

- Check your safety equipment (lifejackets, communication equipment, EPIRB, flares, GPS/compass, first aid kit)

- Do you have enough food and water?

- Do you have sufficient fuel for the trip?

- Are all batteries charged?

At sea

- Is your radio on? What channel?

- Are you wearing your lifejacket?

- Check your weight. What is the maximum loading of the vessel?

- Keep to the speed limit and know where you are

- Monitor fuel use

- Do you have a schedule for checking in?

Find out more about how to prepare a safety management system. Visit amsa.gov.au/sms