TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale Safely Transports Injured Crewmembers
Safety is an ongoing issue in every industry. Just a few months ago, TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale highlighted changes to their own policies and infrastructure in one of their newsletter stories, these changes were instituted to ensure safety is a daily priority. The same safety concerns hold true for the management and crew of shipping companies around the world.
Recently, the crew from TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale performed several launch operations to transport injured passengers in need of medical attention to land. The company's Commercial Division Specialist, Zachary Fischer, who assisted with one of the launches recalls, "Our launch boat makes the ride to shore very comfortable for injured passengers because they have the option to sit in the air conditioned wheelhouse or galley or they can choose to lie down on a bunk until our arrival in port."
As a first responder called to pick up an injured passenger or as a launch service hired simply to provide a crew change, it is imperative that the overall safety of the scene is taken into account in an effort to reduce risk to customers, employees and equipment. Assistant Director of Risk Management Christian Denhard recently attended a safety conference in Philadelphia and has been dealing with policies and procedures related to launch services provided in rough seas since his return. He states "Recent weather conditions have not been kind to recreational or commercial mariners. During one of our launches in November, we had no choice but to stand-by for the safety of the passengers and staff because a lee could not be provided by a ship that had swells up to 8 feet rolling down both sides. When the seas calmed, the injured crewmember was safely brought to the docks for medical treatment. In another case, we arranged for a harbor tug to push the quarter of an anchored ship up sea in order to provide a lee while we transferred passengers safely. Our captains receive ongoing training designed to encourage them to slow down and make sound decisions with the goal of keeping the operation safe and getting the job completed efficiently."
If a passenger or crewmember is injured, it is important to seek appropriate medical attention. If the injury is minor, it may be more cost effective to transport the person via launch for medical treatment in lieu of more costly measures such as an air lift to the hospital. It is important to have a good understanding of the severity of onboard injuries to determine the safest and most efficient method of transport. TowBoatU.S. Fort Lauderdale is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 954-783-7821 for all of your launch needs.
