“ The goal is simple: how to board safely and fast in an emergency, kayaks included!”
PADDLER 27
“ The goal is simple: how to board safely and fast in an emergency, kayaks included!”
Photo: Johan Deramoudt
THE FASTEST WAY OF BOARDING
My kayak was swiftly pulled aboard while the Rio accelerated to its normal operational speed. Although this looks / sounds very spectacular, everything worked out smoothly with not a single problem. This proved the fastest way of boarding. After securing my kayak, I got a hot coffee and a splendid view from the bridge. I left the Rio‘ NSK-style’ by jumping off right in front of the harbour entrance about an hour later.
Although we love it when a plan comes together, what if the ship that moves in isn’ t loaden and / or has a very high freeboard? That’ s where Captain Stefan, with his Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger DC BRUGGE crew, comes in! This time, I was accompanied by Sylvie and Hugo. The goal is simple: how to board safely and fast in an emergency, kayaks included! Stefan is the second captain who sympathises with this kind of exercise.
Together, we came up with the idea of winching the kayaks – by crane! After a thorough safety briefing in advance, we regrouped a few kilometres offshore. The ship circled to provide shelter against wind and waves, maintaining radio contact. Once in place, the pilot ladder was lowered. A specific detail we asked for was to lower the ladder below the surface. According to regulations, a pilot ladder must meet particular requirements, leaving the ladder entirely above the surface.
This makes it hard, if not impossible, to climb it from the water level. We need at least a few steps below the surface in case of capsize. To maintain contact with our kayak at any time, we attached our long, waistmounted tow line with emergency release to the stern of our kayak. We made the short tow line ready for winching. The crew lowered a heavy hook with the crane while the captain held oversight from the bridge. I boarded first to see if everything was clear and safe. After connecting the kayak to the hook, I
PADDLER 27