PADDLER 28
PADDLER 28
stepped from the cockpit onto the pilot ladder. Once I was on deck, the winching of my kayak started.
Because I attached my tow line to the stern, I could guide my kayak neatly, avoiding scratches or bumps. My kayak was placed out of the way, getting ready for the rest of my team’ s boarding. Sylvie and Hugo boarded the same way, and I placed myself on the pilot ladder to provide assistance. Within less than 15 minutes, the boarding was completed safely. A hot coffee and a nice chat later, we left the DC BRUGGE‘ NSK-style’ and paddled back to shore.
SUCTION PIPE
In case you haven’ t noticed, every T. S. H. D. has a lifeboat ready to deploy. We already have done an exercise with such a lifeboat. Captain Ward from the dredger SCALD arrived at the scene, and our discussion was breathtaking. All these ships also can lower their suction pipe with a drag head in almost no time. Since Captain Ward was aware of all the different trainings we had done, we devised a very unconventional proposal. Also, it has never been done before! Captain Ward and his crew would lower the pipe, allowing us to see if it would be possible to board.
The sea was calm, which was perfect to test things out. What an opportunity! My team included Bo and
Hugo. I asked them to stay out of the way until we were sure this would work out. We had a thorough safety briefing prior to the exercise. Although I felt the blood pumping through my veins, there were no moving parts where I could get stuck. The pipe / drag head goes up and down, that’ s it. It just looks and feels very intimidating. I could instruct the depth of the drag head to my wishes. After a few adjustments, I could climb swiftly and safely onto the drag head.
Once I was there, we tried the possibility of winching my kayak with me. I had a good look around for options. To our great surprise, I could shift my kayak over the top of the drag head. This part is covered with rubber inserts, making it perfect to avoid any scratches or damage to the hull of my boat. Once in place, my kayak rested on the pipes and the drag head, with no risk of falling off during the winching. It was just like it was made for winching kayaks instead of dredging the seabed, no kidding! I was winched with my kayak, and with the crew’ s help, I could transfer myself and my kayak onboard the SCALD.
Once my kayak was secured, I went back to help my team. Bo and Hugo were brought onboard in the same safe and swift way. It’ s all about using common sense and not letting fear overrule you. It’ s intimidating, we can tell you this. But it’ s also safe and