Standards for standby vessels

It should be required by regulations that each standby vessel should comply with the following standards:- (i) It should be highly manoeuvrable and able to maintain its position; (ii) It should provide full visibility of the water-line in all directions from the bridge; (iii) It should have at least two 360° searchlights capable of being remotely controlled; (iv) It should have two fast rescue craft. One of the 2 fast rescue craft should be able to travel at 25 knots in normal sea states. The smaller fast rescue craft (9 person capacity) should be crewed by 2 persons; the larger by 3 persons. Fast rescue craft should be equipped with adequate means of communicating with the standby vessel by VHF radio; and carry an adequate portable searchlight; (v) It should have the means of rapid launching of its fast rescue craft; (vi) It should have adequate means of communication by radio with its fast rescue craft, the installation, nearby vessels and the shore; and (vii) It should have at least two methods of retrieving survivors from the sea. (All in para 20.42).