Briggs Marine is championing Maritime Safety Week 2023 by trialling an alternative to the traditional lifesaving appliances by having the QuikSling System fitted to its Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), ‘Forth Engineer’.
The QuikSling rescue and recovery system’s design allows it to be easily deployed and to aid in the speedy recovery of a person overboard. Drowning in the UK accounts for more accidental fatalities annually than fire deaths in the home or cycling deaths on the road.
With a strong safety-first culture, Briggs Marine looks to drive improvement in Health and Safety throughout all areas of the business wherever possible. So, when the creator of the QuikSling Recovery System demonstrated this innovative idea, the company were keen to carry out a trial and assess the benefits.
Designed and manufactured in Peterhead, Scotland by North Sea Mariners, the QuikSling has been tested and type-approved by Lloyds. With its unique ‘deckchair’ double sling, the pioneering system aims to not only enhance the chances of successfully reaching a person overboard but, during the hoist back into the vessel, it helps to minimise the risk of Circum-rescue Collapse (related to an abrupt drop in blood pressure as the person is removed from the water).
Scott Ward, Briggs Marine’s Group HSEQ Manager advised:
“Maritime Safety Week aims to shine a light on how the industry can continue to improve safety. Briggs wholeheartedly supports this initiative and is committed to delivering its services to the highest standards of safety and quality. To help us achieve this we aim to encourage innovation (where possible) and reinforce collaboration.”
He continued, “I’m delighted that the Board have approved the trialling of the QuikSling as part of the recovery equipment carried onboard, but it’s important not to overlook the importance of having a strong vessel emergency plan and carrying out regular practical exercise drills to ensure all the crews are fully familiar and trained with the equipment provided.”
Whilst prevention of a person overboard situation is the goal, the very nature of Crew Transfer Vessels transporting crew to offshore wind farms does mean there is always a level of risk. Briggs Marine expects the QuikSling to reduce the risks associated with the recovery of a Person Overboard situation. The trial will run for 6 months before Briggs decides on whether to roll the QuikSling out to other vessels in the fleet.