Safe Use of Speed Guidance (RNLI) - GU1124 PDF

Guidance Safe Use of Speed Guidance - GU1124 Guidance owner Version number Simon Ling (Head of Lifeboats) 1.0 Guidance contact Owning department Peter Hanscombe (Lif...

Guidance Safe Use of Speed Guidance - GU1124 Guidance owner Version number Simon Ling (Head of Lifeboats) 1.0 Guidance contact Owning department Peter Hanscombe (Lifeboat Trainer Lifesaving Operations Assessor) Published date 10/06/2024 Applicability All lifeboat stations. Background of Guidance This guidance note is to provide clear direction regarding the appropriate cruising speed for our lifeboat fleet during "normal" operations. This is to support the Coxswain / Helm /Commander in making a conscious decision to increase the speed based on the operational requirements. Guidance Following a number of recent high speed collisions, groundings and near misses it has been decided that the use of "maximum speed" is to be implemented to all our lifeboats to ensure we are taking a positive step towards the safety of ourselves, our crew and our boats. This will aid the Coxswain /Helm /Commander in the reinforcement of good seamanship, safe navigation and good leadership of their boat during exercise, services and passages as they are in command and have the duty of care and responsibility to make conscious decisions regarding the vessel and the safe use of speed It is clear and well established that the chosen transit speed on service, exercise or passage must be based on a comprehensive assessment and a dynamic risk assessment of the operational need, environmental conditions, capabilities and limitations of the vessel and its crew along with all the factors affecting our obligations under Rule 6 'Safe Speed' (as well as all the rules) of the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), plus careful consideration of any local byelaws or notices to mariners in force. In order to promote and sustain a culture of transiting and operating at safe speed, it is appropriate that the institution takes a stance regarding what are 'normal' operating speeds. This also serves to highlight that those in command have an obligation to both assess the appropriateness of the chosen speed and importantly, the factors in making a decision to travel at higher speed or sustain 'full throttle'. Published date: 10/06/2024 | Classification: The content of this document is considered Protected in line with the RNLI classifications Guidance Therefore, the speeds outlined in the table are to be adopted as the maximum 'normal' operating speeds of our SAR assets accepting that a safe speed 'on the day and depending on the circumstances' may be less than the maximum 'normal speed'. However, it is accepted and emphasized that SAR assets can be operated above these 'normal' speeds, for specific requirements such as life-threatening service calls or training evolutions which require a higher speed. Using a higher speed can only take place once those in command have satisfied themselves of their due diligence in reaching any decision to operate at a greater speed. These decisions and rationales should also form part of all briefings for routine exercise's, service calls and passages as briefings form an important part of our training. Class RPM Maximum Speed Severn (CAT) 2000 20.5 Knots Severn (MTU) 2250 22.0 Knots Trent 2000 18.5 Knots Tamar 2050 21.0 Knots Tyne 2200 16.5 Knots Mersey 2600 15.0 Knots Shannon 2150 22.0 Knots Atlantic 75 4000 22.0 Knots Atlantic 85 4000 21.0 Knots IRH (over land) N/A 15.0 Knots IRH (over sea) N/A 15.0 Knots E-Class Mk2 2900 22.0 Knots E-Class Mk1 3600 24.5 Knots D-Class N/A 15 Knots, or just planing A-Class, RWC & Daughter N/A Just planing whilst transiting crafts Published date: 10/06/2024 | Classification: The content of this document is considered Protected in line with the RNLI classifications Guidance Review information Next review date 10/06/2025 Amendment history Date Version Author/Contributor Amendment details 25/06/2017 Content first published on Horizon 10/06/2024 1.0 Simon Ling Content migrated to this new template Review frequency 3 years Published date: 10/06/2024 | Classification: The content of this document is considered Protected in line with the RNLI classifications