Emergencies in the field
HWDT’s policy is to prevent incidents. We operate in a remote environment where risk levels have to be managed to be at a minimum. All volunteers should be aware of this, and it is reinforced before departure. Volunteers with health, mobility, or faculty issues should be certain they can operate safely in a remote marine environment. A comprehensive safety policy is in force. In the event of an incident, the best course of action is totally variable, depending on the nature of the incident, weather, location, and many other factors.
- The best action will be decided by the skipper, usually in consultation with other field staff members.
- To facilitate this, timetables for ferries, buses, and trains are available onboard.
- Mobile phones with internet access are also onboard, but there is not always signal in remote areas.
- There is nearly always VHF contact with the Coast Guard, and a satellite phone will be on board for contact with the HWDT office for use in emergencies. (Please note this will only be switched on once a day to collect messages or in the case of an emergency; it cannot be made available for personal use.)
- In a serious emergency, helicopter or lifeboat evacuation is available via the Coast Guard.
- All skippers have extensive knowledge and experience of the operating area and will know the best method of departure from any location.
- All skippers and scientists are trained first aiders, with the ability to deal with minor injuries and to provide help with major ones until professional care is available.
- Medical advice is available through the Coast Guard.
Silurian carries extensive safety equipment, including lifejackets for all on board, a 12-person life raft, a 4-meter tender, and a satellite phone for emergencies.
Lifejackets must be worn at all times on deck. Silurian has saftey straps at each observation station, as well as running along the deck from stern to bow. Harnesses and safety straps must be worn at all times. All volunteers receive a full safety briefing on board.
Safety
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