Bryza and CTV Aquata rehearse rescue manoeuvre in the bay

From paper procedures to on-water drills

The need for close cooperation between vessels servicing offshore wind farms and the rescue service is discussed in the industry ever more often. As offshore investment in Poland's economic zone grows, so does the number of vessels operating in the vicinity of the farms - from crew transfer vessels (CTVs) to service and installation units. In an emergency, each of them must be able to work alongside the rescuers.

The documents, instructions and response procedures are in place, but - as practitioners point out - only testing them under way, in real conditions on the water, shows whether the assumptions actually work.

A scenario rehearsed under way

The aim of the exercise, as Sławomir Woźniak himself indicated, was to rehearse a scenario - the approach manoeuvre of the rescue vessel Bryza to the CTV Aquata, carried out in the bay. The key element was that both vessels remained under way, which significantly raises the level of difficulty and demands smooth communication, solid training and - as the participants emphasise - mutual trust from both crews.

It is precisely these elements that determine the success of operations in a real emergency, when there is no time for improvisation.

- The vessels were under way, which required good communication, solid training and cooperation from both crews, and above all - trust. At sea, and on an offshore project in particular, anything can happen. It is worth rehearsing this and being prepared for different situations. My thanks go to the crew of the rescue vessel Bryza for their excellent cooperation and the joint exercise, said Master Mariner Sławomir Woźniak.

SAR and offshore a growing field of cooperation

The development of offshore wind sets new tasks for maritime rescue. The emergence of vast investment areas far from shore means new intervention scenarios and the need to work out proven procedures for cooperating with vessels operating around the farms. Joint exercises involving SAR units and CTV-type vessels are part of building this readiness before the farms enter full operation.

- The development of offshore is a new challenge for maritime rescue, one we are preparing for well in advance. At sea there is no room for improvisation - what counts is skill, clear communication and trust between crews. I am glad that the vessels working on the offshore wind farms and our service are jointly rehearsing real scenarios. It is precisely such exercises that translate into people's safety, because human life is always of the greatest value to us, said Sebastian Kluska, Director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

Preparation that saves lives

Joint exercises between offshore vessels and the rescue service are not a formality but real capability-building in a region where maritime activity will only grow. The more scenarios rehearsed today, the smoother the response when a human life is at stake.