We are often asked what a ‘day in the life’ of a Commercial RIB Charter (CRC) skipper looks like. With this in mind, we thought, who better to answer that question then one of our longest serving skippers. Here is what they had to say when we put a few questions to him.
What’s your daily routine when on charter …
“Days can be very different, so it’s important that we always remain flexible to changing requirements and demands, however a typical daily routine always involves undertaking vessel preparation for both operational and non-operational days.
I will typically arrive on the vessel one hour before the client is due. This is to perform vessel checks with the crew, including routine DSC test calls, radar and full engine checks. Following this, the logbook is started for the day, our passage plan is loaded and the daily progress report (DPR) is started. The DPR records the vessels daily movements, locations, engine and generator hours, fuel report, tide times and height and weather summary.
Non-operational days are very similar, but with the focus on preventative maintenance. CRC operate a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) which includes monthly and weekly maintenance tasks designed specifically to avoid unexpected issues. We also take great pride in how all the vessels are presented and ensure that we are always fully stocked with the appropriate spare parts, salon and galley areas are spotlessly clean, and all voids and bilges are sparkling!
Following the day’s work, the vessel returns to the port, is fully refuelled, restocked, and cleaned down ready for the following day”.
Favourite types of job and why …
“The projects CRC undertake are always varied and different, one month you could be installing interconnector cable for windfarms, and the next month you could be on a project that involves dive support, where the vessel needs to be anchored very close to live power cables or outfall pipes. Also, because of the diverse CRC fleet, you get to experience a wide range of boats from Cabin RIBs through to the flagship 20m catamaran, CRC Sentinel.”
Highlight of the year so far …
“This year has been a busy one and has presented many challenges given the important role we play on large offshore infrastructure projects. I don’t have a specific highlight but any job in Northern Europe is a pleasure to do as it provides variety and the opportunity to work with different marinas, clients, and suppliers. The local companies we line up for maintenance support etc are incredibly helpful and will always go above and beyond. This is an important part of how we operate at CRC, because having strong local supplier relationships means we can respond to any issues immediately and keep the boat available to our client.”
