Spirit of Tasmania and RFD Commit to Safety Training
Spirit of Tasmania, one of the two TT-Line Company P/L, operated vessels that run between Tasmania and Victoria, has put their RFD marine evacuation and lifesaving equipment to the test during a recent safety training program.
Undertaken on board Spirit of Tasmania1, the deployment training program was managed by a specialist team from RFD to ensure all TT-Line crew are trained in the operation of all lifesaving equipment installed as part of the marine evacuation system (MES).
During the safety training deployment a RFD 24.5m MES slide and 2 x50 person RFD Surviva Liferafts were deployed. Manufactured by RFD to stringent quality standards and designed to meet the requirement of international, commercial shipping and military use, this lifesaving equipment is found on many modern passenger ships.
RFD began their association with TT-Line in 2002 when the Tasmanian shipping company replaced the previous ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ and ‘Devil Cat’ with two Finnish built monohull ferries named Superfast III and Superfast IV. Following a rename to ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ I and II, both vessels began ferrying passengers across the 429 kilometre stretch between Devonport in Tasmania to Port Melbourne in Victoria.
“M.E.S’s are common on high speed craft where weight and evacuation times must be kept to a minimum,” said RFD Regional Manager, Fenton Long.
“Many commercial ferries are fitted with M.E.S units to complement or replace onboard lifeboats. We service these units annually as per our RFD liferaft maintenance recommendations in order to maintain reliability that is essential for equipment designed for life saving.”
The RFD lifesaving equipment onboard both Spirit of Tasmania ferries was installed during the construction of both ships. Along with the RFD M.E.S slides, platforms and a compliment of 50 and 25 person RFD Surviva Liferafts to meet the safety requirements, the ferries also utilise other RFD products including flares and EPIRBs.
“TT-Line’s continued commitment to the safety of both passengers and crew is demonstrated by these deployments which include the resources of RFD.” said Fenton Long.
“RFD Australia is also committed to providing the latest and most comprehensive training to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.”
“The RFD M.E.S system and liferafts are used worldwide on roll-on-roll off ferries. In fact, many shipping lines and charters utilise the RFD range of products and servicing capabilities. We are committed to providing a full range of quality products and servicing/certification that is rapid, competitive, and professional.”
RFD is a world leading supplier of marine safety products and inflatable watercraft marketed under a range of brand names. Some of these brands include Aquapro inflatable boats, Plastimo boating equipment, ACR electronics and Aquaglide water sport products.
Beginning in 1920, RFD is primarily involved in the supply and service of marine, fire, life support and gas control equipment.
For all information concerning supply and pricing of individual products within the broad range, please contact your regional RFD branch office.
For further information contact;
Mark Barker
Managing Director
RFD Pty. Ltd
Ph: (03) 9532 1822
Fax: (03) 9532 1949
Email: mark.barker@rfdaust.com.au
Web: www.rfd.com.au
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