Dolphin Encounters ℠ | Company News & Events

TEAMING-UP FOR VESSEL SAFETY:
Bahamas Port Authority, U.S. Coast Guard, B.A.S.R.A and the Defense Force Working Together

Teaming up For Safety

NASSAU, BAHAMAS
In an international effort to promote water and boat safety, the Bahamas Port Authority, The Defense Force, the U.S Coast Guard Auxiliary and B.A.S.R.A. have teamed-up to strengthen the boat inspection process.

As part of their continuing partnership, the organizations recently conducted joint random safety inspections on vessels in The Bahamas with an aim to learn from each other.

“The goal of our program is to work together to ensure that all vessels in both Bahamian and U.S. waters meet the highest safety standards,” said Port Inspector Cyril E. Morely. “As we make inspections together, each organization demonstrates their inspection process and everyone benefits from the different techniques and the ideas and information exchanged.”

Stu Robinson, D.E.A., TCT with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary who also took part in the joint inspection agrees, “It is really important that The Bahamas and the United States work together and share support and ideas. What every party has taken away from this experience is how to conduct the most thorough inspections possible. We are also creating a valuable partnership.”

One of the first of the joint inspections took place on the fleet of ferries operated by Dolphin Encounters. Inspectors boarded the high-speed catamarans and checked for both safety measures and maintenance standards.

Captains and mates were also quizzed for their knowledge of marine safety and operating large passenger ferries.

“Dolphin Encounters passed inspection with very high marks,” said Inspector Morely. “We commend their fleet for being one of the leaders in the Bahamas for operating safely and for their excellent maintenance standards.”

“Safety is the number one priority to us at Dolphin Encounters”

Head Captain Martin Miller. “Our fleet ferries hundreds of guests each day from several locations to our facility on Blue Lagoon Island and we take that responsibility very seriously. Inspections such as these ensure that we are taking every precaution to keep our guests and crew safe and our boats in top working order. We also learned from this experience and have already put additional tips and recommendations the inspectors gave us into practice.”

More than 50 vessels have already been randomly inspected and the group plans to continue the joint inspection process which also includes water rescue.

“Creating this partnership and having an open dialogue is especially important when it comes to saving lives."

“The Bahamas and the United States share common waters,” adds Mr. Robinson. "We can all respond quickly, share resources and together create the most efficient rescue scenario – which is what all of us are striving for.”

“The joint program between all of the organizations has been an incredible success,” said Inspector Morely. “We will continue to work together sharing expertise and resources. Keeping our waters safe for our citizens and guests is our collective goal.”