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Written question asked by Richard Burden (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 January 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 January 2017. It was answered by John Hayes (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 January 2017 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Tugboats: Scotland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the (a) crewing and (b) training requirements are for the Levoli Black emergency towing vessel chartered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Answer

Within the Invitation to Tender for the new Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Contract, the ‘ETV Statement of Requirements’ specified the performance and service specifications to be fulfilled as follows:

(a) “ETVs will be manned in accordance with the requirements laid down by her Flag State, and commensurate with the tasking of an Emergency Towing Vessel, but not less than 10 crew including the Master.” The ETV, IEVOLI BLACK, complies with this requirement; and

(b) “Crew competency is to be maintained at the highest operational standard. Tenderers must confirm that they have the operational capability to respond, as directed by the MCA, to any incident within the area. Master(s) and crew members directly involved in towing operations should have proven emergency rescue towing and ocean towage experience. Documentary evidence of crew capability and experience is to be provided by the tenderer.”

The Assessment Panel was satisfied that the IEVOLI BLACK complies with this requirement.

In addition; “The contractor will be expected to work with the charterer (the MCA) in developing and implementing a training programme designed to maintain crew skills. Vessel capability and crew competence will be audited annually.”

The vessel programme, issued by the MCA will support the achievement and maintenance of this requirement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
60659
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Crew Scotland Tugboats
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk