Operation: Tender launched. A tender launch team prepared the equipment and reported that it was ready. The team understood that the yacht would be slowed before lowering began. The order to proceed followed, but the yacht was still making about 6 knots.
When the tender became partly waterborne, its engine did not start in time and the lifting hook did not release. The tender capsized, throwing both occupants into the water. One suffered a dislocated knee and the other a fractured ankle.
A readiness call may confirm that the equipment is rigged and the team is in position. It does not confirm that a condition controlled elsewhere, such as vessel speed, has been met.
The final hold point needs a closed confirmation from the bridge, acknowledged by the launch team before lowering starts. If the required condition cannot be confirmed, the operation remains stopped.
Where is that final hold point defined in your tender launch procedure?
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