The Seafarers' Charity Announces Maritime Safety Week Competition Winners for 2023

Well done to the crew of Hovertravel in the Solent, who have won first prize in The Seafarers’ Charity Safety Drill competition 2023. They operate the only passenger hovercraft service in the UK, between Portsmouth and the Isle Of Wight.

Hovertravel’s crew demonstrated a very well-rehearsed passenger evacuation drill and showed how they efficiently evacuated passengers with limited mobility to safety. The judging panel highlighted how interesting it was to see a commercial aircraft style of drill with safety briefings and demonstrations adapted to a marine operation.

FACT: The captains of hovercraft and high-speed foiling vessels are known as pilots and the vessels display a yellow light when they are travelling "above the water" in non-displacement mode, which is more like flying than sailing.

And congratulations to the well-drilled crew on the fishing vessel Karima out in the North Sea, who have won XtraTuf vouchers for their choice of new boots or work wear. This crew were champions last year and we are delighted to see they have become even quicker at this drill.

The judges noted that they clearly knew the quickest way to don the survival suits was by lying down. Many people attempt this standing up which can prove more challenging without assistance. Crew were able to don the suits and their lifejackets by themselves at speed which is impressive. A very smooth operation and great team work.