It’s Officially Summer: Ensure Your Vessels Are Safe, Compliant & Reliable
It’s officially summer! The warmer months mean owners and operators across the marine sector are preparing their vessels for the busy season.
For many, this means increased time at sea, higher demand on onboard systems and tighter scheduling windows. At R&Co Marine Services, we know that early preparation can make the difference between a smooth sailing season and one disrupted by avoidable issues.
Whether you operate a superyacht, a commercial vessel or a river craft, summer readiness is about more than a pre-season clean. It is about ensuring safety, compliance, and operational reliability.
Technical Checks
Start with the essentials. Engines, generators and fuel systems should be serviced and tested under load. Battery health, electrical insulation resistance, and switchboard integrity should also be verified, particularly on vessels that may have been idle during the off-season.
Cooling systems must be flushed and inspected, especially in warmer climates where increased engine temperature can quickly cause problems.
Review Compliance & Certification
Summer often brings increased inspections and port calls, so now is the time to check that your documentation is in order. Certificates of compliance, safety equipment logs and crew qualifications should be current and easily accessible.
Be Prepared
Safety drills should be conducted with the full crew, with a particular focus on fire response, man overboard procedures and first aid readiness. Equipment such as life rafts, flares and extinguishers should be checked for expiry and functionality.
This is also a good opportunity to review onboard risk assessments and update safety management systems where needed. A well-prepared crew is just as critical as a well-maintained vessel.
Summer readiness is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a proactive approach that protects your investment, ensures safety, and allows your team to operate with confidence.
If you require expert support then the team at R&Co are here to help you start the season strong.