What should you do if the Auxiliary vessel is moored for lunch and assistance is required?

Issuing a MARB, or Marine Assistance Response Bulletin, prior to sending any asset is a prudent action when an Auxiliary vessel is moored for lunch and assistance is required. This process allows for the formal recognition of the request for assistance, which can be communicated effectively to other assets that might be available to respond. The MARB ensures that all necessary information regarding the situation is documented and disseminated to relevant personnel, facilitating a timely and organized response.

This approach minimizes delays in the assistance process, as it enables you to coordinate with other available assets while the Auxiliary vessel is temporarily unavailable. Promptly issuing a MARB signals to other responding units that there is an ongoing situation requiring attention and can accelerate the mobilization of resources needed for assistance.

In contrast, waiting for the Auxiliary vessel to return before issuing further orders delays the response unnecessarily. Similarly, sending another Auxiliary vessel immediately could lead to a waste of resources if the existing Auxiliary vessel could resume operations shortly after lunch. Ignoring the request altogether does not reflect the duty to ensure safety and timely assistance in maritime situations, which is a key aspect of the responsibilities of an officer in charge.