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06/23/2026
Prevention | Maintenance & Technology
Tender Safety: Small Craft, Big Responsibility
For many boat owners, a tender is an essential part of life afloat. Whether it's used for trips ashore, transporting guests or exploring local anchorages, a tender often sees more day-to-day use than the main vessel itself.
At Pantaenius, we regularly assist owners following incidents involving tenders. From tenders breaking free while under tow to losses caused by inadequate securing arrangements, many of the situations we encounter could potentially have been prevented with a few simple precautions.
With that in mind, we've put together some practical tips to help keep your tender safe, secure and ready for use throughout the season.
Check Your Means of Attachment
Whether towing a tender or securing it alongside the main vessel, ensure that all lines, shackles, clips and attachment points are suitable for the load and regularly inspected for wear.
Consider:
- Using quality marine-grade fittings.
- Regularly checking knots, splices and shackles.
- Replacing worn or UV-damaged lines before they fail.
- Using secondary safety lines where practical.
A surprising number of incidents begin with the failure of a relatively small component.
Think Carefully Before Towing
Towing can be convenient, but it can also expose a tender to additional risks, particularly in rough weather, following seas or when travelling at higher speeds.
Before towing:
- Check the weather and sea conditions.
- Ensure the tow line is the correct length.
- Secure all loose equipment onboard.
- Monitor the tender regularly during passage.
In some situations, lifting the tender aboard or securing it on davits may be a safer option. Owners should also ensure the towing arrangement is suitable for the conditions.
Secure Equipment Onboard
Fuel tanks, batteries, electronics and personal equipment should be properly secured before departure. Even relatively calm conditions can quickly become challenging when wind and sea state increase.
Carry Essential Safety Equipment
The safety equipment carried aboard a tender should be appropriate for its intended use. Suitable lifejackets should be available for all occupants and worn when operating a tender.
If operating after dark, ensure the tender displays the appropriate navigation lights in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Depending on where and how the tender is operated, additional equipment may include:
- A waterproof means of communication.
- A suitable anchor and warp.
- Paddles in case of engine failure.
- A bailer and spare bungs.
- A basic emergency toolkit.
Don't Ignore Small Problems
Minor issues such as loose fittings, water ingress, damaged tubes or steering problems can quickly develop into larger and more costly problems if left unaddressed.
Regular inspections and prompt maintenance can help keep your tender safe and reliable throughout the season.
Consider a Tracking or Alert Device
For owners who frequently leave tenders on moorings or tow them over longer distances, a tracking device or movement alert system may provide additional peace of mind and help identify issues at an early stage should a tender become detached or drift away.
As tenders become larger and more valuable, owners may also wish to consider dedicated real-time monitoring systems capable of alerting them to issues such as water ingress, rising bilge levels, low battery voltage and tow-line failures.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Tenders are often among the hardest-working craft in a boating setup, yet they're sometimes given the least attention when it comes to security, maintenance and preparation.
At Pantaenius, we're always here to help when things go wrong. However, many of the tender-related incidents we see could be avoided through regular checks, secure attachment arrangements and a little extra preparation before heading out on the water.
Safe boating.
