Ride the Ducks returns to Delaware River

From the Managing Director’s office:

Managing Director Richard Negrin announced that Ride the Ducks (RTD), an amphibious tour, will return to the Delaware River under a new set of improved safety procedures and enhanced operating, communications and training standards. Ride the Ducks previously ceased operation on July 7, 2010 on the Delaware River following a tragic accident.

Over the past several months, the City, the Tri-state Maritime Safety Association and the US Coast Guard have worked closely with Ride the Ducks to ensure that when they begin offering tours again, every measure has been considered and will be followed to provide for the safety of Philadelphians and our visitors,? said Deputy Mayor and Managing Director Richard Negrin.

Some of the improvements include:

• No RTD vessel will enter the water when there is an inbound deep draft vessel or tug and barge configuration with one half nautical miles of the operating area.
• Operating area’s width has been reduced by 200 feet (66%) compared to 2010 operating area.
• RTD will deploy a Marine Response Coordinator (MaRC) boat equipped with twin 135 hp motors to quickly and safely tow a disabled vehicle.
• During days of extreme heat, vehicles will be continuously monitored for abnormal engine indications and attended to or taken offline if any abnormal condition exists.
• All RTD vessels will be equipped with an Automated Identification System to improve visibility of the vessels on radar.
• Improved redundancy of communications and safety equipment.
• Increased training procedures for captains and deckhands.
• Improved coordination and partnership with the City’s Police Marine Unit.
• RTD will not distribute “quackers” until the conclusion of the tour.