Outline: CHIRP has received two reports from official sources highlighting the use of drugs on board commercial fishing vessels. What the reporters told us: Increasing drug abuse has been identified on several commercial fishing vessels operating in a specific area. Allegedly cocaine is being used by a number of crew members and it was […]
Outline: The following report was received in response to the request in Maritime FEEDBACK 56 for seafarers with experience of fatigue at work to contact CHIRP. What the reporter told us: After reading your latest CHIRP Maritime publication where you requested examples of fatigue occurring in the maritime industry, I will try to explain the […]
Outline: A report was received from an engineer, with 10 years’ experience on the same vessel, who was concerned about changes to the vessels’ status and the potential consequences. What the reporter told us: The vessel was built in 1997 and has always been registered in the same flag state – even when the name […]
Outline: A 12m ketch on a night passage in the Mediterranean had to take evasive action to avoid collision with a 72m luxury motor yacht which failed to comply with the requirements of Rule 15. What the reporter told us: It was a clear night with good visibility, and we were approaching the outer reaches […]
Outline: CHIRP was invited to comment upon ill-fitting PPE for female seafarers and initiated a survey to determine the extent of the issue. What the reporter told us: In an effort to encourage females to take up a career in the maritime sector, certain administrations have prepared a number of articles giving practical guidance. One […]
Outline: CHIRP was amongst a list of organisations to receive a completed accident investigation report from a port authority with the sole purpose of promulgating the findings to a wider audience so more people can learn from the issues highlighted. What the report told us: The vessel involved was a small Lift On / Lift […]
Outline: Poor planning and even poorer communication put crew members in potential danger. What the reporter told us: On 4th December two offshore vessels arrived at the port, the lead ship having been a frequent visitor whilst the other vessel was on a first visit. Their berths had been booked directly with the berth operator, […]
Pilots corner: This inaugural article in our new section has been written by a senior pilot For pilots one of the hot problem topics is pilot ladders and access. How do we tackle this? Locally my own port authority has a robust system for reporting and investigating non-compliant arrangements and are very supportive of pilots […]
Outline: This is not what you want to find after climbing the pilot ladder. What the reporter told us: I boarded the vessel and noticed that the ladder had been put under a steel platform. I asked the crew to lift the platform because I wanted to know how this ladder was secured to the […]
Outline: An account of an unsafe towing practice observed aboard a harbour tug assisting a container vessel during a port manoeuvring operation. What the Reporter told us: The photograph shows a tug engaged in towing operations assisting a large container vessel during departure. Despite many incidents in the towing industry where watertight integrity has been […]