Initial Report As a container ship was conducting outbound pilotage, the bridge team noticed a delay in response of the steering gear. At the same time, they noticed an alarm indicating “EMERGENCY – XX, SERVO LOOP”. The steering gear was in manual mode operated by Follow-Up (FU) No. 1 and No. 2 system control units. […]
Initial report During an annual lifeboat safety inspection it was discovered that the on-load cable release could not easily be moved, and the release lever required extreme force to operate. The forward hook cable release also did not operate properly. A replacement cable release arrangement was procured locally, and repeated tests were conducted to confirm […]
The following three short reports all concern failures to comply with the pilot ladder regulations. Initial Report (1) Trapdoor type combination, accommodation ladder platform less than five metres above the sea. The Pilot told the Master that in moderate sea and swell conditions access would not have been possible due to the risk of the pilot […]
Outline: The following report reflects a perennial problem for coastal yachting. What the reporter told us: Whilst coastal sailing in wind force 4-5 at 6-7 knots an odd noise was heard, similar to a wave slapping the side of the boat. Nothing else unusual was apparent. Approximately two hours later, and after about an hour’s […]
Outline: A report highlighting a main engine failure and demonstrating the reason that pre-departure checks are carried out. What the reporter told us: The main engine failed to start on departure from the berth. The ship’s electrician had somehow disabled the main engine after repairing the bow thruster which had failed on arrival. Further dialogue: […]
Most seafarers will join and leave different ships two or three times a year and on most occasions via a gangway whilst the vessel is tied up alongside in port. Spare a thought for the marine pilots who guide your ship safely in and out of ports, who regularly embark or disembark from 2 or […]
The following information was passed to CHIRP by a pilotage authority to illustrate the extent of the problem and the success that can be achieved. Regarding trap door pilot boarding arrangements and combination arrangements, over the past few months we have had some success in non-compliant unsafe arrangements being adapted to comply with the regulations […]
Outline: This reporter sent details of an incident that occurred on his ship, a medium sized LPG tanker only 2 years old, which raises some questions about mooring arrangements. What the reporter told us: The ship was moored alongside engaged in loading operations, with the deck watchman standing by the manifolds monitoring the ships position. […]
Outline: A fresh pair of eyes identified an incident waiting to happen on a chemical / oil product tanker. What the reporter told us: The vessel had orders for several loading ports, and in each port different parcels of cargo were to be loaded. The cargo loading plan was made out and sent to various […]
Three reports illustrating different aspects of an ongoing problem. Outline (1): A report received detailing a lucky escape What the reporter told us: While boarding the vessel at the pilot exchange station, one of the side ropes snapped. No other pilot ladders were available. Further dialogue: Luckily, the pilot had only climbed two steps when […]