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 […]
Several years ago, I was reading an article about a rescue boat that parted the fall wire and fell into the dock during a practice drill because it was overweight due to water entering the buoyancy spaces – one person was killed and two others badly injured. The next day I checked our own rescue […]
Outline: Defects, errors and anomalies with equipment do occur, but once they are identified they need to be addressed and resolved in a timely fashion. What the reporter told us: The vessel’s ECDIS displayed an incorrect position – the vessel was displayed halfway over the wharf when alongside. In addition, the vessel’s AIS had significantly […]
Outline: The following report was received from a company DPA. What the reporter told us: I want to share the following with you as I feel it would make a worthwhile safety flash to share across the industry. One of our vessels has reported that on two of its inflatable lifejackets, the servicing tags had […]
Outline: Non-compliant by design, known about by port state authorities, owners, and flag state administrations – yet still these vessels are allowed to sail the world endangering pilots. What the reporter told us (1): A vessel was identified by the port authority as having a non-compliant pilot ladder arrangement on 17.03.2020. The vessel has a […]
With respect to your article in MFB56 regarding the master pilot exchange, it mentions that the main engine failed to start astern because the vessel was travelling at 3.5 knots. When the vessel reduced to 3 knots then there was no problem in getting the engine to go astern. Is the 3 knots figure an […]
Outline: Failure to highlight a defective rate of turn indicator at the MPX. What the reporter told us: The ship’s digital rate of turn indicator at the bridge front was lagging considerably behind the ship’s true rate of turn. Once the ordered rate of turn had been held steady for a period, the digital rate […]
Outline: Three reports that all relate to wires parting in service. What the reporter told us (1): The vessel had berthed safely, and the deck crew was instructed to deploy the starboard accommodation ladder. When the crew started lowering the ladder, the wire rope parted about two metres from its inboard thimble eye, in way […]
Outline: A report highlighting dangerously unsafe practices by members of a ships’ crew. What the reporter told us: Disregarding recommendations for ladders to be stowed away from contamination and protected from UV damage, the pilot ladder had obviously been left on deck throughout the port stay and discharge of palm kernel expeller (PKE), as it […]
This month’s article has been written by a senior member of the New Zealand Maritime Pilots Association (NZMPA). Whilst some parts are specific to New Zealand the vast majority of the issues and points raised are applicable on a global basis. Equally, a large portion of the initiatives introduced by the NZMPA for implementation within […]