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: An engine room rating was assigned a task in the machinery spaces. He requested a permit to work for working at heights and asked for scaffolding to be erected to allow safe access. The Chief Engineer refused to issue a permit. Relationships rapidly spiralled downhill. What the Reporter told us: I am assigned as […]
An alleged MARPOL contravention in the Caribbean Sea area. What the reporter told us: I would like to report an illegal discharge of oily water from my previous ship. The engine crew were discharging oily water from the bilge of the main engine, bilge tank and dirty oil tank using rubber hose […]
CHIRP continues to receive reports primarily from the yachting sector concerning unsafe working at height. These highlight practices where the potential for serious personal injury or even death are present. What the Reporter told us: Recently I witnessed several deck personnel on the yacht on our port side working at height without any safety […]
In recent months, CHIRP has received three reports where the Master/Pilot information Exchange was less than fully comprehensive. What the reporter told us (1): During the Master/Pilot Information Exchange, (MPX), the Master mentioned some defects which in his opinion were minor, of no concern and would have no effect on the inward pilotage. […]
Two reports highlighting issues with smoke emissions. What the Reporter told us (1): Our vessel, a tanker, was discharging her cargo with all systems working normally. At 08:15 the auxiliary boiler “Flame Failure” alarm activated, and the boiler shut down. The engineers responded and attempted to restart the boiler on several occasions, without […]
Several brief reports containing subject matter that CHIRP continues to receive with monotonous regularity. Why do these incidents continue to occur? We are not describing any complicated situations – common sense and a little thought would go such a long way to eliminate these types of reports. What the Reporter told us (1): […]
As a follow up to the article published in MFB54 entitled ‘AIS and ECDIS offsets’, CHIRP is concerned about the effect of randomly altering the smoothing curve settings of a GPS since there may well be unexpected consequences . We are currently engaging with GPS manufacturers in order to obtain some clarity as […]
Outline: CHIRP has received several reports concerning removal of heat protection from engines including jacketed fuel lines, fuel pump covers and, in the report below, indicator cocks. This can lead to fuel spraying onto hot surfaces with a high risk of fire. What the Reporter told us: Recently, I noticed that indicator cock covers had […]
Outline: CHIRP has received several reports recently concerning main engines failing to start, and associated issues. What the reporters told us: Two separate reports where the main engine failed to go astern during final approach to the berth. Fully laden log carrier departing port and heading to China. When pulled off the wharf with tugs, […]