Outline: Two reports were received recently that contained references to unusual recommendations, rules and regulations. Following the adage ‘take every opportunity to learn’, CHIRP is publishing details in the belief that they need to be promulgated more widely to prevent ships’ crews falling foul of them. Remember that other legal truism ‘ignorance of the law […]
Outline: CHIRP received the following report from a vessel’s captain What the reporter told us: At the end of a long river pilotage, the ship was about a mile from the berth and proceeding upstream at slow ahead whilst awaiting tugs. The pilot ordered ‘half astern’, but the engine failed to kick astern. After waiting […]
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: Navigation through a PSSA (Particularly Sensitive Sea Area) is prohibited for vessels over 50m in length. However, not everybody obeys the rules. What the reporter told us: While on watch, I noticed another large cruise ship clearly enter and sail for over an hour through the PSSA we were passing. The other ship’s AIS […]
Outline: A report received from a crew member concerned about the safety culture on board his ship and the poor example set by senior crew members. What the reporter told us: I have been working on board an LPG carrier for almost three months and I notice the lack of safety here is common. I […]
Outline: This unusual report was received from CHIRP Aviation. What the reporter told us: While flying by ILS (instrument landing system) inbound to runway 35 at an island airport, we broke out of low cloud conditions several miles out, on final approach. I saw a very large cruise ship steaming from left to right out […]
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 moment’s thoughtlessness could have had fatal consequences. What the reporter told us: A bulk carrier had arrived at a major iron ore terminal and commenced loading without delay the previous evening. At approximately 06:27, loading of No2 hold was completed and the shoreside loader was relocated to the next hold. Moving the loader […]
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 […]