Outline: Distractions can lead to serious, potentially fatal, consequences. What the reporter told us: CHIRP received a report concerning the allision of a vessel with an offshore wind turbine tower. We attempted to clarify some points and gain more information, but the reporter declined to engage further. However, during our own investigation, the basic details […]
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 report about flooding that could have had a tragic outcome. What the reporter told us: A large yacht (100m+) weighed anchor and got under way with the intention of completing a 2-hour passage to another anchorage. The weather was good and the sea calm. Approximately 10 minutes after getting under way, an alarm […]
Outline: A captain reports a disconcerting discovery while approaching the berth. What the reporter told us: My vessel was arriving at a regularly visited port at which we take a pilot and two tugs for manoeuvring when berthing in a cargo basin with a narrow entrance channel. My ship was proceeding at less than 2kts […]
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 […]
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: Without effective communication safety is compromised. What the reporter told us: I would like to report three issues I encountered on what should have been a routine pilotage operation, that effectively resulted in a complete lack of effective BRM and communication. The initial area of concern was that communication with the bridge team was […]
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: This report from a captain reinforces the need to be thoroughly familiar with the equipment on board your ship. What the reporter told us: During the handover prior to taking command, I noted the echo sounder manufacturer and the type of installation. This ship had two transducers, one forward and one aft. There was […]