Outline: An account of an unsafe towing practice observed aboard a harbour tug assisting a container vessel during a port manoeuvring operation. What the Reporter told us: The photograph shows a tug engaged in towing operations assisting a large container vessel during departure. Despite many incidents in the towing industry where watertight integrity has been […]
Outline: Whilst sailing from a port in adverse weather conditions, a tanker in ballast collided with a channel buoy. The pilot had departed from the bridge beforehand to facilitate an early disembarkation because of the bad weather. What the Reporter told us: Upon completion of cargo discharge, a pre-departure bridge team meeting was held, and […]
Outline: This report concerns a large cruise liner operated by one of the major passenger ship operators departing from port. The reporter in this instance was the disembarking pilot. What the Reporter told us: The pilot ladder presented for pilot disembarkation was not rigged in accordance with SOLAS regulations. A metal bar had been placed […]
Outline: Report received from a member of the engine room crew on a ship where deliberate acts of pollution were allegedly carried out on a nightly basis. What the Reporter told us: I have observed every MARPOL violation on my ship. At night, the crew throw overboard every kind of waste oil, sludge, bilges, used […]
Outline: The following report highlights a near miss with H2S. Initial Report: A tank inspection was being carried out on board a tanker on completion of discharge. The inspection involved the Chief Officer, cargo inspector and an AB – they were checking tanks with a portable (closed type) gauging tape, which is achieved through […]
Whilst fishing at anchor a pleasure vessel had to cut its anchor rope and lines in order to avoid a drifting tug. What the Reporter told us: My fishing boat was anchored on a fishing mark. The boat is fitted with radio, ‘radar sounder’ transmitter, and was exhibiting a black anchor marker to indicate that […]
This report involves two sister ships operated by a major shipping company with the same pilot ladder rigging issue. On this occasion, the DPA readily engaged with CHIRP, acknowledged the issue raised and thanked CHIRP for bringing it to their attention. What the reporter told us (1): The weight of the pilot ladder […]
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. […]