Outline: CHIRP has received two reports from official sources highlighting the use of drugs on board commercial fishing vessels. What the reporters told us: Increasing drug abuse has been identified on several commercial fishing vessels operating in a specific area. Allegedly cocaine is being used by a number of crew members and it was […]
Outline: The following report was received in response to the request in Maritime FEEDBACK 56 for seafarers with experience of fatigue at work to contact CHIRP. What the reporter told us: After reading your latest CHIRP Maritime publication where you requested examples of fatigue occurring in the maritime industry, I will try to explain the […]
Outline: A 12m ketch on a night passage in the Mediterranean had to take evasive action to avoid collision with a 72m luxury motor yacht which failed to comply with the requirements of Rule 15. What the reporter told us: It was a clear night with good visibility, and we were approaching the outer reaches […]
Outline: Poor planning and even poorer communication put crew members in potential danger. What the reporter told us: On 4th December two offshore vessels arrived at the port, the lead ship having been a frequent visitor whilst the other vessel was on a first visit. Their berths had been booked directly with the berth operator, […]
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: This is not what you want to find after climbing the pilot ladder. What the reporter told us: I boarded the vessel and noticed that the ladder had been put under a steel platform. I asked the crew to lift the platform because I wanted to know how this ladder was secured to the […]
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 […]