Marine Operations
Watchkeeping at Congested Anchorages It
is essential to apply the same watchkeeping principles either for en route navigation or when the ship is anchored according to the Company’s Safety Management System. Constantly monitoring the surroundings of the vessel drastically decreases the risk of collision in today’s ever congested anchorages. Serious accidents, collisions or groundings can be avoided with the following practices:
-- Having well-rehearsed contingency plans for weather deterioration or imminent collision -- Having watchkeepers properly rested, according to rest time requirements, so that they have a clear mind and exhibit resilience during an incident -- Fully concentrating on Watchkeeping By Georgina Verropoulou and Captain Athanasios and avoiding any form of distraction like Spanelis paperwork -- Having a proper lookout who relies on all senses (visual scanning @ 360 degrees, hearing, feeling, -- Avoiding complacency is imperative. Casualty records show even smell) that humans underestimate the potential consequences of developing situations. Accident studies demonstrate that -- Consulting all the available electronic aids (radar, AIS, signals and indications that something wrong is happening radio traffic etc.) are constantly ignored by watchkeepers. Recognising and -- Constantly monitoring the position of the vessel to appreciating such signals and indications is the first step determine the onset of any dra towards avoiding a casualty. -- Closely observing the movements of other vessels -- Ensuring that the watchkeeping officer is able to immediately call upon a lookout, e.g. in the case of deteriorating visibility -- Calling for help. Do not hesitate to call the Master when the operating conditions are deteriorating
If another vessel is approaching on a collision course and avoiding action cannot be taken, • a warning must be given immediately – light and sound. • the engines must be brought on standby. • the Master must be called. • the anchor crew has to be mustered.
M/T CE-Niriis in Hong Kong Anchorage To illustrate the above and give emphasis to the importance of maintaining a proper lookout at all times, we would like to Close encounter of M/T CE-Niriis with the 47,278 mt DWT tanker
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Issue 73-September 2020
highlight a recent High Potential Near Miss involving one of the Company’s fleet vessels.