Challenges faced and Lessons to be learned
Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP) has received a report regarding a collision avoidance occurence between an offshore support vessel and a tanker.
Report text:
“While standing by a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit, my offshore support vessel was steaming slowly (dodging) approximately North at around 2.5 knots. At the change of watch at 0900, a tanker of approximately 20,000 tonnes was noted steaming at approximately 14 knots on a heading of roughly south east which would have taken the vessel directly through the position of the rig. A radar plot was commenced and the actions of the tanker noted.
“Through a succession of small alterations of course to port, the tanker increased her CPA with the rig but consequently put her on a collision course with my vessel. The radar plot was maintained until the tanker was at a distance of 8 cables with a Closest Point of Approach (CPA) of 0.03 miles. I deemed that the tanker was taking no appreciable efforts to avoid collision and altered my course to starboard. The tanker then made a large alteration of course to port and I continued to turn under increased power until the tanker had passed clear under my sternand continued to turn under reduced power until I had made a round turn and the risk of collision had gone. Up to this time the tanker had made a succession of small alterations which made little difference to the CPA and did not reduce the risk of collision.
CHIRP Comment
This report was referred to the manager of the tanker. A comprehensive response from the manager was subsequently received along with a report from the Master of the tanker which corresponded with the reporter’s account of the events. In summary, a junior officer had the con; the Master was on the bridge but was engaged in administrative/communication matters. When he happened to take a break from these, he saw the offshore vessel close by, took over the con and made a large alteration to port.
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The manager advised that they had identified the following failures:
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The manager further advised that training has been conducted by the Master for all deck officers regarding the Company’s safe navigation procedure in congested water, separation zone areas, coastal and open sea areas. The case will be circulated to all fleet vessels for their knowledge and for necessary corrective actions. Furthermore, the manager is arranging training for all officers and the Master on board this tanker when they next come to the office.
Source:CHIRP
