Tag: SQE MARINE

It is important for ship owners to have basic knowledge of marine salvage and insurance rights to protect the vessel, crew, cargo and environment at sea. But, which are the actions needed to be taken by the responsible personnel, especially the master?

When situations at sea becoming out of control, threatening human life, the crew is authorized to call for medical or other assistance which approaches with a helicopter from the shore. Emergency incidents are the most common situations that need helicopter intervention.

Accidents on-board happen for various of reasons; falls and slips are the most common. But what if an accident results to the death of crew member or members? This is a very different situation. Enclosed space is one of the most common reasons that result on different accidents on ship.

Being a seafarer is considered a challenging occupation especially when it comes to crew health and safety. Certainly, verifying seafarers’ health status prior embarkation is compelled. However, even if medical examinations are being conducted before seafarers join a ship, diseases owning to the nature of working onboard such as the cargo carried or the materials handled and even a few epidemic diseases are very common.

No matter where an accident occurs, the rescue of persons in distress at sea will be co-coordinated by a SAR organization and assist ships in distress, not only because of international treaties such as SOLAS and SAR Convention of 1979, but also due to moral obligation.

Although, it sounds difficult to happen, the danger of somebody fall off of the ship - while working on deck - is hidden almost in any procedure taking place on vessel’s open space area.

In the previous "Emergency Procedures" articles, we experienced failures at vessel’s main engine and steering. At this point is critical to analyze what happens in the case of power failure.

It is believed that steering systems don’t show any fundamental complexity and don’t easily fail, thus they are not properly maintained. However, in case of a steering gear failure, severe problems are about to follow.

We see an increase in the number of accidents caused by main engine failure. It may be costly to the operator due to delays at the vessel’s planned route, machinery damage or even if assistance is needed from towing companies but also be the reason of a collision!

Load shifting is a commonly dangerous situation for ships carrying solid cargo, bulk cargo ships and containerships.  A good seamanship and compliance to safety regulations while loading or trimming, are some of the factors that should be considered before operations start.