Tag: VHF

In the early hours of Sunday, 23 October, AMSA coordinated the rescue of four people from their sinking vessel about 90 km north-east of Townsville. AMSA noted on the occasion that the fishermen had all the necessary safety equipment onboard, which eased the rescue operation. 

The US Coast Guard has received reports from crews, ship owners, inspectors and other mariners regarding poor reception on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone, digital selective calling and automatic identification systems when near LED lighting on-board ships.

To keep US waterways open and safe, the US Coast Guard encourages shippers, whether professional mariners or recreational boaters, to self-report hazards to navigation, such as discrepant buoys and beacons, or debris, when sailing in inland waterways.

MPA Singapore will embark on several new initiatives as part of its continued efforts to enhance safety at sea, announced Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Health, Dr. Lam Pin Min, at the official opening of the International Safety@Sea Conference on 20 June.

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport published specifications for new portable radios required under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.10.4 - 'Fire Fighters Communication'. This regulation aims to improve safety by securing dedicated communication systems for fire parties onboard vessels.

A wheelhouse is not just the place from where a fishing vessel is navigated. The sinking of a fishing vessel highlights issues related to life-saving equipment and also how much valuable time can be lost if the wheelhouse is left unattended while the bilge alarms notify that something goes wrong.

Danish authorities detained the Portugal-flagged general cargo ship 'Rix Partner' and arrested its Captain, after he was found affected by alcohol. The ship was stopped in the Great Belt Strait off Denmark, at the late night of April 17th, following communication problems between the navy and the Russian Captain.

In its latest Safety Digest, UK MAIB analyzed a collision between two rigid-hulled inflatable boats, after a windsurfing race, which caused four people to fall overboard. According to MAIB, overconfidence on the boats' handling was critical to the accident, while the fact that everyone was wearing life-saving equipment was vital to prevent loss of life.

In the latest of UK Club's 'Lessons Learned' articles, Captain David Nichol analyzes the collision of a tanker with a yacht while underway, due to insufficient look-out during hours of darkness. Midway through the watch, the OOW permitted the AB to perform cleaning and housekeeping duties, therefore becoming the sole lookout.

In its monthly safety scenario for January, the Swedish P&I Club describes a collision of vessels caused by insufficient combination of VHF communication and a proper maritime traffic look-out by sight and hearing.