Taking an unnecessary risk to save time or get a job done more quickly, is a common theme that runs through many accidents. The UK MAIB has announced the publication of the first issue for 2017 of its Safety Digest which includes lessons learned from maritime accidents. This latest edition of the Safety Digest contains 25 articles illustrating why it is so important to ensure that the appropriate barriers and controls are in place before commencing any task.
Ashore, the ravages of the weather can be inconvenient, a distraction that mercifully rarely ends in disaster, says Steve Clinch, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. However, at sea most mariners quickly learn that to ignore the vagaries of wind (and tide) is, at best, foolhardy. Case 1 of this edition of the Safety Digest provides a sobering example of the power that can be generated when gale force winds oppose strong tidal streams; a small laden cargo vessel was overwhelmed and capsized when the ship entered an extremely hazardous channel at the very worst time possible. Sadly, none of the ship’s crew survived.
Mr. Clinch further stated:
“2016 was not a good year for our fishing industry. Too many fishermen died when they fell, or were taken overboard from their vessels. However, these fishermen have mostly succumbed to the effects of cold water shock, which can be debilitating and cause drowning within minutes of entering the water. I fully support the views expressed by Simon Potten in his excellent introduction to the Fishing Vessel section of this Safety Digest: boat skippers need to take more responsibility for the safety of their crew by ensuring onboard working practices reduce the risk of going overboard and insisting their crews wear PFDs when working on the open deck. I would also add that it is crucial that the skipper leads by example.”
“With the approach of spring, many readers will be preparing to go back on the water in their small craft. Some of you may also be considering carrying spare petrol on the boat. Please don’t! or at least keep the quantities you need to carry to the absolute minimum and always stow it on the open deck in sealed containers that can be quickly jettisoned.”
Explore more by reading the Safety Digest below
Source & Image credit: UK MAIB
