This case research is predicated on an investigation by the Marine Security Investigation Unit (MSIU) right into a collision that occurred on 25 March 2019 between two massive tankers inside the passage channel of the Fujairah Offshore Anchorage Space, U.A.E.
Incident Overview
Through the night time of 24–25 March 2019, one vessel was approaching the passage channel inbound to Fujairah anchorage, whereas one other was outbound by means of the identical channel. Each vessels established contact over VHF radio and agreed on manoeuvres to keep away from battle — the inbound vessel would take a spherical flip to starboard, and the outbound vessel would alter course to port to exit in the direction of the Strait of Hormuz.
Shortly after initiating these manoeuvres, the outbound vessel encountered one other ship crossing forward. This led to a course alteration totally different from the one beforehand communicated. The brand new observe positioned each vessels on a collision course.
At 0006 native time on 25 March 2019, the vessels collided inside the passage channel. Each sustained hull breaches under the waterline, with vital injury to 1 vessel’s deck plating, shell plating, ballast, and cargo tanks. No accidents or air pollution have been reported.
Root Trigger Evaluation
The first reason behind the collision was extended reliance on VHF radio communication for collision avoidance, even after a close-quarter state of affairs had developed, which diminished the chance for well timed and efficient evasive motion. Contributing components included the outbound vessel exceeding the native 5-knot anchorage velocity restrict, departure delays as a result of anchoring issues that created schedule stress, and the choice to transit by means of a restricted anchorage with out permission to avoid wasting time.
Fatigue and stress on the outbound vessel’s bridge group seemingly impaired judgment. Neither vessel had a further watchkeeping officer on the bridge as really helpful, and there was a misinterpretation of radio messages, together with confusion between the phrases “starboard” and “stopped.”
Security Suggestions
The investigation really helpful that the managing firm of the outbound vessel conduct onboard audits and visits to watch how crews function and handle complicated programs, particularly beneath fatigue threat, and implement corrective measures as obligatory. The Maltese flag administration was suggested to situation an info discover to all Maltese-registered shipowners and managers highlighting the hazards of utilizing VHF radios for collision avoidance, notably in close-proximity conditions.
Actions Taken
The managing firm of the inbound vessel applied a number of preventive measures fleet-wide. These included obligatory ship manoeuvring simulation coaching for masters and chief officers each 5 years, massive ship dealing with simulation coaching for masters earlier than becoming a member of LNG carriers, bridge group administration coaching each 5 years, and behaviour-based security programs for all officers.
A random VDR dynamic evaluation programme was launched to overview navigational practices throughout essential passages. Navigational audits have been enhanced with self-audits by masters inside 30 days of becoming a member of, annual superintendent audits, and annual third-party navigational assessments with onboard coaching. An in depth case research of the incident was additionally circulated throughout the corporate’s fleet.
Conclusion
The collision demonstrates the hazards of relying closely on VHF communication for collision avoidance in high-traffic or restricted waters. Strict adherence to COLREG manoeuvring guidelines, compliance with native navigation and velocity laws, sufficient bridge manning, and unbiased radar/ARPA evaluation are essential to protected navigation. Efficient fatigue administration and unambiguous communication are important to forestall related incidents.
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Supply: MSIU
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