STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING DEC 2013 - SAFE NAVIGATION | Page 17

GLOBAL SHARING MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – DEC. 2013 - NAVIGATION
KEY MESSAGE: AVOID DISTRACTIONS AND STAY FOCUSED DURING CLOSE QUARTERS.
WHAT HAPPENED:

After dropping off pilot on departure Antwerp pilot and commencing sea passage to the USA, vessel was
crossing the North East bound lane of TSS to join the South West bound lane. Courses were plotted South of
Foxtrot 3 Light Vessel, which the OOW followed, to join South West bound lane. Vessel received a
warning on VHF by Dover Coast Guard for not keeping Foxtrot 3 Light Vessel on vessel’s portside
(recommended route). A letter of non-compliance was received by the Owners from Maritime and Coastguard
Agency, UK.
WHY IT HAPPENED:

Every passage plan must start with an appraisal of all information relevant to the contemplated passage.
This must include navigational information shown on the charts, and in publications such as sailing directions
and ships routing guide.
LESSONS LEARNED:

The passage plan and voyage charts must be thoroughly checked by the Master and other watch keeping
officers before the voyage, and after any amendment.
Master should be available on bridge and monitoring progress of passage in such high traffic density areas
and approaching junctions, in order not to lose situational awareness. He should not come under any
commercial pressure for sending messages at the expense of safe and prudent navigation. COLREGS rules
are to be diligently followed. Bridge Team should not be afraid to question and clear doubts in order to
professionally execute the
planned voyage.
REMARKS:

ST

31

DEC 2013

A Shell Marine Contractors Safety Initiative