STEP CHANGE FOR SAFETY GLOBAL SHARING DEC 2013 - SAFE NAVIGATION | Page 20

GLOBAL SHARING MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – DEC. 2013 - NAVIGATION
KEY MESSAGE: REMAIN VIGILANT, EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED & TAKE EARLY ACTIONS.
WHAT HAPPENED:

While making an approach to Moor the Vessel under Pilotage at the Cabot CBM, Port Dickson, Malaysia,
Vessel, an Aframax Tanker, made a contact with one of the Mooring Buoys. As per initial MPX, as a normal
routine at this CBM approach is made only during the slack water conditions with negligible current. But in
reality, although the Low Tide as per ATT and Pilots information was supposed to be at that time but actually
there was almost 1 - 1.5 Kts current existing. The Two escort Tugs were under powered and could not control
the vessel's drift. The Mooring Buoy went under the Vessel’s stern and later it was noted that the Buoy is
lodged between the Propeller and the Stern Frame of the Vessel. Further during under water inspection, it
was noted that all Four Propeller Blades had sustained minor damages on the Edge which required repairs
and certification by the Class. On investigations it was also revealed that the Terminal is used only 4 - 6 times
in a year and Pilots are not very experienced. They were used to handling vessels with maximum beam of 32
M where as this vessel was 42.0 M wide.
WHY IT HAPPENED:
The Master did not take evasive actions when the situation was found to be different from that anticipated or conveyed
by the Pilots.
LESSONS LEARNED:

1) Risk Assessment for approach, Mooring / Un-mooring operations at CBMs MUST be reviewed prior
carrying out the operation in case the prevailing circumstances and conditions are found to be
different than expected..
2) Master & Bridge Team MUST never over-rely on the Pilot and Master must not hesitate to take over
the Con if in any doubt what so ever. 3. Master and Bridge Team MUST maintain an excellent
Situational Awareness and should not hesitate to abort the operation if the conditions experienced are
different from anticipated or required esp. wrt Wind and Current. 4. Maximum