Health & Safety

Ineffective inspections and surveys contributed to fatal explosion on a barge off Texas says report

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The exploded barge
The exploded barge

An explosion and fire aboard the articulated tug and barge ‘Buster Bouchard’ was the result of a lack of effective maintenance and safety management of the barge by the owner company, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed in its report into the incident.

On 20 October 2017, at 0430 local time, the crews of the articulated tug and barge (ATB) Buster Bouchard/B. No. 255 were preparing to get under way from anchorage to proceed into the Port of Corpus Christi, Texas, when an explosion and subsequent fire occurred on the bow of the barge.

Two barge crew members who were on the bow were killed in the explosion. The fire was extinguished about 1100 on the same day.

Continue reading “Ineffective inspections and surveys contributed to fatal explosion on a barge off Texas says report”

Remote surveying techniques are on the rise

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Remote surveying techniques are becoming increasingly popular. Image courtesy Martek Marine
Remote surveying techniques are becoming increasingly popular. Image courtesy Martek Marine

New technologies such as drones, climbers and robot arms are rapidly entering the marine survey and inspection arena. And, in turn, major classification societies are embracing the so-called Remote Surveying Techniques for their class surveys. If you are looking for the reasons why, it is easy to answer – safer and less intrusive surveys!

Without requiring confined space entry, Remote Surveying Techniques are considerably less expensive than other methods. Likewise, they’re far safer than traditional methods of inspection that involve sending inspectors/surveyors into unsafe conditions. Analytically, the pros of Remote Surveying Techniques in conjunction with class surveys are as follows:
– improve efficiency of inspection techniques
Continue reading “Remote surveying techniques are on the rise”

ITF stresses shocking spike in confined space fatalities

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A graph on confined space fatalities
A graph on confined space fatalities

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) has underlined a shocking spike in deaths in confined spaces, as a workplace hazard long familiar to the shipping industry.

Since January 2018, 16 dockers and 12 seafarers have died from asphyxiation or explosions in confined spaces – or from falls after passing out due to bad air.

To put the recent deaths in perspective, there have been a total of 145 in the past 20 years, and alarmingly 28 in the past 16 months.

We know that maritime workers are generally aware of the risks associated with entry into confined spaces, but they may not be aware of the details and extent of the varied dangers posed by forest products, coal, iron ore, grains, gases and other cargo.

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MAIB report on the fatal capsizing of Laura Jane fishing vessel is published

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Liferaft at the capsized ship
Liferaft at the capsized ship

At 1311 on 7 May 2018, the single-handed fishing vessel Laura Jane capsized off Mount Batten Breakwater in Plymouth trapping its skipper in the wheelhouse.

The vessel remained afloat with a few centimetres of the wheelhouse protruding above the water. Two RNLI lifeboats arrived at the scene within 15 minutes of the capsize and Laura Jane was towed to the nearby Batten Bay beach, arriving at around 1400.

The skipper was extracted from the wheelhouse by two of the RNLI crew who broke a wheelhouse window to get access to him. He was immersed in water, was unconscious and not breathing.

Attempts to resuscitate him by the lifeboat crew and paramedics from the emergency services were unsuccessful.

He was then airlifted to Derriford Hospital, where he Continue reading “MAIB report on the fatal capsizing of Laura Jane fishing vessel is published”

Fire onboard Ole Betts Sea caused by mechanical failure

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Ole Betts Sea on fire - Photo courtesy of Trico Seafood
Ole Betts Sea on fire – Photo courtesy of Trico Seafood

NTSB has published its report into the circumstances that led to the fire on board the commercial fishing vessel Ole Betts Sea, on 18 March 2018 in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

The fire burned for 16 hours and the vessel eventually sank about 18 miles northeast of the island of Garden Key, Dry Tortugas, Florida. No pollution or injuries were reported. The ship was a total loss valued at $200,000.

Before getting under way on March 13 for the voyage that was to turn into disaster, the captain performed a pre-departure check of the vessel and its gear.

He also checked the items listed on a post-voyage work-list form, which was submitted to Trico’s shop foreman at the end of the previous 3-week voyage.

He found all in good order, and the Ole Betts Sea departed its Fort Myers Beach berth.

Continue reading “Fire onboard Ole Betts Sea caused by mechanical failure”

USCG publishes a safety alert after three confined space fatalities on a MODU

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Seven of the crew onboard were involved in the dewatering operation and this incident. All were experienced mariners, but lacked MODU experience.
Seven of the crew onboard were involved in the dewatering operation and this incident. All were experienced mariners, but lacked MODU experience.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) has issued an important Safety Alert on the dangers of confined space entry following a recent incident where three people were asphyxiated in a confined space on a drilling rig (MODU).

The USCG says that studies show that people often miss the obvious clues while working under enhanced stress and because their focus is on another activity. Several sources indicate that over 50% of those who perish in enclosed and confined spaces accidents do so while trying to assist and rescue their co-workers.

Ten crewmembers were on board the MODU preparing it for a heavy lift transport to an overseas ship breaking facility. They were successful in dewatering three of the MODU’s four legs.

Yet, the de-ballasting system was inoperable in the fourth leg because piping and valves had been previously removed. To continue pumping, the crew rigged a portable diesel engine driven pump to discharge the tanks.

Continue reading “USCG publishes a safety alert after three confined space fatalities on a MODU”

Future IMO and ILO legislation planned changes

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IMO logo
IMO logo

There are some upcoming planned changes to mandatory statutory regulations and instruments, including:

– Adopted amendments that are in a transitional period towards full implementation;
– Adopted amendments entering into force on or after 1 April 2019;
– Significant topics which are currently under discussion and development, including meetings up to Maritime Safety Committee 100 (MSC) in December 2018.

This 64 page document will help you make sense of what is happening: Future_IMO_and_ILO_Legislation___April_2019

British Coatings Federation to launch protect, collect and dispose antifouling initiative

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British Coatings Federation to launch protect, collect and dispose antifouling initiative
British Coatings Federation to launch protect, collect and dispose antifouling initiative

The British Coatings Federation (BCF), along with the Green Blue (a joint initiative between the Royal Yachting Association and British Marine) and the Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), will launch their Protect, Collect and Dispose Antifouling Initiative at the 2019 Marina Conference in Bournemouth on 24th-25th April.

The objective of the initiative is to inform as many people as possible about environmental best practice when antifouling boats.

This initiative builds on the successful, award-winning DIY Safe Antifouling programme BCF, RYA and British Marine launched in 2017.

It is intended for those who antifoul their own vessels, as well as for marinas and boatyards who are offering professional antifouling services.

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ABS publishes expanded and updated best practices for ballast water management systems report

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Workshop attendees reviewed the best practices that support successful BWM system integration.
Workshop attendees reviewed the best practices that support successful BWM system integration.

ABS published its updated Best Practices for Operation of Ballast Water Management (BWM) Systems Report, offering fresh insight on best practices to overcome key challenges with selecting, installing and operating a BWM system.

First published in 2017, the updated 2019 Report captures the key discussion items, lessons-learned and valuable insight gathered and shared during its global program of industry workshops, shaped by questionnaires from owners and operators of vessels with BWM systems.

“Our engagement with the industry has helped us gain a deep understanding of the challenges from around the globe, which we used to develop and enhance our guidance to industry,” said Derek Novak, ABS Senior Vice President for Engineering and Technology. “Working closely with owners and operators we produced detailed best practices for mitigating and minimizing issues with the installation and operation of BWM systems.”

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PSC common deficiency areas on liquefied gas carriers

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LNg Ship
LNg Ship

This article addresses five common deficiencies that Sector Houston-Galveston Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) have fund on liquefied gas carriers. In 2018, Sector Houston-Galveston conducted 141 Certificate of Compliance (COC) exams on liquefied gas carriers, seven of which resulted in IMO detentions. This equates to a 5% detention ratio, which is more than double the national average for IMO detentions in 2018 (1.5 %). Some combination or other of the below listed deficiencies were cited in all of the Sector’s aforementioned gas carrier detentions. The purpose of this article is to share information and prompt owners, operators, surveyors and other involved parties to take proactive steps to identify and correct sub-standard safety and environmental stewardship conditions before Coast Guard port state control intervention, including COC removal, cargo cessation and/or detentions, becomes necessary.

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IG Clubs continue to implement survey triggers for tankers carrying HFO

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If a vessel continues to carry HFO as cargo over a period of successive years, the Club is not obliged to carry out a survey every year.
If a vessel continues to carry HFO as cargo over a period of successive years, the Club is not obliged to carry out a survey every year.

As part of the industry’s efforts to ensure higher ship standards, the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG Clubs) continues to implement survey triggers for seagoing vessels of 10 years of age or more carrying HFO, the American P&I Club has reminded the industry in a bulletin.

As a consequence, all sea-going vessels aged 10 years or more which have carried heavy HFO as cargo within the previous 12 months will be subject to condition survey, unless:
– the vessel has undergone a P&I club condition survey during the previous 12 months; or
– the vessel has undergone a Special Survey during the previous 6 months; or
– the vessel has a valid Condition Assessment Program (CAP) rating of 1 or 2 with a classification society having membership in the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
– HFO is defined as residual fuel with a kinematic viscosity of 380 centipoises when measured at 50 degrees Celsius by the ISO 3104 test method.

Continue reading “IG Clubs continue to implement survey triggers for tankers carrying HFO”

MAIB safety digest with analyses of 25 accidents volume 1 2019 published

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MAIb Safety diesgt 1/2019The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published a digest and analyses of twenty five marine recent incidents and accidents with short descriptions about each involving vessels from the merchant, fishing and recreational sectors. The 70 page report can be accessed and downloaded here or at the foot of this page.

In his introduction to the Digest, Andrew Moll says, “I’d like to thank this edition’s introduction writers. I am delighted that Captain Nick Nash, Andrew Locker and Steve Gravells have agreed to write the introductions to the merchant, commercial fishing and recreational craft sections of this digest. All three have written from both their professional and own personal perspectives, and their words are very powerful. If you read nothing else in this issue, I would encourage you to read the section introductions.

Continue reading “MAIB safety digest with analyses of 25 accidents volume 1 2019 published”

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