Precautionary tales

Chief Officer opening hinged access to pressurised space. Loosened dogs, then stood on hinged side of lid and kicked cover. Lid struck Officer and broke leg.

Fitter greasing winch with power off. Put arm in drive gear and leant on drive shaft. Shaft rotated catching sleeve and pulling hand through gear wheel.

Junior Engineer clearing blocked compressor line. Shut valves but did not isolate reservoir. Poked blockage with welding rod. 25-30 bar pressure. Debris punctured arm. Senior Engineers did not know of the blockage. No permit to work, nor tag-out.

Auxiliary crankshaft failure. Lowering replacement through engine room hatch using new (tested and certificated) Chinese chain blocks. All failed sequentially and crank shaft dropped onto generator flat.

The Company has carried out a health survey of their mostly ‘East Mediterranean’ Officers and found 90% had high cholesterol levels. Now carrying out a professional dietary review of the fleet.

Captain detained at a Russian port. Customs boarded and found uncontrolled (obsolete) drugs on board and tried to fine him. Against the Management Company’s specific instructions, the Captain refused to pay and was taken ashore and imprisoned. Company tried to arrange payment and approaches made via consuls etc. Finally Captain was released without charge after 8 weeks.

Coincidentally, two seafarers in close succession (not same vessel) struck with Bell’s palsy. Loss of nerve and muscle control in face – looks as if they had suffered strokes. Found to be a viral infection. Sometimes follows exertion in cold climates (one had been working in cold environment hours prior to onset) but this not officially attributable. Curable. Not life threatening

Engineers opening up a fuel oil injection system which had two valve separation between sections. Vessel in port system not pressurised. Did not stop pump. Opened up and repacked first valve then attempted to open second valve and Engineer was hit in the face with hot fuel oil.