Precautionary tales

10kg of cocaine found in rudder trunk in US. Captain and mate arrested. Ongoing.

Increase in forged medical certificates being received relating to unfit seafarers from a manning agency in Russia…..it is alleged.

Three divers hurt cleaning propeller at anchor. The ship had been sold but new owner had requested a propeller clean before handover. Captain noted other vessel approaching dangerously close and asked engine room to prepare main engine. Chief Engineer removed lockout tag and requested permission from bridge to blow through main engine. The Third Officer (allegedly – this is in dispute) gave permission. Propeller struck divers, one seriously. Police now involved. Company now gives lock out key to dive master.

Prior to sailing, bow thruster controls were tested from bridge centre console but not remote wing controls which were later found to have a fault. On unberthing using wing position, outboard engine was engaged ahead and bowthruster to push off quay but failed to engage. Bow was levered against concrete quay causing hull damage.

Gyrocompass mounted on door behind a panel in wheelhouse. Second Mate opened door to inspect compass which caused the gyrosphere to precess and autopilot attempted to follow, causing the helm to go hard to starboard at full speed.

A GPS assisted grounding in the Pacific. Overreliance on electronic navigation systems. No differential GPS in the area and raw GPS was several cables in error. In one area of the Marianas, an error of five cables was reported.

A Management Company has identified common failures in bridge team management most notably that once the Captain takes over, everyone else steps back and provides little or no support. One Captain has taken the innovative approach, when safe to do so, of getting the Junior Officer to conn the vessel whilst he takes the support role. In his words, ‘there’s no way the Officer won’t hear it loud and clear from me first if things aren’t going to plan. And that’s what I want him to do when I have the conn.’

Captain preparing to go home on leave. Left final port approach to Chief Mate. Did not check chart or passage plan.  Vessel grounded hard on shallow patch. Did not advise Owner or Management Company. Chief Mate sounded round and found boat was intact. Later found extensive damage.