Precautionary tales

Ordinary seaman using a wooden lever to take a twist out of an anchor cable. The lever slipped and hit his head.

Engineer tripped and fell on rounds in the engine room. Reported as a near miss. Not injured but given a written warning by the Captain. This was later withdrawn at the Company’s request.

Bosun injured back trying to lift a 30kg bucket with one hand.

All bunkering checks carried out and completed satisfactorily. 30 mins prior to topping off, the standby man positioned by the tank valve requested permission to leave his the deck to answer a call of nature. He was unwell and gone for 30 minutes. The lavatory was in a radio blind spot. The tank overloaded but fortunately (since it was being only filled to 60%) did not overflow.

Vessel in a US port, USCG random inspection found suspected illegal substances in an Engineer’s cabin. The Captain only discovered this after the coastguard had left and the agent advised them that the vessel was to be detained. The police boarded the vessel and took the substances away for testing. This was found to be medication for the treatment of recurring kidney stones and was undeclared.

A second member then reported a similar situation with 25 unspecified African refugees in a boat off Malta, but Maltese coastguard took an early initiative and advised all vessels that they would monitor vessel, and only call for assistance from passing vessels if a distress situation developed.

LPG vessel en route Venezuela to US. 16 miles off Cayman Brac a small boat 6 persons was sighted. No distress signals, no signs of distress. Vessel drew alongside and crew asked if they could come on board ‘to be rescued’. Captain asked what nature of distress was and they replied political asylum. Contacted Management Company and gave crew food water tobacco and fuel. Contacted nearest marine rescue co-ordination centre who advised Captain that if there is no distress, just stand by. USCG sent aerial reconnaissance and advised Captain that vessel was in international waters and small craft was not in danger or distress and if he picked up the crew, he would not be allowed to enter US waters. Company rep then found that this vessel had previously been turned away from Cayman Islands several days previously and that refugees were Cuban nationals who wanted to leave. Dilemma for Captain but eventually he was told by MRCC that they would ensure vessel was monitored and he was able to proceed.

An Engineer slipped in the shower – minor injury but wound was not healing. Sent ashore and found to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Repatriated. Indicative of shortage of fit and able manning. Company now taking this up with Filipino manning agent and carrying out additional medicals of staff supplied by this agent