Vessel anchored off Istanbul waiting to transit Bosporus and loading stores. Weighed anchor after nightfall. A small boat was seen shining a strong light in the vicinity of the cable as it was being recovered and taking water samples. Arrived in Tuapse and was advised by Russian agent that the vessel was accused of polluting Turkish waters and was to be fined southbound. Agent also advised that this was a regular event and he understood that vessels weighing anchor off Istanbul disturb residues of pollution and sewage that have settled on the seabed. Two other managers confirm similar fines.
Vessel discharging gas in a Caribbean port.. Watchkeeper sighted bubbles close to ship’s side. Captain notified authorities and police diver attended and found two cylinders attached to the hull each containing 150 lbs of cannabis resin. Other managers have had similar experiences and advise that as a matter of course they are having divers inspect the hull of their vessels prior to departure from high-risk ports, but admitted that in such a powerful industry, it is hard to establish who the divers are working for. One member suspected that drugs cylinders were attached to the hull by the police divers engaged to check the hull.
USCG boarded a vessel and complained that the gangway watchkeeper did not check their bags. The Captain advised that USCG officials routinely refuse to allow their bags to be checked. The official agreed, but instructed the Captain ‘you must ask us to open our bags, but we will always refuse.’
An Officer was taken ill in his cabin on board a recently delivered Asian built vessel. Found to have been overcome by fumes. Investigated and found cabin refrigerator was leaking ammonia. This type of refrigerator was banned at sea some years ago. Company checked all fleet cabin fridges and 200 found to contain ammonia.
An ETO was working on the roof of the elevator car testing emergency controls. Car travelled to top of shaft and Cadet was crushed. Company acknowledge that there was no permit to work in place for this function.
During mooring operations, a rope parted and struck a Second Mate severing both his legs. Attempts were made to stem bleeding, and an ambulance and port medical team attended, but he died at the scene. The ropes were later tested and all failed at almost half their certified breaking strain. Forensic testing showed ultraviolet degradation and Company is now having all mooring ropes coated with UV protection.
(The CEO of this particular company attended this young man’s funeral and has vowed that he cannot let this happen again. This précis is produced with his encouragement).
The Mate advised the Captain and his colleagues that he felt suicidal . Poor work performance and felt he was ‘not doing well.’ Went missing during night passage at sea and not recovered despite search. Management Company now investigating options to best provide support under such circumstances.
During refit, a Deckhand was instructed to stand by to help pass tools in and out of the engine room bilges. A portable ventilation fan was used to provide ventilation. At some point, the Deckhand slipped, knocked fan over and tried to grab it by the protective mesh. His thumb passed through the mesh and was severed.
