Health & Safety

A warning on the dangers of enclosed space entry issued by London P&I Club

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The London P&I Club says it continues to see cases of injuries and fatalities associated with entry into enclosed onboard spaces, including cargo holds on bulk carriers where atmospheres have not been treated as potentially dangerous.

In a recent case, two shore staff were permitted by the ship’s crew to enter the cargo hold of a bulk carrier via the usual means of access. But, due to an atmosphere which did not have sufficient oxygen to support life, one member of the shore staff died, along with a crewman who made an attempt to rescue them without following proper emergency procedures.

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The importance of fire safety in engine rooms is highlighted

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DNV GL has been considering the aspects of fire safety in engine rooms with respect to both new-build and ships in service and offers the following advice. Insulation, screening and the routing of pipes cannot be easily addressed in the design and approval phase. As a result, DNV GL are keen to remind people, including surveyors that these aspects require adequate attention during the new-build construction phase.

Insulation and screening deteriorate during the vessel’s operational phase and require extra attention during the vessel’s in service phase. Often, deficiencies within these two aspects are easy to detect during a survey. However, missing insulation or screening is not always easy to identify, especially on relatively new ships. Therefore, it is important that all requirements are met when the vessel is delivered – making follow-up during the ship’s lifetime simpler.

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P&I Club issues guidance on the carriage of deck cargo

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Deck cargo bulletinThe Standard P&I Club has issued a special guidance bulletin on the carriage of deck cargo, as it is considered to be inherently risky because the cargo is exposed to greater dangers than goods carried under deck.

Deck cargo is exposed to the elements and is subject to sea, spray and wind, as well as the additional risk of being washed or falling overboard. Carrying cargo on deck without the agreement of the shipper may result in a breach of the contract of carriage. Prior to carrying goods on deck, the owner/carrier should be fully satisfied that it is safe to carry such goods on deck, there is a universal custom or statutory requirement to do so, or the shipper has consented to such a carriage. If not, by carrying goods on deck, the owner/carrier may be in breach of the contract of carriage and its P&I cover may be prejudiced. Contracts of carriage often contain a liberty clause, seemingly allowing the carrier to carry cargo on deck. Such clauses are often ineffective in protecting owners/carriers in cases where cargo is carried on deck without prior agreement and should be treated with caution.

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Standard Club advises how to safely carry wood pulp

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The Standard P&I Club has issued an advisory note on the carriage of wood pulp.Wood pulp is a wood fibre which has been reduced chemically or mechanically to pulp. It is used in the manufacture of paper. The product has a high moisture content and can be susceptible to damage if not carried correctly. The carriage of wood pulp requires the vessel to comply with stringent requirements. These demand that all holds are in top condition; clean, dry, no loose paint and no rust.

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MAIB reports on the girting and capsize of mooring launch Asterix

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The MAIB report, recently published, into the incident leading to the ultimate loss of Asterix explains the issues surrounding the girting and capsize of the mooring launch while assisting manoeuvring of the small chemical tanker Donizetti at Fawley oil refinery, Southampton UK points to lack of communication and training. The two crew from the launch were rescued, the coxswain having been trapped in the upturned wheelhouse for more than an hour. The launch later sank however there was no pollution and although later recovered, the launch was declared a constructive total loss.

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Sailors’ Society releases free Wellness at Sea app for seafarers

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Sailors’ Society has launched Wellness at Sea app, a free app for seafarers
Sailors’ Society has launched Wellness at Sea app, a free app for seafarers

Sailors’ Society, one of the largest seafarer support charities operating internationally, has launched Wellness at Sea app, a free app for seafarers.

Wellness at Sea app is the next step in Sailors’ Society improving on board health and well-being at sea and puts seafarers’ wellness in their own hands.

Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society’s deputy chief executive, said: “Sailors’ Society’s Wellness at Sea coaching programme has been well received by the industry and we were keen to take it to the next level by putting the tools to enhance and monitor well-being in the hands Continue reading “Sailors’ Society releases free Wellness at Sea app for seafarers”

European Community Shipowners’ Associations says Alang recycling processes have improved

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Ship recycling practices in Alang, India, are gradually improving according to the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA). It says the European Commission should acknowledge this positive development under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. Adopting an overly restrictive approach will discourage first movers and further delay the entry into force of the IMO Hong Kong Convention.

These are the main messages that ECSA took home from a fact-finding visit held last week in Alang, India. The visit was organised in cooperation with the Indian government, Continue reading “European Community Shipowners’ Associations says Alang recycling processes have improved”

USCG issues warning about the recall of emergency beacons

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USCG has issued a safety alert to inform people about the urgent recall of all SAFELINK EPIRBs due to a possible defect that could result in the beacon not operating in emergency situations. USCG advises that if you own or use a SAFELINK EPIRB automatic or manual model it should not under any circumstances be used as a primary Search and Rescue beacon onboard.

The USCG provides the following information obtained by Kannad Marine:
Kannad Marine recommends that all owners of SAFELINK EPIRBs register their ownership, location and contact details via the dedicated website.

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UK MCA issues Marine Guidance Notes MGN 547 and MGN 552

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The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued two new marine guidance notices in recent days.

MGN 547: Solid bulk cargoes – safe carriage of bauxite.
The purpose of this Marine Guidance Note is to advise the industry of the circular issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, CCC.1/Circ.2, on safe carriage of bauxite and raise awareness of the possible dangers of liquefaction associated with carriage of bauxite.

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Bulletin issued on the maintenance of pilot ladders

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The maintenance of pilot ladders remains a concern says The Shipowners P&I Club
The maintenance of pilot ladders remains a concern says The Shipowners P&I Club

The Shipowners P&I Club has issued a safety bulletin concerning the maintenance of pilot ladders. They say that pilot ladders remain the most efficient way for pilots to board vessels and even though this is a simple process improper pilot boarding arrangements continue to give rise to claims. These can include serious injuries to pilots occasionally resulting in death.

Pilots are typically required to board ships at sea, sometimes with high freeboards in order to assist with the manoeuvring of the vessel. Pilot boarding arrangements generally consist of a rope ladder which is constructed to the overseeing authorities’ statutory requirements. In case of excessive freeboards, combination ladders (a combination of the ship’s gangway and the pilot ladder) are used.

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Bureau Veritas publishes guidelines for offshore access systems

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The increasing use of offshore access systems that are now routinely used in the offshore oil and gas, as well as the offshore wind industry, has prompted classification society, Bureau Veritas, to publishing some guidelines.

The guidelines have been developed for motion compensated offshore access systems, which are used to transfer various personnel from all disciplines to and from offshore vessels and offshore installations and structures.

Guidance Note NI629: Certification of Offshore Access Systems provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the safety principles and technical requirements for the design, manufacturing and operation of reliable and dependable equipment for the safe transfer of personnel at sea. Continue reading “Bureau Veritas publishes guidelines for offshore access systems”

Just complying with new enclosed space regulations is not enough

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New enclosed space regulations come into force from 1 July 2016
New enclosed space regulations come into force from 1 July 2016

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) has advised that ship operators must combine vigilance, structure and care when enforcing the latest SOLAS regulation for safeguarding crews from the dangers of gas when entering enclosed spaces. But supplying a vessel with a single, portable, four gas detection unit as required to do so by the IMO is not enough on its own.

The new enclosed space regulations, which come into force on 1st July 2016, requires ships on international voyages to have at least one unit that can detect the presence of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide.

Says Andrew Sherriff, WSS’s Business Manager for Marine Products – Safety Solutions, “The regulation musn’t be seen in isolation. It is sound legislating from the IMO, but it comes with a burden of responsibility for operators.”

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