Crew Injury in Heavy Weather

[MUSIC] [TM] [Crew Injury in Heavy Weather] This incident is based on the experiences of the UK P&I Club. Accidents like the one you're about to see can and do happen. As you watch this short clip, ask yourself, "Could this happen on my ship?" A fully-loaded bulk carrier was proceeding at full sea speed on a southwesterly course in the Mediterranean Sea, in conditions of heavy weather. The bosun and cadet were instructed to wash down the vessel's main deck and hatch covers to remove grain cargo dust remaining from the previous loading operations. At this time, the wind was blowing from a southeasterly direction, at about 30 knots, equivalent to 4-7 on the Beaufort Wind Scale. While the seamen were working on the port side, a large wave was shipped on deck, causing them to be swept off their feet, and against the adjacent cargo hold hatch coamings. Both men sustained multiple injuries, requiring the vessel to make a deviation from the planned route, in order to land them ashore for urgent medical treatment. So, how did this happen? In this incident, the seamen could easily have lost their lives due to serious injury. Or, by being swept overboard. The probability of seas being shipped on deck, was not properly assessed. And, the performance of such a low priority task in heavy weather, should never have been permitted by the vessel's master. Although the seamen were using safety equipment, including lifejackets, safety helmets and harnesses, a proper risk assessment would have ruled out this work being performed in the first place. Before allowing any work to be carried out on deck, in adverse weather conditions, the following considerations must be taken into account. No seafarers should be permitted on deck in adverse weather, unless considered necessary for the safety of the ship and crew where possible. Work on deck should on deck should be delayed until conditions have improved or deferred until the next port of call. If work on deck in adverse weather is considered absolutely necessary, a full risk assessment and permit to work should be completed. Seafarers required to go on deck in adverse weather should wear a lifejacket suitable for working in, a safety harness which can be attached to deck lifelines, and full personal protective equipment. The bridge watch should also be informed in advance with the deck party and bridge maintaining visual and radio contact. Consideration should be given to altering course, and/or speed to alleviate the vessel's motion, and reduce the probability of seas being shipped on deck. Now that you've seen this video, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: What personal action can you commit to, to avoid an incident like this on your ship? What are the procedures and controls on your ship that would prevent this from happening? What could cause those procedures and controls to fail? What can be done to make the procedures and controls more effective? Thank you for watching this learning video. [For more information please visit] [www. ukpandi.com] Please note that UK P&I Club website has a wealth of further training and advisory material. Please visit, www.ukpandi.com to find out more. [MUSIC] [TM]