Crew Injury in Heavy Weather
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[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.
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