As the global number of commercial ships continues to grow, seas are becoming more and more congested. Although there have been many advancements in navigation technology in recent years, collision at sea, still a considerable concern, it is especially true in busy traffic areas like Singapore strait, Dover strait, or the east coast of China. While navigating in a congested waterway, ship watchkeeping officers must understand practical procedures to avoid collision guided by International Colreg 1972.
Prepare record in time series :
In particular, the following matters must be recorded for the time of the accident :-
The exact time of the collision and the ship's position
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Positions of watchmen before the collision (on the bridge and at the bow).
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Conditions of the navigation lights, and fog signals before the collision.
(Time when sound signals were sent or heard.) .
Also any VHF exchanges prior and after collision.
- Conditions of use of steering gear and engine and the helm/speed before the
collision.
- If bow thruster in operation , its rate of power at that time
- The.its movement after that.
- The time, direction, distance and appearance at the time when the opponent
ship or her light was recognized for the first time, and conditions of lights
around the spot of the collision.
- The actions of the vessel including the course, maneuvering signals and
speed, and the movement of the other ship.
- Heading direction of both ships, the angle of the collision, which portion of
the hull collided, and use of anchors at the collision.
- Weather ,sea conditions , visibility ,tidal currents ,at the time of collision.
- If under pilotage, any communication from pilot with bridge personnel or shore
- Short description of radar settings
- Degree of damage to both vessels.
- Measures taken after the collision and means, time and results of lifesaving
activities (in time series).
- Eye-witness statements from ship staff taken immediately and any
photos/videos taken by crew
- Names of any other vessels having witnessed the collision and their
approximate positions
Submit the claim notice and have the opponent party sign the note.
And if it is unavoidable to sign the claim notice of the opponent party, be sure to
affix a remark; I received your Claim Notice without prejudice, or This is not an
admission of liability in the notice.
Please do not allow the opponent vessels interest (their lawyers, surveyors, etc.) to
interview the crew or take records of the vessel, unless permitted by Company
Inform Company, coastal marine safety organization ( if in their waters)
Damage survey by the vessel hands and emergency measures-
Survey collision damage, (later) prepare a rough sketch of the damage and inspect the
cargo for damage/confirm the content in cargo tanks.
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Sound tanks and bilges in affected areas
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If any flooding, close watertight doors and openings and start discharging operation.
If the breakage is small, take waterproofing measures (using blankets, tarpaulins,
cement box, wooden plugs, shoring and the like)
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In serious flooding in E/R, use Bilge Injection system
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Isolate cargo, fuel, and ballast pipeline sources to affected areas of vessel
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If the breakage is above waterlines, take waterproofing measures against sea spray
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If the breakage is on the Fore Peak Tank, adjust the speed so that excessive pressure will
not be applied to the collision bulkhead
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Consider filling opposite end tank to offset list/trim caused by flooding
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Compare the flooding rate with the discharging capacity.
If flooding rate is higher, consider the possibility of a loss of buoyancy.
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If loss of buoyancy is likely to occur, consider where to strand the vessel
intentionally
Confirming details on the other ship:
Ships name, type, gross tonnage, Masters name, Ship owner and operator
Port of registry, Cargo, last port and next port
Securing documents for evidence
It is often demanded to submit the originals of the following documents to the
authorities, so make their copies at an early stage. Consult with the Company before submission.
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Charts and the deck logbook/bell book
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Record paper for the course recorder. (Since replacing paper usually produces a time
lag of one to two minutes, it is recommended to affix on the paper the time of its
removal for easier check of the time in the future).
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Record paper for the telegraph logger and the bell book.
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Capture the Voyage Data Recorder data
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STCW records of working and rest hours of Master, officers and crew on duty
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Drug & Alcohol Test of involved ships personnel
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Statement of fact by pilot if on board
Various investigations
- Access control as per SSP must be maintained at all times.
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Render full cooperation in the investigations by lawyers, surveyors, and P&I correspondents who are appointed for their own vessel.
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Reject investigation by the opponent surveyor unless permitted by Company.
However, surveys on hull and cargo ( known as W.P. survey) are permitted but limited to only checking the extent of damages and no more.
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Master should fully cooperate with interviews by a Flag or Coastal State.
Administration by giving them honest and accurate answers (or such signed statement).
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NO statements to the media shall be given by the vessels except company permission. Politely refer media to Company.
Conclusion of salvage (TOWAGE) contract
- Confirm type and details of the salvage contract.
(Does the contract meet the vessel's request or the instructions from the Company?).
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Confirm where and when the contract will expire.
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Conclusion of a towage agreement
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Confirm the type and details of the towage contract.
(Confirm that the contract is a mere towage contract and that the towing operation is to be carried out under the command of the Master of the vessel).
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Confirm where the contract will expire.
Recording during salvage (TOWING) operation-
Record weather and sea conditions continually during the salvage (towing) operation.
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The time of arrival of the salvage (towing) party, name of salvage boats, the time of signature on the salvage (towage) contract.
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Details of discussions between the salvage (towing) party and the vessel side.
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Detailed work at each step of the operation, and the type and quantity of the used materials.
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Recording the work done by the vessel, course, distance, use of the engine and the like.
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The date, time and place of the completion of the salvage (towing) operation.
Legal assistance - Appointment of Company Solicitor
The Company may appoint a solicitor after an incident involving liability and or third parties to act on behalf of Owners and Underwriters to investigate the incident. If this decision is made, the Master will be immediately notified and given details of the lawyer attending. The ship's personnel must not discuss the incident with anyone other than the lawyer.
In certain countries, a civil authority may be given the responsibility of investigating the incident. In such a circumstance, it is to discuss the case with the public authority investigator, but, if possible, any discussion is to be delayed until the arrival of the Company's solicitor.
Further reading:
How to avoid a close quarter situation?
Matters that require attention after a collosion incidence
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