Master’s distraction caused collision in the Mersey

Posted by admin on March 8, 2010 under ISM Code | Comments are off for this article

The following is an Interim Report issued by MAIB:

At 2211 on 1 February 2010, the ro-ro cargo ferry Celtic Star, registered owner: Eptanisos Maritime Limited and managed by Cyprus Manager, Jay Management Limited, hit the C22 light float while navigating the River Mersey, towards Liverpool.

In accordance with usual practice, the vessel had reduced speed and manoeuvred to the eastern side of the river in preparation for her entry into Gladstone Lock. The tidal stream in the river was flooding at about 3.5 knots and the wind was westerly at 20 knots. As the ferry neared C22, the diesel alternator supplying the bow thruster shut down.

The chief engineer briefed the master on the consequences of the failure and how the problem could be fixed. This distracted the master, who became overloaded at a critical time and did not notice that the vessel was being set onto the light float until it was very close.

Although they tried to manoeuvre the vessel clear using engines and full rudder, the action was taken too late and was unsuccessful. The vessel struck the light float with her port quarter at a speed of about 6 knots; the float was severed from its moorings and was later recovered 4 miles upriver.

Celtic Star was quickly anchored before being taken in tow by two nearby tugs. Prompt action by the port ensured that the vessel was quickly loaded in and secured alongside. The vessel was undamaged. The lack of a briefing before entering the main channel was a missed opportunity to draw the team’s attention to the effect on the vessel, particularly when both engines were stopped under utilisation of the officer of the watch within the bridge organization resulted in over reliance placed upon the master’s own abilities.

As soon as he became distracted, the officer of the watch was unable to advise him that the vessel was running into danger because the vessel’s position had not been properly monitored. 

The MAIB Deputy Chief Inspector has written to the Jay Management Corporation highlighting the importance of conducting a briefing before entering port and strongly advising:

• Senior deck officers complete recognised bridge resource management training.

• The company’s internal audits examine procedures in the safety management system which could lead to complacent practices.

• A written procedure is included in the vessel’s safety management system to assist crews when they are required to save the data contained on the vessel’s VDR.