201427 Good BRM saves the day

The vessel was proceeding to an anchorage area under pilotage on a heading of 025 degrees. At the time, there were many ships anchored on the vessel’s port side, the closest only about one cable away. At a point where the vessel was to alter course to port to enter the anchorage, the pilot ordered 315 degrees. The Master, who was present and monitoring the pilot’s actions as well as all rudder and engine movements, immediately realised the order was incorrect. He countermanded the course order
and instructed the helmsman to remain, for the time being, on 025 degrees.

A short discussion with the pilot ensued. The pilot admitted the error and corrected the course to steer, ordering 015 degrees.

Lessons learned
Under pilotage, the vessel’s crew have a duty to closely monitor and interact with the pilot. Anyone can make a mistake. Good BRM means mistakes by one member of the team are spotted and stopped early and consequences are reduced.