201465 Unsafe safety manoeuvres

Own vessel was making way in a busy strait. The OOW and the Master were on the bridge; the OOW plotted another vessel on reciprocal course passing on the starboard side with CPA of 2.5 nm. A few minutes later, the other vessel was observed to alter course to port, ostensibly to increase CPA. However, shortly thereafter this vessel was observed to continue altering to port, effectively coming around 270
degrees and transforming the meeting into a crossing situation (red ship in diagram number one). Since own vessel was now the give way vessel, appropriate action was taken by altering course to starboard.

After about 10 minutes, both vessels were now heading in the same direction (diagram number two) when the other vessel again altered to port and created a crossing situation. Own vessel had numerous fishing vessels on the starboard side and could not safely alter in that direction. The OOW noted that own vessel was the stand on and the other vessel was required to take avoiding action. As the situation developed the other vessel did not take avoiding action so own vessel altered to starboard to the extent possible given the fishing boats. Once the situation was clear the other vessel called up own vessel on VHF radio and advised that they were carrying out ‘Safety Manoeuvres’ and asked own vessel to stay clear.

Lessons learned
* All the actions taken by own OOW were in compliance with R.O.R. Other vessel showed clear disregard for R.O.R and to their and own vessel’s safety. Since it was open sea condition with sufficient sea  room available as compared to congested waters, actions taken by own OOW were correct and in compliance with company’s procedures.
* A short navigation meeting was carried out with all bridge team members to inform them of the situation. The importance of proper lookout was emphasised.