202108 Unsafe safety lines

A pilot brought a large bulk carrier alongside. Once berthed, he descended to the main deck for disembarkation. The crew were in the process of rigging the gangway which was now swung out and some 15 metres above the wharf. The pilot saw two crew members on the gangway with safety harnesses on, but the safety lines from the harnesses to the ship were not secured to a strong point. Instead, they were being held in the hands of other crew members on deck. All of the safety lines appeared in poor condition (see photo) and would probably have failed if any load had come on the line.
The pilot immediately protested to the chief officer and Master and corrections were made. The issue was reported to the local maritime safety authority as a safety and crew competence issue.

Lessons learned

•  Every mariner has a duty to report unsafe conditions. In this case a pilot spotted some obvious unsafe conditions and made a proper report to vessel and shore authorities.