202604 SIMOPS slipup

23 Dec 2025 MARS

A tanker was in port loading.The Master requestedpermission from the port tocarry out a boat drill. During the drill the lifeboat was
lowered to the water and the motor was tested. Because the oil boom surrounding the tanker was very close to the ship, the oil boom chain became entangled in the lifeboat propellor.

The chain had to be cut to free the propellor and the oil boom was replaced. No other damage was incurred.


Lessons learned

  • Avoid holding drills concurrently with cargo operation.
  • Follow simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) procedures. In this case, company procedures required that the Head Office be informed and a SIMOPS risk assessment conducted, which was not done.
Return to listing