WATCHOUT Communications breakdown!

01 Feb 2015 The Navigator

In this series, we take a look at maritime accident reports and the lessons that can be learned

What happened?
A container ship collided with a bulk carrier in the early hours of the morning, causing serious damage to both vessels and a substantial spillage of heavy fuel oil into the water. The container ship had to alter course to pass between a group of fishing boats. This brought her into direct risk of collision with a bulk carrier ahead. The bulk carrier’s officer of the watch communicated with the container ship via VHF radio to try and avoid a clash. He spoke in Mandarin to the container ship’s Chinese second officer, who was on the bridge for familiarisation purposes. The second officer agreed to the request to have his vessel pass around the bulk carrier’s stern.
The container ship’s Filipino officer of the watch did not understand the exchange and therefore did not carry out the correct preventative manoeuvres. Further confusion over VHF radio communications resulted in both vessels altering course to starboard and colliding with each other.

Why did it happen?
Both the container ship’s second officer and the bulk carrier’s officer of the watch considered it appropriate to use VHF radio for collision avoidance, against standard industry best practice and advice. Language barriers worsened everyone’s understanding, as the Chinese officer failed to fully translate the radio communications with the bulk carrier to his Filipino colleague. Furthermore, the officer of the watch showed a worrying lack of situational awareness.

The issues

  • Inappropriate use of VHF radio for collision avoidance
  • Failure to translate conversation held in Mandarin for the benefit of the Filipino OOW
  • Lack of situational awareness shown by container ship’s officer of the watch

What changes have been made?
Both ship companies involved have taken steps to prevent a recurrence of this costly collision. All Masters have been reminded of the importance of engaging with and motivating crew in the safe and efficient management of their vessels.
Safety management systems have been reviewed and amended to make sure VHF radio is not used for collision avoidance.

CONFUSION OVER VHF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS RESULTED IN BOTH VESSELS ALTERING COURSE ... AND COLLIDING WITH EACH OTHER

If you find our accident reports useful, check out The Nautical Institute’s Maritime Accident Reporting Scheme (MARS). A fully searchable database of incident reports and lessons, updated every month. Seen a problem yourself? Email the editor at Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme mars@nautinst.org and help others learn from your experience. All reports are confidential – we will never identify you or your ship.

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