Page 108 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - MARTIOS 2023

Τhrough a seafarer's eyes

HORIZON FROM THE BRIDGE

by Capt. George Georgoulis

MARITIME EMERGENCY AND BRIDGE – Property – your ship, cargo, and third-party gated. Time is key following an incident, and of the situation should be communicated imme-
ENGINE ROOM INTERACTION assets can always be replaced; hence why these further advice can, hopefully, be provided later diately to all parties. Often, one party calls the
Emergency response on board vessels is nor- are priority number three. once a situation stabilises. You should be open other, and when they do not get an answer, they
mally comprehensively covered by the Emer- Remember ‘Life / Environment / Property’, or about the information shared as trust is essen- call repeatedly. However, the other party may
gency Guidance Manual or similar publication LEP, when dealing with an emergency situation. tial in being a strong team; it can only ease the be well aware of the call but simply unable to
within the vessel’s Safety Management System. flow of advice, while holding back information is answer at the time, so repeated calls may be dis-
An Emergency Guidance Manual will ordinarily After an incident, the following factors will likely to be unhelpful. Remember to remain calm; tracting. Generally, the other team will contact
address the issue of ship/shore/management need to be communicated clearly and concisely, shouting down the telephone or radio helps you as soon as possible.
interaction. However, a critical interface is often using simple language to ensure all involved are nobody. Being calm will also reinforce to others We should be aware of time. Information should
either overlooked or given scant attention, and aware of what is occurring and enabling them that you are in control and hopefully provide a be shared periodically between the two groups,
that is the interaction between the bridge and to provide the most appropriate support from reassuring influence at a time of confusion and and misinformation or rumours may arise if time
engine room teams. one team to another, and ensure that the most stress. It is important that messages given to the goes by without an update. Even if there is noth-
One must remember that, in many cases, the inci- appropriate help can be sought from third par- bridge, engine room teams, or others onboard, ing else to say to the other team, being in regu-
dent may not be a single event; for example, a ties, be it port state authorities or the vessel such as an emergency response team or fire lar contact in an emergency can be reassuring.
collision may also lead to subsequent pollution, managers: party, are consistent. Where possible, we should provide an update on
or a fire may involve injuries and fatalities. There- What has happened? One must remember that when a team, be it when you expect more information to be avail-
fore, be prepared for multiple scenarios. Where has it occurred? the bridge or the engine room team, is primar- able, as having a rough timetable is helpful in
Why has it taken place? ily dealing with an incident, they will be busy such a stressful situation.
Life – this is your first priority, as it cannot be When did it happen? and repeated calls from the other team asking When a disturbing event occurs, it is natural for
replaced. Who is affected? for updates may be unhelpful and a hindrance. people to revert to speaking in their native lan-
The environment is your second priority, as usu- Therefore, we should ensure that all communica- guage, as this is more natural and is what they
ally pollution incidents can only be rectified with Initially, sufficient information needs to be pro- tions are measured, necessary, and proportion- are most comfortable with. There will almost
time and expenditure. vided so that appropriate actions can be insti- ate, also bearing in mind that the deterioration always be several nationalities on board, who will

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