Page 111 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - MARTIOS 2023

HORIZON FROM THE BRIDGE

generally converse in the working language of Api anchorage, South Sumatera, Indonesia.
the ship, which is usually English. However, when While waiting for cargo export documents and
a person switches back to their native language, the departing pilot to embark, four crew mem-
it can lead to confusion about what exactly hap- bers were tasked with greasing the booby hatch
pened. Although it is difficult to change such dog handles for the No.5 cargo hold.
a natural reaction, it is recommended that this During the greasing process, one of the four
particular topic be emphasised to the crew as crew members, an able seafarer, was discovered
part of onboard safety training. In the unfortu- lying inside the cargo hold on top of the coal
nate event of a serious incident, they should be cargo. An emergency rescue was initiated but
encouraged to try to remain calm, think about could not save the ASD. The crew had used a
what message they want to convey and then totally wrong procedure to rescue the person
immediately transmit the information clearly and in danger by using inappropriate equipment
concisely so that the necessary action can be (EEBD), resulting in the crew member’s death.
taken as soon as possible. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau clas-
The means of communication between the sified the occurrence as a very serious marine
bridge, engine control room, engine side, and casualty. The investigation revealed that the
steering flat are of crucial importance. Ordinarily, seafarer had entered the cargo hold to retrieve
telephones will be the principal means of com- a dropped dog handle and had likely succumbed
munication and will not need to be tested as to the oxygen-deficient atmosphere while exit-
they are used almost daily. However, secondary ing the cargo hold. The investigation also deter-
and other backup means of communication will mined that the greasing task was unplanned, and
require periodic testing and should be included the hazards associated with the coal cargo were
within the vessel’s Planned Maintenance System overlooked. In addition, there was no proper sig-
(PMS). Sound-powered telephones, talk-back nage to warn the crew to treat the cargo hold as
systems, and remote walkie-talkies that are an enclosed space.
infrequently used should be subject to periodic From the information gathered, the following
testing. A worthwhile exercise, if not undertaken findings were made. However, these findings
already, is to test any handheld walkie-talkie should not be read as apportioning blame or lia-
system, be this VHF they UHF, to determine bility to any particular organisation or individual.
where any “dead spots” may exist within the The seafarer had likely entered the No. 5 cargo
machinery spaces, which could hinder commu- hold without the knowledge of the other crew
nications with the bridge team in an emergency members to retrieve a dog handle. The cargo
situation. Being aware of any areas of very poor hold had low oxygen concentrations due to the
or no radio communication signal in advance coal cargo. The ASD1 collapsed while climbing
makes dealing with the issue slightly more man- out of the cargo hold.
ageable at a time of high stress. The maintenance of the booby hatch was an
Remember that the bridge and engine room unplanned task and did not require entering the
teams will need to work together in an emer- cargo hold. In addition, no provisions had been
gency; therefore, clear, concise, and measured made for dropping parts into the cargo hold.
communication is a crucial factor in ensuring a The Company’s SMS procedures in English
successful outcome for all parties - this further has a section on “enclosed space entry proce-
highlights the absolute necessity and impor- dures”, which describes the characteristics of an
tance of conducting frequent realistic onboard enclosed space - limited opening for entry and
drills to prepare the crew for stressful emer- exit, inadequate ventilation and not designed for
gency situations in the best possible way. Ashore, continuous work occupancy, such as cargo space,
this would also include simulator training where fuel tank, void space, etc. The procedures state
specific emergency scenarios can be rehearsed. that these spaces would be hazardous and could
Source: Britannia P&I Club result in rapid death from harmful gases or lack
of oxygen, and it should never be assumed that
ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRANCE a cargo hold or tank is safe.
FATALITIES ON BOARD: THE CASE OF The CO had agreed for the deck crew to grease
M/V “NOZOMI” the dog handles, and the booby hatch cover had
been opened to facilitate the greasing. How-
Factual Information ever, there was no evidence that reminders had
On 1 April 2022, after completing the loading of been given to the crew about the hazards of
coal cargo, the Singapore registered bulk car- the coal inside the cargo hold when the booby
rier, Nozomi, was anchored at the Tanjung Api- hatch cover was opened. While the crew may be

110