Taking an unnecessary risk to save time or get a job done more quickly
is a common theme that runs through many accidents. The UK MAIB has announced
the publication of the first issue for 2017 of its Safety Digest which includes
lessons learned from maritime accidents. This latest edition of the Safety
Digest contains 25 articles illustrating why it is so important to ensure
that the appropriate barriers and controls are in place before commencing any
task.
Ashore, the ravages of the weather
can be inconvenient, a distraction that mercifully rarely ends in disaster,
says Steve Clinch, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents. However, at sea most
mariners quickly learn that to ignore the vagaries of wind (and tide) is, at best,
foolhardy. Case 1 of this edition of the Safety Digest provides a sobering
example of the power that can be generated when gale force winds oppose strong
tidal streams; a small laden cargo vessel was overwhelmed and capsized when the
ship entered an extremely hazardous channel at the very worst time possible.
Sadly, none of the ship’s crew survived.
Mr. Clinch further stated:
“2016 was
not a good year for our fishing industry. Too many fishermen died when they
fell, or were taken overboard from their vessels. However, these fishermen have
mostly succumbed to the effects of cold water shock, which can be debilitating
and cause drowning within minutes of entering the water. I fully support the
views expressed by Simon Potten in his excellent introduction to the Fishing
Vessel section of this Safety Digest: boat skippers need to take more
responsibility for the safety of their crew by ensuring onboard working
practices reduce the risk of going overboard and insisting their crews wear
PFDs when working on the open deck. I would also add that it is crucial that
the skipper leads by example.”
“With the
approach of spring, many readers will be preparing to go back on the water in
their small craft. Some of you may also be considering carrying spare petrol on
the boat. Please don’t! or at least keep the quantities you need to carry to
the absolute minimum and always stow it on the open deck in sealed containers
that can be quickly jettisoned.”
The report may be viewed at,
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