Hong Kong issues note after a fatal incident on board vessel

The Marine Department of the Government of Hong Kong has issued a note after an incident resulting in a fatality occurred on board during a vessel operation.

A fatal accident occurred during a shifting operation on a Hong Kong-registered bulk carrier in the Pascagoula, USA port.

The incident involved a sudden release of an aft spring line, resulting in the death of the second officer (2/O). The note emphasizes lessons for ship personnel.

The Incident

The vessel was at the port for loading petroleum coke in bulk and needed to shift positions for cargo loading.

During a 60-meter forward shift, the master instructed the 2/O to handle the aft spring line.

Unfortunately, the line suddenly released, injuring and ultimately killing the 2/O despite first aid and medical treatment.

Contributing factors included not following safety protocols, inadequate illumination, missing toolbox meetings, poor communication, ineffective training, and a lack of awareness regarding mooring line hazards.

Lessons Learned

To prevent future accidents, ship management, masters, officers, and crew must:

(a) Comply rigorously with the Code's guidelines for maintaining a secure position and its recommendation to gain an aerial perspective of the mooring deck layout, with adequate illumination in the distant fender area.
(b) Unfailingly adhere to the Code's requirements for conducting a pre-operation toolbox meeting.
(c) Stringently follow the Code and shipboard safety management manuals to conduct a thorough risk assessment for the operation.
(d) Heighten the crew's safety awareness regarding the potential hazards of mooring line snap-back zones.
(e) Guarantee that the operation is conducted within a safety-focused work environment, emphasizing effective communication and strong leadership.
(f) Ensure comprehensive onboard training for the crew on safe mooring and unmooring procedures.

Ship personnel are urged to heed these lessons to avoid similar incidents.

This note was issued on 23 August 2023.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):