Man overboard accident on board a Hong Kong registered bulk carrier

The vessel departed from Port Dickson, Malaysia for the loading port in Paranagua, Brazil when a deck cadet assisting in wire renewal work fell overboard. The search continued for two days, but the missing cadet could not be found.

The investigation revealed that the main contributory factors of the accident were the non-compliance of the shipside guard rails with the Load Lines Convention and the failure to strictly follow the safety instructions in the vessel’s safety management system (SMS).

The investigation also identified that the vessel did not return to a spot near the man overboard position as soon as possible for search and rescue in accordance with the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual Volume III. It was also found that the “permit-to-work and safety checklist” of the SMS did not fully meet the relevant requirements of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.

Hong Kong Marine Department warns all shipowners, ship managers, ship operators, masters, officers, and crew of lessons learnt from this accident and points out that the crew should ensure effective guard rails for the shipside openings that comply with the Load Lines Convention and strengthen the supervision of junior seafarers. Moreover, enhancing familiarization with the permit-to-work procedures and safety instructions on working over shipside, while also enhancing man overboard rescue training and drill is a must to avoid similar situations in the future.

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS (AVAILABLE ONLY TO SUBSCRIBERS):

Man overboard accident while renewing accommodation ladder wire at sea

IAMSAR Manual Vol. III

ICLL Convention