Collision between trawler and tanker

[Hydra]

The French maritime investigation department (BEAMer) has published its report about the collision between a trawler and a tanker in April 2012: http://www.beamer-france.org/BanqueDocument/pdf_350.pdf

The English text begins in page 32.

The accident occurred in full daylight and good visibility. The conclusion is that people on both ships thought they were the stand-on vessel and didn't maintain a proper watch (it was lunch time on the trawler). When collision was imminent, the officer on the tanker didn't take sufficient action.

I was particularly shocked by this accident because I was at sea, keeping watch on VHF16, and I heard the MAYDAY RELAY by the tanker officer, saying he had just been in a collision with a fishing vessel.

Alain

[jeremiason]

I just read the report and find it distressing that the Officer of the Watch on the tanker was so incompotent. Not to take any fault off the Captain of the fishing vessel, but the report also indicates the Watch Officer on the Tanker probably lied about radio calls. The report also indicates the Watch Officer never attempted sound signals...

This report is reminder of how a bunch of little things can add up to a very serious situation very quickly.

Never assume the other vessel can see you or that you "Rights" will protect you!

[mbianka]

Never assume anything on the water. I try to make any corrections early even if I might be a stand on vessel. My concern is that sport fisherman heading toward me might just be on auto pilot with the owner watching the game down below in between commercials. My AIS on board helps relieve any anxity issues with the BIG ships. I love it.

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

but the report also indicates the Watch Officer on the Tanker probably lied about radio calls. The report also indicates the Watch Officer never attempted sound signals...

!

Interesting that. ON another thread there has been a discussion regarding the use of signal flags/horn. The general consensus there being, that flags or horn are useless, because noone understands them anyway. Indeed, even the USCG recommends using the 5 quick blasts on the horn to "get someones attention". notwithstanding that 5 blast means "I don't understand your intentions"

Perhaps this trawler wouldn't have understood anyway

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by carstenb

The general consensus there being, that flags or horn are useless, because noone understands them anyway.

Bet ya professional trawler captain knows the signals..

[ReMetau]

Better to be wrong than dead right.

[psk125]

A proper watch on either one of these vessels would have avoided this collision. There are a LOT of dingbats out there. Watch out for them, for your own good.

[Hydra]

A proper watch on either one of these vessels would have avoided this collision.

Did you read the report? On the tanker, there was an officer at the bridge all the time. He saw the trawler on the radar, then directly. But he thought the trawler was underway, not fishing, and failed to realize the risk of collision until much too late.

Watchkeeping isn't enough. It must be done by competent people.

Alain