Tag: communication onboard

UK MAIB released its report about the accident that took place on 1 July 2017, when two Hong Kong registered vessels, the bulk carrier Huayang Endeavour and the oil tanker Seafrontier, collided in the Dover Strait about 5 nautical miles west of Sandettie Bank. Both vessels were damaged, but were able to proceed to nearby ports.

SOLAS Regulation II-2/10 regarding fire fighters’ communication was amended by IMO Resolution MSC 338(91). This resolution added paragraph 10.4, to clarify that “a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter’s communication shall be carried on board.”

In November 2016, the fully-laden bulk carrier 'Nenita' was outbound on the Columbia River, when it suffered an engine failure impacting its ability to maneuver. The vessel subsequently ran aground at Three Tree Point on the Washington State side of the river, damaging its bulbous bow and hull.

Many of the accidents at sea occur due to poor communication, identifying a major problem: seamen onboard, coming from many different nationalities, have not English as first language. Stephen Murrrell, maritime English teacher and examiner for the SMCP Proficiency, urges companies to obey with the IMO SMCP (Standard Marine Communication Phrases) law and advises on the different ways to certify ship’s personnel.

Our SeaSense column, in association with the North P&I Club, is now focusing on the impact of technology on communication between ship and shore. Living in the 'smart era', life has become easier in many ways, same goes for communication as well. Therefore, we have asked industry's experts to assess whether by facilitating the information exchange truly helps in the relationship between ship and shore or adversely can erode trust.

Maritime communications provider Navarino announced partnership with the CSO Alliance, aiming to help the maritime community enhance their level of cyber readiness to more effectively counter cyber crime. CSO Alliance partners are actively working to increase security awareness in the maritime industry.

A tanker and an anchored fishing vessel came into brief contact, after the pilot of the tanker realised the two vessels were too close to avoid contact and the crew of the fishing vessel had not realise the tanker was close.

New technologies are already making a great impact on shipping. It is therefore crucial for the industry to adapt to the new requirements. Dan Rooney, Commercial Maritime Product Director, Speedcast, gave an exclusive interview at SAFETY4SEA at Europort, Rotterdam in early November, highlighting how smart shipping has affected the current landscape.

Looking in the future, it is important for shipping companies to ensure that there are always top-quality antennas onboard vessels, to support safety and leverage on the efficiencies and tangible savings offered by maritime connectivity, Jens Hedegaard Jensen, COBHAM, told SAFETY4SEA on the sidelines of Europort Conference.

New Zealand's TAIC issued an investigation report on the grounding of the bulk carrier 'Molly Manx', off the Otago Harbour, in August 2016, revealing that the root causes of the accident were lost of situational awareness and no mutual understanding of the passage planning.