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COLLISION

The document discusses the law of ship collision and outlines 10 important things to do during a ship collision accident, such as informing the master, sending distress signals, assessing damage, taking soundings, taking immediate action if tanks are damaged, checking for oil spills, reaching the nearest port if possible, and abandoning ship only if all else fails.

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JOSHUA GUIMBANGUNAN
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21 views4 pages

COLLISION

The document discusses the law of ship collision and outlines 10 important things to do during a ship collision accident, such as informing the master, sending distress signals, assessing damage, taking soundings, taking immediate action if tanks are damaged, checking for oil spills, reaching the nearest port if possible, and abandoning ship only if all else fails.

Uploaded by

JOSHUA GUIMBANGUNAN
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COLLISION

What is the law of ship collision?


Collision; is a private institution of Maritime Law that regulates the rights,
obligations and responsibilities of those involved in the harm and damage
caused by the collision of vessels. If the collision occurs due to the fault of
one of the vessels or its crew, the party at fault is liable for the damages.

10 Important Things To Do During Ship Collision Accident


Ship Collision just do not leave the ships damaged; they can also lead to major
pollutions and claim several innocent lives. Not to forget the ill fated ferry MV
Dona PAZ, a Philippine registered passenger ferry, that collided with MT
Vector an oil tanker on 20th December 1987 and killed 4386 lives including 11
crew members from MT vector.

Considering the vulnerability of such situation mentioned below are


important points to consider when a vessel meets with such unfortunate
emergency .

Note: It should be understood that the following points are just for the
purpose of guidance, and during a real situation, one’s knowledge,
seamanship and personal competence come in to play in handling the
situation and saving lives.

1. Inform the Master and Engine room: This is obvious, but make sure you
inform the Master, if he is not on bridge. Inform the engine room and stop the
engine. The officer on watch should not hesitate to call the master even if he
has the slightest doubt about any given situation. (The decision to stop the
engine would depend on the severity of the accident and immediate action to
be taken.)

Master’s experience, knowledge and his overriding authority helps in making


quick and bold decisions to save lives. Once the master takes over the
command of the situation, act on his orders. Mark the position of collision on
chart or by pressing the mob button on GPS for future reference. Exhibit NOT
UNDER COMMAND (NUC) signal if the ship has lost its headway completely.

2. Immediately Send Distress Signal: Send designated or


undesignated distress messages through VHF ,MF/HF, SAT C or any other
available means, depending on the sea area you are in and time limit you
have. If you have enough time inform the company and the nearest coast
radio station about the incident.

3. Record Important Data: LOG BOOK Record the time of ship collision,
name and IMO number of the vessel(s) you collided with. Waste no time in
arguing with other vessel. Leave VHF channel 16 unoccupied, through which,
you can get necessary information regarding assistance and help if the
situation demands. Use any other VHF channel for inter/intra ship
communication. If possible, take a photograph of the collision from a secure
location.

4. Sound the Alarms: Sound the general emergency alarm; general alarm
signal is sounded as precaution. It should not be mistaken as a signal for
abandoning the ship. Take attendance, if anybody is missing report the same
to the master. Inform the officer responsible on muster station about the
situation. Make arrangements, to search and find the missing person. The
responsible officers and crew should lower the life boats up to embarkation
deck and make all arrangements to abandon the vessel at quick notice. It
should be noted that engine room should not be left unattended if the impact
of collision is minimal, which do not need an immediate evacuation of the
compartment. Also, the engine room in-charge should ensure all officers and
crew working in the engine room are ready with their life jackets and TPA
if immediate evacuation is required in the later stages.

5. Assess the Damage: Send an officer responsible to the area where the
vessels have taken the impact. Inquire about the percentage of damage
occurred. If the damaged area is an enclosed space, ensure to take all
necessary precautions, for enclosed space entry. Make an assessment of the
damage and report the same to master. Any decision should be taken by the
master or if the master is incapable of making decision or carry out his duties,
the person next to his command should do so.

6. Take the Soundings: Send crew to take sounding of all ballast tanks, fresh
water tanks, and wing tanks. Give instruction to engine room to take
sounding of all tanks in engine room. All tanks soundings are to be taken and
recorded, because the tanks far away from the impact can experience damage
or crack due the shock created by the collision. Record the sounding of all
tanks and compare it with the previous sounding data. If there is any change
in the sounding, there can be a crack or a hole in the tank. The sounding of
the particular tank or tanks should be monitored carefully and the rate of
increase or decrease in water should be calculated.

7. Take Immediate Action In Case of Damage: If any tank or tanks appeared


to have suffered damage and ingress of water is confirmed, make necessary
arrangements to pump out the water. If the pumps are not effective and
cannot contain the ingress of water the whole compartment can be sealed
preventing other compartments from being flooded. If a self- closing water
tight door is provided, it should be operated from the bridge itself.
8. Check For Oil Spill: If any of the fuel tanks or oil tank is damaged and if
there is imminent danger of oil spill. The procedures mentioned in SOPEP plan
should be followed to contain the oil spill.

9. Reach The Nearest Port, If Possible: If the master attempts to correct


adverse list or trim, he should consider the effects of shear force, bending
movements, free surface effect when transferring liquids and blasting and de-
blasting on the hull. If the own ship to be afloat without danger and engines
are ready to maneuver, set course for the nearest port for repair. All the
above mentioned duties have to be carried out in a very quick sequence and
with utmost precision as collision can lead to other emergencies
simultaneously.

10. Abandon The Ship Only if Everything Else Fails: If the own vessel
appears to be sinking and leaving no other choice except to abandon the
vessel, it should be a verbal order from the master. It should be always kept in
mind that a ship is the best lifeboat. The master and crew should always try
and carry out all necessary means to keep it afloat. But once the decision is
made to abandon the vessel, no time should be wasted. All crew should carry
out their duties effectively and escape from the sinking ship as quickly and as
far away as possible.

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