This incident investigation report refers to the fatal fall from accommodation stairs of a steward onboard a bulk carrier a few years ago. The Steward of a Hong Kong registered bulk carrier fell from near the top of the stairway outside the aft door of the galley down to the floor of the upper deck outside the dry provision storeroom while he was carrying a pile of bowls about 10 to 12 pieces with both hands and ascending the stairs to the galley. Just before the incident occurred, the vessel experienced a sudden and swift rolling movement which caused the Steward lose his balance and fall.
Incident Information on Steel Coils Causing Damage to Tank Top
A Bulk Carrier was contracted to carry an occasional cargo of steel coils between two ports. When the vessel some time later discharged the cargo, it was noted that tank top plate had been indented. Internal inspection in the double bottom, below the cargo holds, revealed that longitudinals and floors had also been damaged.
Sampling and Analysis of Ballast Water in the Context of PSC
The underlying principle of Port State Control procedures is that sampling and analysis of ballast water treated onboard a vessel will not be more stringent than what is currently required for the scope of type approval. Port State Control procedures will be globally implemented when the International Convention on Ballast Water Management becomes effective. Sampling and analysis of ballast water is a complex issue while ships’ inspections are also a matter of concern. Thus IMO recently issued revised guidelines on ballast water sampling for trial use as BWM.2/Circ.42.
Russian Natural Gas export Opens Eastern Horizons
Real alternative to EU exports is born during recent talks in Moscow. Representatives of Chinese National Petroleum Company and Russia’s oil & gas giants Gazprom and Novatek have inked the agreement to sell abundant Siberian resources to the fast-growing Eastern market. The Chinese are investing billions to Russia’s fuel energy complex diversification program. Positive Fitch report on the historic deal indicates that both parties are planning to reach synergies and profit from cooperation.
Incident Information on Lifeboat Drill Near Casualty
During a lifeboat drill at sea in good weather conditions, the starboard lifeboat was lowered to the embarkation deck. In this operation the top link of the forward chain for the connection between the davit floating block and the hook on the lifeboat parted, such that the entire load from the lifeboat was transferred to the aft hook/chain. As the aft chain could not withstand the excessive weight, the lifeboat accidentally dropped to the sea.

















