Death of Steward from Fatal Fall from Stairs – Investigation Report

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.

2013.09.30 - Death of Steward from Fatal Fall from Stairs - Investigation Report Figure 1

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Training for the Triple-E

EMSA Snapshot on Port State Control

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.

2013.09.27 - Incident Information on Steel Coils Causing Damage to Tank Top Figure 1

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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.

2013.09.25 - Sampling and Analysis of Ballast Water in the Context of PSC

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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.

2013.09.24 - Russian Natural Gas export Opens Eastern Horizons

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Breakdown and Subsequent Drift of Bulk Carrier – Investigation Report

During a morning of May 2012, while transiting the Coral Sea, Bulk Carrier’s ID Integrity main engine shut down when its fuel pump reversing mechanism came free and jammed. This caused the camshaft to bend and slip in a drive coupling which resulted in the camshaft being out of timing and therefore the engine could not be restarted. The ship drifted in a westerly direction towards the Australian coast and the Great Barrier Reef. During the afternoon of the next day the ship passed over Shark Reef, located about 60 miles east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Luckily the incident ended without causing any damage to the environment or further damage to the ship’s systems, but the incident had the potential of evolving into a serious accident.

2013.09.22 - Breakdown and Subsequent Drift of Bulk Carrier - Investigation Report Figure 1

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Greek Air Forces Rescue Operations on a Yacht in the Aegean

Panama Canal Expansion and International Logistics

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.

2013.09.20 - Incident Information on Lifeboat Drill Near Casualty Figure 1

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