What are the requirements for an OOW during anchor watch?
As per company SMS and Master standing orders
Bridge not to be left unattended
Maintain look out as per COLREGs
Monitor vessels position by all means available
Monitor vessels swing with tidal directions
Monitor traffic in area and other vessels
Monitor for signs of dragging anchor, and other vessels dragging anchor
Monitor weather forecast, update and inform Master when strong winds expected
Ensure correct signals – lights and shapes – are exhibited
Ensure regular patrols of deck are made for ISPS compliance
What is good practice when handling ropes over capstans?
Never surge ropes -> friction can melt ropes
No more than 3 turns on the winch barrel
Two-man operation, one controlling one coiling the rope
What are the requirements for a gangway?
Required on vessels >30m
Not more than 30° from Horizontal
Suitable hand rails
Bulwark ladder fitted if required
Place on strengthened hand rails if required
What are the requirements of an accommodation ladder?
Required on vessels >120m
Markings for safe operation / max persons
Marked with last load test
Max angle for use not more than 55°
Suitable handrails along length
What corrosion prevention measures are needed on gangways / accommodation ladders?
Use suitable washers -> neoprene or Teflon
Aluminium alloys highly susceptible to galvanic corrosion
Great care needed when using mild steel on aluminium
How can you monitor vessels position whilst at anchor?
Cold dry air moves over warm sea surface
Evaporates from surface of water
Air is unable to contain water vapour so immediately condenses.
How would you calculate the swing circle of a vessel at anchor?
Position when anchor let go
By observing the anchor cable if she comes to long stay then short stay and then long stay repeatedly means she is dragging anchor.
What is the guidance for heaving lines?
Non weighted
Made from polypropylene rope (or similar)
If weighted, not more than 0.5kg of pea
Inform receiver prior to throw
What are the common practices when rigging a gangway / accommodation ladder?
Away from cargo / lifting operations
No obstructions on quayside -> bollards, manifolds
Rigged properly subject to risk assessment
Gangway net
Does not exceed maximum use angle
- 30° for gangway
- 55° for Accommodation ladder
Placed promptly when vessel alongside
Illuminated
lifebuoy and light nearby
Monitored for tidal condition
ISPS Gangway point near by
- With shelter and communication
Must be certified
Explain how safe access can be maintained on vessels?
Designated safe walk ways
Illumination
Handrails
Hazards (slips / trips) marked clearly
Pipes marked clearly
Cable tidies for hoses
Remove trip hazards -> place cables etc above heads
Slip resistant grit applied
Scuppers and drains clear
Good housekeeping
Remove cargo debris
Remove snow and ice accumulations
Avoid cargo / crane operations over walkways
Find alternatives
Cargo hatches and openings barrier off with rails 1metre high
How can you tell if the vessel is dragging anchor?
Vessel trails on ECDIS in figure of 8
Speed through water decreases / ground increases
By observing the anchor cable if she comes to long stay then short stay and then long stay repeatedly means she is dragging anchor.
What are the duties of the OOW when mooring?
Supervise operation
Aware of mooring plan from Master
Review risk assessment
Check area is suitable -> illumination, obstacles
Check equipment works and in good condition -> winches, windlass, capstans, fairleads and ropes
Monitor for correct handling of ropes
Snap back zones
Provide communication to Bridge
Provide information regarding obstructions to accommodation ladder / gangway
What is good practice when using stoppers?
Stoppers must be same material as rope
Use double cross over type -> west country style
Ensure stoppers long enough for long tail hold
Never go to fast
What is the purpose of gangway nets / safety nets?
Mounted where persons can fall
Or objects
Where can further information about safe access be found?
Code of safe work practice
MGN 352
Health and Safety at work
Pilot Ladders
What are the inspection requirements for a pilot ladder?
Prior to use and after use.
Monthly
What are the checks to be made when rigging the Pilot ladder
Is the pilot ladder in good shape?
- Check for wear and tear
- Check for broken steps or spreaders
Are all steps and ropes clean?
Is all extra equipment present and ready for use?
- Lifebuoy and light
- Manropes if required
- Heaving line
- Lifejacket
- Officer with communication to bridge.
Is the pilot ladder rigged to the correct height?
Has the retrieval wire been rigged correctly? (Above the spreader, leading forward)
Has the pilot ladder been secured to the deck in a correct way?
Haven stanchions and bulwark ladder been fitted and secured to the deck?
Is there adequate lighting at the point of embarkation / disembarkation?
Where can information on pilot ladders be found?
IMPA
COSWP
SMS
Bridge procedures guide
What are the requirements for a vessel with a freeboard greater than 9m?
Combined with accommodation ladder
Pilot ladder must extend more than two metres above the platform
What are your actions if the pilot falls off the ladder?
Inform the bridge and the pilot vessel
Throw lifebuoy towards the pilot
Keep one AB as lookout, keep visual and advise of range.
Prepare for man overboard if required.
Where is the tripping line attached to a pilot ladder?
Above spreader bar
From forward to pilot ladder
What checks must the Officer of the Watch make prior to taking a pilot on board?
Check for the latest risk assessment prior to rigging pilot ladder
Area clear of trip hazards
Pilot gates closed until pilot on ladder
AB’s standing by with lifebuoy
Wearing proper PPE – harness and line with lifejacket when installing pilot ladder and waiting for pilot
Radio communication with the bridge
Deck light
Pilot ladder in good condition
At appropriate height required by Pilot