Actions as a master in case of collision:

Immediate action:

Take over the con.

Sound emergency alarm, call emergency station.

Engine full astern, generally correct action.

Check position.

Instruct C/Off to:

	Muster, Head count.
	Check casualties.
	Make visual inspection of area of impact, estimate size of damage area, position in relation to W/L.
	Check cargo hold bilges and tank sounding to know which compartments are flooded.
	Close all water tight doors and fire doors through ship’s length.
	Prepare LSA & survival crafts.
	Prepare FFA in case of subsequent fire.
	Follow SOPEP in case of pollution.
	Asses rate of flooding.
	Check ship’s damage stability condition and loss of buoyancy. Refer to damage stability booklet.
	Determine reserve buoyancy, change in GM, trim, list.
	As per damage control plan, follow counter measures to control flooding.
	Start bilge pumps.
	Keep monitoring soundings at regular intervals.
	Keep reporting to bridge overall situation.

Without endangering my own ship, I shall:

	Render all practicable and necessary assistance to save the other ship, crew and passengers from danger.
	Remain with her until there is no need of further assistance.

Exchange information with the master of the vessel:

	Ship’s name, port of registry.
	Port of departure, port of destination.

Report the accident to Marine Department within 24Hrs.

Issue Note of protest to hold other vessel responsible and accept from other vessel if any.

If the ships are interlocked, I will discuss with other ship whether to separate or not, considering risk of oil spill, spark, fire, sinking etc.

Maintain contact in VHF with other ship.

I’ll verify effect of damage on ship’s stability.

I’ll decide whether to abandon or not, considering:

	Amount of damage
	Risk of fire
	Expected time vessel will stay afloat
	Weather condition

Dispatch an urgency message, followed by a distress message if required.

If abandonment is not imminent,

Plug in / shoring the damage.

Inform company and keep them updating the situation.

Enter all the actions taken in ship’s log book and OLB.

I’ll decide whether to proceed to voyage or to proceed to port of refuge.

If proceeding to voyage with reduced maneuvering capability, hoist appropriate signal as per ICS and broadcast radio warnings.

Write a full report describing all events leading to the collision and gather information for the owner’s lawyers:

	Charts in use before and up to the time of collision
	Deck and engine room log books, movement book, OLB.
	Graphs and prints of course recorder, echo sounder, telegraph.
	Statement of crew members witnessed the accident
	Full details of two ships
	Exact location of collusion
	Time (UTC & LT)
	Accuracy of bridge/ER clocks
	Estimation of speed/courses of vessels at the time of impact
	Estimated angle of impact
	Point of impact
	Weather and tide condition at the time of collision
	List of navigation equipments used at the time of collision
	Name and positions of other vessels in the vicinity at the time of collision
	Retain scrap papers, which have been disposed off during the time of collision

Brief all officers and crews not to make any statement to any person without master’s permission.

If it is unsafe to proceed to voyage, proceed to port of refuge, following the appropriate procedures.

If it is impracticable to proceed to POR or next port, consider beaching the vessel if coast is nearer.