Actions in case of grounding

 

From a chief officer's point of view.

 

 

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On hearing the emergency alarm, I will go to the emergency station in proper rig.

 

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Head count and report to master.

 

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Inform master about any missing person / casualty.

 

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Follow ship's emergency procedure manual for grounding.

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Command team: Master

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Emergency team: C/O

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Back-up team: 2/O

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Roving team: C/E

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E/R team: 2/E

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Detail crew to close all water tight doors, portholes, ventilator flaps and all other water tight openings to gain reserve buoyancy.

 
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Ensure back-up team prepares lifeboat.

 
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Detail crew to take sounding of all tanks and bilges, especially near grounded areas.

 
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Sound around the ship to find possible point of grounding.

 
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Myself with damage control party move to area of impact to assess damage.

 
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Visually inspect compartments where possible

 
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Estimate the size of the damage, its location, relative position to the water line, area of the vessel.

 
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Keep master updating all the situations and findings.

 
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Calculate the stability of the vessel.

 
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Determine possibility of refloating the ship and take appropriate actions:

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Ask bridge about height of tide and time of rise and fall.

 
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Possibility of reducing draught of ship:

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De-ballasting

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Jettisoning cargo

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Deal additional hazards like fire, pollution.

 
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If it is possible to refloat the vessel, have an exact assessment of damage.

 
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Determine the possibility of proceeding to voyage or deviating to port of refuge and suggest master.

 

Updated: September 24, 2007