Action following a damage

Actions will specifically depend on type of accident or damage. Followings are the main steps in common:

Immediate actions:

Take the con.

Follow emergency procedure as per company emergency procedure manual, which should include:

	Sound general emergency alarm.
	Stop Engines.
	Announce by PA.
	Head count, look for casualty and establish communication.
	Close watertight doors.

Activate SOPEP and take preventive actions in case of any oil pollution

Order chief officer for damage assessment.

	Water tight integrity of hull and subsequent breaches of same.
	Assess rate of flooding
	Condition of machinery space.
	Check hull for damage.
	Visually inspect compartments where possible

Obtain following information from emergency teams:

	Details casualties.
	Any fire risk
	Any other information regarding associate problems.

On the bridge, the command team will do the followings:

Maintained VHF watch.

Exhibit light / shapes and any appropriate sound signals.

Switch on deck lighting at night.

Determine the vessel’s position.

Broadcast urgency or distress massage as required.

Inform the accident with positions and time to the following parties:

	Local authorities.
	Owners, charterers.
	P & I club.
	Make an accident report to MPA in the correct format.

Try to minimize immediate danger such as pollution, fire etc.

Determine possibility of refloating the ship and take appropriate actions:

Calculate height of tide and time of rise and fall.

Reduce draught of ship:

	De-ballasting
	Jettisoning cargo

Use main engines to maneuver.

Obtain assistance from port authority, coast guard, salvage tugs.

While taking tug assistance, consider:

	LOF, if the danger imminent.
	Salvage contract if the situation permits.

Use all available means of the ship to refloat the vessel.

Keep all records of incidents and actions. Appropriate records to be entered in:

	Deck log book
	Movement book
	Engine log book
	Telegraph recorder
	Echo sounder graph.
	Used chart
	Entry to be made in official log book.
	Record of all damage and subsequent actions.

Prepare a statement of fact of all the happenings.

Prepare a note of protest, stating the facts only.

Consider the possibility of proceeding to voyage or deviating to port of refuge.