Technical Circular No: 037/2025
1. This circular highlight the safety concerns arising from a collision incident reported on a vessel under IRS classification. A collision incident recently reported for vessel while being navigated on autopilot at economical speed following departure from the port, with bridge watch handed over in routine sequence. During transit near the traffic separation scheme, another vessel was observed on a crossing course and alterations were effected to allow safe clearance. Owing to the influence of strong southerly current and the presence of fishing gear to port, the traffic lane was overshot and navigation was continued further to avoid obstructions. In the course of this passage, multiple small targets were acquired on radar, and one fishing vessel closed on the starboard bow. Despite course adjustments, contact was made with the fishing vessel.
The incident resulted in minor structural damage, including damage to the railing and stanchions, necessitating immediate repairs to ensure the safety of crew onboard.
2. The incident was primarily attributed to inadequate bridge watch keeping practices and non-compliance with COLREG requirements. The designated lookout was not called for duty, resulting in reliance on an inexperienced cadet. This compromised situational awareness during hours of darkness in congested waters. Radar monitoring was insufficient, with Closest Point of Approach (CPA) / Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) alarms incorrectly set and ARPA targets not effectively tracked. The strong southerly current was not adequately factored into navigation decisions, leading to drift towards the fishing vessel despite course alterations. Distraction on the bridge due to non-essential conversations further reduced vigilance.
3. Based on lessons learned from this incident, implementing the following measures can significantly mitigate the risk of recurrence:
a. Regular training and drills on COLREG compliance, with focus on Rules 5 (Lookout), 6 (Safe Speed), 7 (Risk of Collision), 8 (Action to Avoid Collision), and 18 (Responsibilities between Vessels).
b. Mandatory use of certified watchkeepers during hours of darkness and in coastal waters; cadets and/or inexperienced watchkeepers not to be assigned as substitutes for lookout duties and undertaking continuous lookout while navigating in congested waters.
c. Enhanced training on radar settings, Closest Point of Approach (CPA) / Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA) alarms, and effective use of ARPA functions for collision avoidance.
d. Incorporation of current and set awareness into passage planning and watchkeeping practices, with emphasis on monitoring course over ground versus course steered.
e. Strengthening of bridge resource management (BRM) practices to avoid distractions and ensure continuous focus on navigational safety.
f. Periodic audits of bridge watch arrangements and compliance with SMS procedures, with corrective measures taken where deficiencies are noted.
4. Owners & Managers are to take note of above in order that corrective actions can be taken to avoid similar situations in future.
Enclosure: NIL
This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.