Page 57 - CHIRP Annual Digest 2017

CHIRP Annual Digest 2017

9. Regulations, and

Miscellaneous Topics

This section clearly illustrates the diverse nature of the
reports we receive, and there is something for everyone
within these pages. We begin with an account of MAR-
POL violations and apparently corrupt practices from a
courageous reporter. To protect his or her identity we
did not contact the shipping company but reported to
the flag state, which agreed to investigate. It seems
amazing that any company would tolerate discharges
of oily residues in an anchorage, but that is apparently
what happened.
We move on to an attempted armed robbery at sea,
where two fishing vessels tried to distract the crew
while two others approached the bow and put men
aboard with knives. The alertness of the crew and their
rapid response deterred the would-be pirates and the
situation was successfully resolved. This type of rob-
bery is common around the world, so there are lessons
for all mariners.
Next we discuss a case where local fishermen needed
our help when the authorities removed a night watch-
man from a port, making it unsafe for fishing boats
to enter. We assisted them in getting the decision
reversed, but it is a clear illustration of what can
happen when economic considerations are allowed to
compromise safety.
Economic considerations also compromised safety on
a treasure-hunting vessel when live ammunition was
brought up from a wartime wreck. We include some
good advice from the Royal Navy ordinance disposal
unit on what to do when munitions are inadvertently
brought up from the sea bed.
One company sent us some examples of best practice,
with photographs of some clever innovations aboard
their ships, and this prompted a response from another
reporter. If your ship has devised similar ways of
enhancing safety, please let us know.
The Insight article in this section asks the question
‘best practice – is it worth it?’ I expect you can guess
the answer, but the article is well worth reading and will
reward careful study. It would also form the basis for an
excellent discussion at your next safety meeting.

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