Page 60 - CHIRP Annual Digest 2017

CHIRP Maritime

Further dialogue
The following is a précis of many exchanges between the
Reporter, CHIRP, and other parties;
• It was agreed that CHIRP contact the Port Authority with
advice relating to the dangers of a leap ashore, proper
risk assessment, and responsibilities for incidents.
• The reporter had written to local government officials
who had responded by supporting him. A petition had
attracted over 1000 signatures. These points would be
addressed by CHIRP when writing to the Authority
• Local and national fishery organisations were also
involved with letters to the Authority.
• CHIRP wrote to the Authority who responded just Munitions discovered whilst treasure hunting
prior to the meeting and stated that cover would be
maintained with watchmen available around the clock. CHIRP Comment
The reporter was advised of this and informed CHIRP The Maritime Advisory Board, whilst fully endorsing the
that the cover would actually be one watchman for three advice above, commented that discovery of munitions is
ports – a fact that had not been properly addressed in also common in the dredging and fishing industries. Since
the risk assessment. the severity of the hazard is unknown, maintaining a safe
• The reporter managed to speak at the Authority meeting, distance until assistance arrives is prudent.
and the first decision taken was to dismiss the risk
assessment (which was correct – it was poor as there The above article was published in MFB49
were no proper mitigation measures put in place).
Article. 48
On the 08th June 2017, the Authority issued a press release
stating that the decision to axe night watchmen had been Best Practice – Muster Stations
cancelled. In addition, they undertook to look at port health
and safety in conjunction with local users in future. With reference to CHIRP issue No.47 Best Practice - Muster
Stations, I attach a picture of my muster station with fixed
CHIRP Comment hooks on the bulkhead to hang each individual’s survival
The Maritime Advisory Board commented that the report is suit and lifejacket when they muster. This ensures each
a fine example of CHIRP working with other bodies to raise seaman collects his designated equipment in an aban-
awareness of the inappropriate use of risk assessments and don ship situation, bearing in mind that if the equipment
the need for maritime professional input was left on deck with the vessel rolling, it would surely get
mixed up. We also re-assess the seating arrangements in
The above article was published in MFB48 the freefall lifeboat after each crew change as the joiners
might not fit the designated seats of their predecessors.
Article. 47 CHIRP note – lifejackets are not worn for freefall lifeboat
launching due to the use of body seat belt straps, (hence the
Do Not Touch! – Discovery of hooks for lifejackets in this case).
live munitions When I receive the Telegraph, I first look at the Health &

Safety section to update my notice board. Your “Best Prac-
OUTLINE: A report from a vessel engaged in treasure hunt- tice” section is now very interesting and we have already
ing where unexpected treasures were discovered. adopted the anchor chain suggestion.

What the Reporter told us:
The vessel was engaged in treasure hunting, scanning and
recovering wrecks with a remote submersible vehicle. On
this occasion munitions were brought on board in addition
to the treasure being hunted. The reporter wrote to CHIRP
querying the handling of such potentially hazardous materi-
als without proper protective equipment.

CHIRP contacted the Royal Navy bomb disposal unit and
their advice is quite clear. Under no circumstances are any
munitions to be handled. Wherever you are in the world, if
suspicious materials are discovered then immediately con-
tact the local authorities in order for their experts to assess
and deal with the hazard.

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