200732 TSS violation due to oversight

While navigating through an inshore lane in a North Sea traffic separation scheme, a medium-sized LPG tanker was contacted by the Coast Guard and asked routine questions relating to the vessel, her cargo and destination. Upon confirming the size of the vessel, the Coast Guard officer informed the vessel that she was in violation of the navigational rules relating to the use of the traffic separation system, as her gross tonnage was greater than that permitted for the inshore scheme. On becoming aware of the situation, the master offered to turn the vessel around and access the regular traffic lane. The Coast Guard stated that as the violation had already taken place, a penalty could be expected when the vessel reached her destination and by undertaking the offered remedial action, the vessel would be infringing other TSS rules and would then be liable for additional penalties. The managers were quickly advised of the situation and provided support to the master as needed.

The vessel continued her voyage without encountering further problems and was boarded by PSC officers on berthing at her destination, where a fine was imposed on the vessel for the offence.

On re-inspecting the navigational charts and publications shortly after the Coast Guard's notification, the master was able to confirm that the vessel had indeed violated local regulations for using the particular traffic separation scheme. The officer who created the voyage plan, the master who had authorised it and the other watch-keeping officers who had endorsed it, had all missed this detail.

The Master explained to the PSC officers that the vessel was on short-sea trades and that the workload on the officer responsible for creating voyage plans was high. In fact, it turned out the officer concerned was in breach of STCW regulations relating to the hours of rest due to the nature of the trade.

Lessons learnt
This incident fortunately resulted in little more than a small fine when the vessel reached port. Navigators are reminded of the necessity of checking all information relating to the intended voyage, rules and regulations as stated on charts and other nautical publications pertaining to the area being transited, including temporary and preliminary notices to mariners and notifications received from any other sources.
Before beginning the voyage, the master and if practicable, other deck officers, should carefully re-check and ensure compliance with all regulations.
If there is a situation whereby the workload of the vessel becomes extreme and excessive hours are being worked, then the shore based management should be advised, so that additional resources may be allocated as deemed necessary.

Corrective action
After this incident, the manager placed an extra third officer on board all vessels on this trade to reduce the burden on the navigating officers.

Editor's note: Readers may refer to the article in February 07 Seaways by our past President, Dr Phil Anderson highlighting the role of the master/DP relationship in addressing fatigue. The company deserves compliments for identifying the manpower shortage and quickly placing an extra officer on board.