200925 Unsafe tug operator

Unsafe tug operator
MARS Report 200925

I joined an offshore tug as a chief officer pending promotion to master. During the initial period of four weeks, I was to familiarise myself with the ship and her operations. When I joined, there was only one anchor and both the log and echo sounder were not working, reportedly for almost a year. During my tenure as chief officer, we lost the only remaining anchor and the radar motor burned out. Under pressure from the shore management, the master continued to operate the vessel in this unsafe state. When I took over command, I insisted that the radar be fixed before sailing. [The reporter does not mention it, but it is presumed that the bower anchors and chain were replaced - Editor].

This was done but when I demanded that the echo sounder and water speed log also be repaired, I was told that the hull underwriters and P&I club were 'happy' with the current state of the vessel, and that they would send me a letter giving me indemnity from having to comply with Solas regulations. Needless to say it never arrived. Instead, I got an email from the managers stating that they were doing all in their power to resolve these defects as soon as possible and until such time, I was advised to 'exercise great care'.

When I refused to sail from port without the defects rectified, I was promptly relieved and was sent home on no pay. Not once did they contact me to find out the full story - and this is a company I have worked for for almost seven years. They are not a fly-by-night operation and have a good reputation. Unfortunately, it seems that when it comes to money, safety, health, environment and quality (SHE-Q) and human resources policies are sacrificed.

I feel I did the right thing and got punished for it. I have lost income and put myself under a lot of stress - and of course this affects my family as well. Later, I heard that the tug did run aground in the channel a few weeks later, probably aided by the defective echo sounder and radar, which had reportedly ceased to function again. I hope this serves as a notice to all seafarers against unsafe and unethical ship operators.