99045 The Dangers of OMBO

The Dangers of OMBO
Report No.99045

I believe that this incident demonstrates the danger of OMBO, even on a well found ship operating in mid ocean. A few years ago I was in command of a bulk carrier engaged in the coal trade between Australia and Japan. On sailing from Japan, the "big push" with our small crew was to clean and prepare the holds for the next cargo as well as changing the ballast before arriving in Australian waters. It was the practice of the master to take the 4-8 watch in order to free the mate to be on deck with the crew. On one particular occasion, with an exceptionally heavy workload, I was persuaded, against my better judgement and all the rules, to also release the 4 - 8 sailor to help with the work on deck.

On a beautiful, clear tropical morning, just after dawn, I was at the front of the bridge. I was wide awake and in no way could claim to be fatigued. I suddenly saw, very close ahead, a large fishing boat stopped in the water and displaying no signals or lights and with nobody on deck (presumably all hands were below and sleeping). By coming hard to port, I narrowly avoided a collision. The point was, alone on the bridge, I simply did not see this vessel. With another pair of eyes on the bridge, the fishing vessel would probably have been observed far earlier. Another couple of minutes and there would have been a collision, probably killing several people; something that I would have had to live with for the rest of my life.

The message is that, even in clear visibility, even in mid ocean, a lookout is always necessary. The promoters of OMBO must accept the fact that, on occasions, even the most alert and concientious lone watchkeeper can easily miss something of importance.