Capt.M Biju

The incident occurred during an anchoring operation at Suez. The vessel arrived in the evening at the anchor station at Port Suez, Chief officer and Bosun informed that port anchor had been prepared and kept ready on brakes. When the vessel speed came down to 3 knots, Master informed to be on standby to let go. There was no reply, and the Master was worried and again asked as to what is happening.

The chief officer replied stating the and anchor is already 3 shackles on the water. Master took immediate precaution of giving orders of F.Ast on the engines and brought the speed to zero. Luckily the possible collision with another ship was averted. This was mainly due to improper communication and procedures adopted.

Lesson learnt :

proper procedures are to be chalked and it should be understood between the officers and the Master.