Safety issue

Safety issue description

Atlantic Princess’s safety management system provided no guidance relating to actions that should be taken when persons less experienced than a pilot used a pilot ladder to board or disembark the ship.
Issue number MO-2013-007-SI-01
Issue owner Santoku Senpaku
Transport function Marine: Shipboard operations
Date issue released 09/05/2014

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number MO-2013-007-NSA-008
Organisation Santoku Senpaku
Action date 09/05/2014
Action description

Santoku Senpaku has issued a fleet circular advising the following;

Target Person: Visitors except for Pilots, Authorities & Agents, but including all people inexperienced in the use of a pilot ladder.

Situation: At the time when above mentioned visitors embarking the vessels at anchorage.

  1. Master requests agents and visitors to use a helicopter for embarkation.
  2. If the helicopter is not available or suitable, the visitors are allowed to come by a boat, however, they are required to use vessels' harness while climbing a pilot ladder for safety purpose and the vessel inform the visitors of this requirement in advance through local agent.
  3. Master instruct crew to stand-by to help the visitors including pilots, authorities and agents while their climbing the pilot ladder.
ATSB response

The ATSB considers that the actions taken and proposed by Santoku Senpaku should address this safety issue.
Action status Closed