Safety issue

Safety issue description

There were no facilities on board the Floating Offshore Transfer Barge Spencer Gulf that could be used to provide a safe means of access for personnel transfers between the barge and the ship. Furthermore, the barge operator’s procedures prohibited such personnel transfers.
Issue number MO-2013-007-SI-02
Issue owner CSL Australia
Transport function Marine: Shipboard operations
Date issue released 09/05/2014
Issue status justification

No action taken

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Organisation CSL Australia
Action date 09/05/2014
Action description

CSL Australia had advised that;

As there is no operational reason for personnel to transfer from the FOTB [Floating Offshore Transfer Barge] to any vessel and the fact that the owners and operators of the FOTB Spencer Gulf would be exposing themselves to unacceptable risks, the policy adopted by them, that the FOTB Spencer Gulf will not be used as a transfer platform for non CSL employees and reserves the right to refuse entry of any vessel without the express permission of the Transhipment Manager, is both prudent and reasonable.
ATSB response

While the ATSB acknowledges CSL Australia’s wish to limit its legal liability, the company should take action to address this safety issue by assisting masters in providing a safe means of access between their ship and the Floating Offshore Transfer Barge Spencer Gulf in accordance with the requirements of Marine Order 21.
Action status Released

Safety action

Action type Recommendation
Action number MO-2013-007-SR-009
Organisation CSL Australia
Action date 09/05/2014
Action description

The ATSB recommends that CSL Australia should take action to ensure that masters can provide a safe means of access between their ships and the Floating Offshore Transfer Barge Spencer Gulf in accordance with the requirements of Marine Order 21.
Action status Released