A recent investigation has highlighted a safety incident in which a drifting vessel used a laser at night, creating a hazardous situation during maritime training operations. The incident underscores improper signaling, questionable use of “Not Under Command” (NUC) lighting, and non-compliance with collision regulations, with a noted risk of eye injury.
What Happened
Vessel A was conducting exercises in darkness and, as such, was restricted in its ability to manoeuvre. The vessel was displaying the correct lights for its status. During the operation, the crew identified a nearby drifting vessel, which was displaying Not Under Command (NUC) lights. However, this vessel also had its deck and accommodation lights illuminated, obscuring its sidelights.
As Vessel A approached to within approximately 0.6 nautical miles, a green laser beam was seen shining into its bridge from the drifting vessel. The crew immediately contacted the other vessel and requested that this unsafe practice be stopped.
Fortunately, at the time of the lasering, no one on Vessel A’s bridge was using binoculars, which reduced the risk of ocular injury. At no point did the drifting vessel attempt to use proper signaling methods such as a signal lamp or ship’s horn, as required by COLREGs.
Lessons Learned
- Using a laser to attract another vessel’s attention is dangerous and ineffective. It poses a significant risk of eye injury.
- The Collision Regulations (COLREGs) specify that five or more short blasts on the ship’s horn should be used to indicate danger or attract attention.
- An Aldis lamp or searchlight may also be safely used to signal other vessels.
- A drifting vessel is still considered to be underway and must comply with COLREGs. Displaying NUC lights is only appropriate when exceptional circumstances prevent the vessel from manoeuvring. It cannot be used as an excuse to avoid compliance with navigational responsibilities.
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Source: Nautical Institute
