The Nautical Institute reports a collision incident at an anchorage.
The Incident
A tanker was at anchor outside a traffic separation scheme (TSS) awaiting instructions. The OOW noticed another tanker (shown in red on the diagram) at 1.7nm making about 5 knots and approaching for pilot boarding. He monitored the movement of the red tanker. When the vessel was 1.0nm away, he made contact and asked about their intentions. They replied that they would be altering to starboard. A few minutes later, the OOW of the black tanker contacted the local vessel traffic services (VTS) to inform them of the situation, which he considered worrisome.
The VTS then called the red tanker telling them to keep clear of the anchored black tanker. Personnel on the red tanker replied that they were altering to starboard. Over the course of the next few minutes both the OOW of the anchored black tanker and the VTS made repeated warnings to the approaching red tanker. The OOW of the black tanker realised that the approaching vessel was still on a collision course so he called the Master.
The Master raised the general alarm and made an announcement to all crew members to take precautions and stay clear of the starboard side of the vessel. Engines were on standby so the Master gave half ahead and put the wheel hard to starboard about one minute before contact to try and reduce the consequences of the now impending collision.
Lessons learned
- Being in a secure anchorage does not mean one should lower one’s vigilance. Always keep a good lookout, as did the team on the black tanker.
- If a collision is imminent, raise the alarm and make an announcement.
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Source: The Nautical Institute
