DraggingAnchorincongestedanchorages.docVIP

This Safety Alert Bulletin is based upon information received from Ship Masters and Operators, irrespective of whether a ship is on ExxonMobil affiliate service or not at the time of a reported incident. This allows us to analyze and identify increasing trends in incident types across the tanker sector and your cooperation and understanding of the MESQAC - Incident Reporting requirement is appreciated as a positive step towards achieving flawless operation within the Marine Industry. international marine transportation LIMITED SAFETY ALERT BULLETIN NUMBER: MS - 04/2010 Dragging Anchor in Congested Anchorage THE INFORMATION BELOW IS COMPILED BY IMT MARINE SERVICES AND IS BASED ON INDUSTRY INCIDENT INFORMATION This Safety Alert Bulletin is not intended to instruct operators on how to operate, maintain or inspect their vessels; Operators shall continue to be fully and solely responsible for the maintenance, operation, and management of their vessels. This bulletin is a mechanism to raise awareness and for exchanging information relating to commonly identified contributing factors and causes which have led to such incidents. WHAT HAPPENED Vessel was at anchor, brought up with her port anchor to six shackles in the water. During his watch, whilst verifying vessel’s position OOW realized that the vessel was dragging anchor. Master was informed and at the same time notice to the Engine Room and Emergency anchor stations was given. When the Anchor party reached forward, they noticed the cable had already slipped to 11 shackles. CAUSES IDENTIFIED BY THE OPERATOR The locking pin of the Chain Stopper was not correctly fitted allowing it to lift. There was grooving on the Chain Stopper enabling the chain to slip when under heavy weight, induced by the prevailing tidal currents. PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IMPLEMENTED Responsible Officer to confirm locking pin for chain stopper correctly located and sign off in the Anchor checklist. Condition / Grooving of Chain Stopper