On the 06th of June 2016, the ‘M.V Rose of Aran’ was berthed at the Pier at Inis Oirr Island to transfer passengers. Whilst alongside and when the passengers were disembarking the vessel over the gangway, the vessel’s stern drifted off the berth and the end of the gangway fell off the pier. A male and female passenger were on the gangway at the time of the incident, both falling into the water between the vessel and the pier. One crewman and several passengers held onto the gangway to prevent it falling on the passengers in the water.
The female passenger managed to swim to a vertical ladder and was assisted out of the water by a member of the public who climbed down to assist her. The male passenger could not swim and continued to hold onto the gangway which was hanging off the side of the vessel. A passenger on the vessel threw a life-ring to the man who then let go of the gangway and held onto the life-ring. A member of the public entered the water and assisted the male casualty to a rocky shore. Both passengers were in shock and the female passenger had sustained an injury to her back.
The Marine Casualties Investigation Board (MCIB) found that the ferry company lacked specific risk assessment and standard operating procedures for berthing. The company’s safety management system outlined various emergency scenarios, however ‘Man Overboard’ within the confines of the harbor had been overlooked.
Under S.I. No. 60/2008 – European Communities (Maritime) (International Safety Management Code) Regulations 2008, the legal obligation to carry out risk assessment is the responsibility of the company. Ferry companies have responsibility in organising their passengers and ensuring that their vessels are berthed safely in accordance with the ISM Code which is made mandatory under Chapter IX (Management for the Safe Operation of Ships) of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended.
Furthermore, all vessels operating in Ireland must maintain a safe means of access in compliance with S.I. No. 108/1988 Merchant Shipping (Means of Access) Regulations 1988 which transcribes SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-9 (Means of embarkation and disembarkation from ships). This requirement is further outlined in Marine Notice 38 of 2000 (Ship to Shore Access).
Owners and operators of passenger and cargo vessels operating in Ireland must have a Domestic Ship Management (DSM) Safety Management System (SMS) in place as required under S.I. No. 60/2008. The masters of vessels have an important role in the effective operation of the Safety Management System and require training in safety management on board, in particular they should understand how to conduct detailed risk assessments.
If you are a marine operator and require the development or review of your company’s Domestic Ship Safety Management System and associated risk assessments, get in contact with Occupli Limited whom specialise in providing practical solutions and advice for our clients in relation to all aspects of marine related health and safety.
Occupli Limited have developed a track record of supporting clients involved in port and vessel operations. Occupli has in-house marine experts with over 20 years of experience in the maritime industry in the areas of oil and gas shipping, ROPAX shipping and Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations.
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