CHIRP has reported a similar incident in SYFB 01, M2083, where there was insufficient assessment of the risks during a night-time passage.

More attention should have been given to monitoring the track of the vessel. The tender entered an unfamiliar hazardous area by veering off the course used during daylight hours.

The passage plan evaluation must be revised to consider additional hazards. The management company must ensure that the tender operating procedures are clear for the type of passage to be undertaken and that new dangers are included in the passage plan. In particular, a thorough handover of the duties for the crew carrying out nighttime pickups.  The crew must be suitably rested to remain alert to additional dangers, such as the loss of unlit visual cues for the passage, e.g. the unlit rock.  It is strongly recommended that waypoints are included in the passage plan, which a deck officer verifies. Crucially, to have more time to assess other dangers which might be present in a crowded anchorage, slowing down the transits by reducing speed should be considered.

CHIRP advocates for a holistic approach to addressing challenges posed by unsecured appliances in rough sea conditions. Central to this strategy is the commitment to stringent marine grade standards for all shipboard equipment within working areas. Installing secure locking or latching systems on appliances is crucial to preventing shifts during rough seas. Further, incorporating effective locking mechanisms for cupboard doors and utilising non-slip containers minimises accidents caused by shifting objects in heavy weather.

Repositioning appliances strategically to reduce exposure to rolling movements and using anti-slip materials underneath them offers additional strategies to enhance stability without compromising their functionality during adverse conditions. CHIRP underscores the importance of integrating a heavy weather checklist into the Safety Management System (SMS) and maintaining a register of moveable heavy objects, e.g., forklifts and loose furniture. These tools proactively manage challenges from heavy weather, ensuring a systematic and well-prepared response.

Regarding crew safety, CHIRP recommends establishing an alert system that notifies crew members when using appliances in adverse sea conditions becomes unsafe. Crew safety training plays a pivotal role, with clear guidelines emphasising the need to delay tasks during rough weather. Regular inspections by safety officers during normal operations and drydock/refit periods are deemed crucial to confirm the functionality of securing mechanisms, contributing to the reliability of safety measures over time.

Fostering a culture of hazard reporting is highlighted as equally important, encouraging the crew to identify and resolve issues related to appliance movement promptly. By prioritising crew safety through these measures, CHIRP aims to minimise potential risks and cultivate a safer working environment on board, ultimately contributing to an overall enhancement of the vessel’s design for crew safety.

This incident highlights the critical importance of effective communication, adherence to safety procedures, and situational awareness to prevent potentially hazardous scenarios involving crew members and watercraft near the yacht.

Line squalls, a common meteorological phenomenon, can be predicted with a vigilant bridge watch during recreational activities, including a weather forecast in the assessment before deploying watercraft equipment, which is fundamental. Once the decision to deploy watercraft and allow passengers and crew into the water is made, the bridge must always be aware of who and what equipment is in the water, and continuous monitoring is imperative. Unfortunately, in this case, the lack of rapid communication between the bridge team and the crew in the water compromised safety.

The morning toolbox talk should encompass all planned recreational activities, emphasising communication protocols, weather forecasts, and contingency plans for aborting activities if conditions become unsafe.

A thorough review of the anchor-dragging procedure is necessary for a dragging anchor. Initiating engine operations without informing anyone, especially with passengers and crew in the water without communication, poses a significant danger. Before any yacht manoeuvres, it is crucial to ensure the proper securing or retrieval of water sports equipment to prevent damage to propellers and the motor yacht.

Effective safety management involves assigning designated crew members the responsibility for deck safety, ensuring a constant focus on safety, even without officers present. Monitoring weather conditions, particularly preparedness for sudden changes like a line squall, is essential for proactive safety measures.

Regular safety training for all crew members is required, including routine safety drills to prepare the crew for emergencies, such as “cutaway procedures.”

Following an incident, conducting a thorough review is imperative. This post-incident analysis is crucial for learning from the experience and implementing improvements in safety measures on the yacht to prevent similar incidents in the future.