This incident raises several safety concerns—not just regarding the equipment itself but also in howe we manage fatigue, training, and supervision during critical operations like anchoring. The crew member’s
unfamiliarity with the vessel’s anchor markings significantly contributed to the misjudgement, serving as a reminder of the importance of proper familiarisation training—especially when handling essential equipment.
Securing the bitter end of the anchor should be a part of the mindset for any anchor operation — it’s the last line of defence to prevent it from running free if something goes wrong. Therefore, discovering that a brand-new vessel was delivered without a safety pin raises serious questions about quality control and oversight during the building and commissioning process.
Supervision is crucial, especially during high-risk tasks like anchoring, where even a moment’s inattention or confusion can result in significant consequences. CHIRP strongly encourages vessel operators to prioritise thorough familiarisation for all crew, ensure clear and consistent marking systems, and maintain robust oversight of critical procedures.
It’s not about assigning blame; it’s about learning and improving. These issues are preventable, and with the
proper focus, they can be resolved.