Confidential Human Factors
Incident Reporting Programme
The Charity
Aviation
Maritime
M2701
Initial Report
The reporter contacted CHIRP with this report, which concerned a night transit through a highly congested area within a traffic separation scheme (TSS). The reporter stated that they reduced speed to allow a slow overtaking vessel to clear ahead. “This then allowed my vessel to overtake safely without leaving the TSS. Had I overtaken both vessels immediately, our vessel would have been forced outside the scheme”.
“The following morning, the master challenged this decision, stating that I had no authority to adjust the speed because it affected the vessel’s ETA and that orders issued that night should have been followed. I explained that my actions were taken to comply with COLREGs and to maintain safe navigation in heavy traffic. No specific night orders had been given regarding speed adjustments or a requirement to call the master in such circumstances.”
CHIRP Comment
The master’s reaction appeared to be driven by concern about the impact on ETA and by the belief that night orders had been breached. This highlights a common tension on board: commercial pressure and schedule adherence, versus the realities of dynamic traffic management at night.
From a navigational perspective, the officer’s actions were both reasonable and compliant with COLREGs. Officers of the watch are not only permitted but required to take early and positive action to avoid close-quarters situations. This authority exists regardless of whether night orders specifically mention speed adjustments. If officers feel constrained from acting decisively out of fear of criticism, safety margins erode quickly.
Calling the master to explain the developing situation may have been an option. However, this raises an important question: did the officer feel sufficiently supported and confident to do so? A bridge culture in which officers hesitate to call the master for fear of a negative reaction is itself a risk factor. The master’s standing and night orders should make it clear that safety-driven decisions are expected, supported, and open to discussion.
Night orders did not adequately cover speed management in heavy traffic; the balance between schedule adherence and navigational safety; and the explicit authority of the OOW under COLREG Rule 2 and, in particular, the principles of Rule 8. The master’s standing orders should, however, make very specific reference to these aspects so that officers are not in doubt about what actions to take.
A culture that questions compliant safety decisions risks normalising hesitation or delay in future high-risk situations. ETA sensitivity reflects broader industry pressures that can indirectly shape onboard leadership behaviours and expectations.
This report underscores the importance of trust, clarity, and shared priorities on the bridge. Compliance with COLREGs and good seamanship must always take precedence over ETA. Masters play a key role in reinforcing this message before, during, and after the watch.
Key Issues relating to this report
Communication – Hesitation to call the master due to fear of criticism or questioning decisions. Lack of clarity on OOW’s authority to make COLREG-compliant decisions independently.
Pressure – ETA pressure influences the master’s reaction and the potential for officers to defer safety decisions. High-density traffic and schedule pressures increase cognitive load and potential for conflict.
Teamwork – Tension between the officer and the master shows trust and authority gaps.
Local Practice – Misunderstanding of COLREG authority can normalise hesitation in future similar scenarios.
Capability – Balancing schedule adherence versus navigational safety without clear guidance.
Training – Night orders did not explicitly cover speed adjustments in dense traffic situations.
Key Takeaways
Regulators: Rules are not optional; early, safe action is non-negotiable. Safety must always outweigh commercial imperatives. COLREGs provide clear authority for officers to take early action in navigational risk scenarios, and regulations should reinforce this to prevent the normalisation of delayed decision-making. Regulators need to ensure that industry guidance emphasises that schedule pressures never justify compromising safe navigation.
Managers / Masters: Safety-first leadership prevents hesitation from becoming a habit. Bridge culture matters more than orders alone. Explicitly reinforcing that COLREGs and safe seamanship take precedence over ETA pressures empowers officers to act decisively. Masters should model trust, openness, and clear guidance for night navigation scenarios to avoid hesitation or friction.
Seafarers / Officers: Act early, act safely, and don’t fear doing what’s right. You are empowered to act decisively within COLREG rules. Understanding your authority, balancing risk with operational pressures, and communicating with the master when possible ensures safe outcomes, even when orders are unclear. Confidence and clarity are your best tools in high-pressure situations.