Vessel Collision Case Study 1

Summary

The incident occurred in the Arak Oh Strait, where two vessels, Ship EM and Ship Ji, were on a collision course despite clear visibility and moderate weather. Ship EM crossed into the wrong side of the channel, while Ship Ji failed to reduce speed and take timely action. The vessels were initially unaware of the risk until it was too late. Both ships made incorrect maneuvers to avoid collision, leading to substantial damage but no loss of life. This analysis highlights the failure to observe crucial maritime rules, such as safe speed, lookouts, and timely course adjustments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ship EM crossed into the opposite lane of the channel, violating maritime navigation rules.
• 😀 The incident occurred at night with good visibility and moderate weather conditions.
• 😀 Ship Ji and Ship EM were on collision courses, and both ships took evasive actions too late.
• 😀 Ship EM's course of 123 degrees was incorrect, taking it across the center line of the channel.
• 😀 Ship Ji signaled five short blasts and flashed lights as a warning when the two vessels were close.
• 😀 Ship Ji attempted to avoid the collision by altering course and speed, but Ship EM also made evasive maneuvers.
• 😀 At the time of the collision, Ship Ji was traveling at 15-17 knots, while Ship EM was reversing with full speed astern.
• 😀 Ship EM violated the 'safe speed' rule by failing to adjust speed for the conditions, making collision avoidance difficult.
• 😀 Both ships failed to maintain proper lookout, with Ship EM being particularly negligent.
• 😀 Ship Ji did not reduce speed in time to allow for better avoidance of the collision when the ships were about two miles apart.
• 😀 The collision occurred because neither vessel acted in accordance with good seamanship principles, such as maintaining a proper lookout and taking early evasive action.

Q & A

What was the location of the incident?

The incident occurred in the Arak Oh Strait, which connects the port of Nagoya in Japan to the open sea.

What were the weather conditions at the time of the incident?

The weather was moderate, and visibility was good.

What is the heading of the buoyed channel in the Arak Oh Strait?

The buoyed channel in the Arak Oh Strait is positioned on a heading of 133 degrees.

At what time did Ship EM cross the centerline of the channel into the opposite lane?

Ship EM crossed the centerline of the channel at 13 minutes before the collision (C-13).

What was the position of Ship Ji when Ship EM crossed the centerline?

At 11 minutes before the collision (C-11), Ship Ji was still steady on a course of 123 degrees and clearly positioned in the opposite lane.

What action did Ship Ji take at 2 minutes before collision (C-2)?

At C-2, Ship Ji sounded five short blasts and flashed the oldest light of the other ship, indicating a potential collision risk.

What actions did both ships take 1.5 minutes before the collision?

At C-1.5, Ship Ji sounded one short blast, put the rudder hard to starboard, and ordered half ahead speed. Ship EM, in response, sounded two short blasts and put the rudder hard to port.

What was the speed and maneuver of Ship Ji at the time of the collision?

At the time of the collision, Ship Ji was turning starboard at a speed of between 15 to 17 knots.

What rule did Ship EM violate regarding her course?

Ship EM violated Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) by steering a course of 123 degrees, which took her to the wrong side of the channel, creating a crossing situation.

What was Ship Ji's fault in this incident?

Ship Ji was at fault for not reducing speed by stopping her engines or at least reducing speed to slow ahead, not later than when the ships were about two miles apart.