Recurring incidents of armed robbery against ships in Manila Bay have prompted ReCAAP ISC to warn crews to exercise extra vigilance when staying at Philippine ports and anchorages.
Getting injured or hurt while working on ships is very common. It’s hard to find a seafarer who hasn’t been through an accident and hurt himself. A recent report conducted by a maritime organization states that more than 70% of personal injuries take place because of sheer negligence and failure in following safety procedures.
We’ve all seen the emergency towing booklet onboard a merchant vessel. Owing to its importance and the risks that are involved with it, an amendment was made to the SOLAS Convention Chapter II stating that all passenger and cargo ships built on or before 1st January 2010 (cargo sips built before 1st January 2010 to have one not later than 1st January 2012) were to be provided with a ship-specific emergency towing procedure. A detailed read of the amendment gives the ship officer a solid idea of the risks involved and ways to avert them.
In the aftermath of an incident on board that leads to serious or fatal injuries, the wellbeing of fellow crewmembers must not be forgotten, especially when there is potential to re-open emotional wounds during an investigation.