The introduction of DBMS initiates a new era for dry Bulk operators; it reminds us the times back when TMSA entered the liquid cargo sector. Thus, it is interesting to draw parallels and find key differences into these two milestone tools which aim to drive excellence in the maritime industry.
In recently received Chevron's Safety Bulletin 20-10 two articles addressing best practices for Work at Heights and Rescue from Heights have attracted our attention and led us in relevant revisions to FIM Ch. B-03, Permit to work aloft form and update of the relevant Generic Risk Assessment libary for said operation/activity.
The incident
On 21 May 2019, a general cargo vessel arrived in Seville, Spain and berthed port side alongside Muelle del V Centenario. Vessel visited port to load a cargo of cement, which commenced during morning of 23 May. As explained, during cargo operations, second officer had been working at the aft end of main deck and was attempting to pass between hatch covers and stationary crane. As second officer climbed onto hatch coaming, vessel’s chief officer drove crane aft, trapping and crushing second officer against the hatch covers. Unseen by crane operator, he was crushed when crane moved, closing the gap. In light of situation, chief officer immediately reversed crane and second officer fell onto deck, where he received first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation from deck crew and shore paramedics. Following there, an emergency services doctor, who was informed of incident, told crew that second officer probably died after having a heart attack.
