Saudi Aramco Marine Department August 2006 Marine Safety Flyer #6 ARABIYAH 5 INCIDENT WITH SAFANIYAH WELL 194/199 This Safety Flyer has been issued in order to highlight the factors which contributed to an incident between Arabiyah 5 and Safaniyah Well 194/199 on July 24", 2006. Summary of Incident Weather conditions: Wind: NW'ly 15 knots Tide: Setting to SW at 0.5 knots The vessel moved off the NE face of the Well at 0700 hrs. When it was approximately 300 feet from the Well, the Master maneuvered ta clear the platform to the West. After a short time, the Master realized that the turn could not be completed before the wind and tide would push the vessel back to the Well. He used all available power in an attempt to stay clear, but this was insufficient and contact was made with the NW corner of the Well. The Incident Investigation Team found: ‘The access ladder and maintenance platiorm on No. 3 leg suffered damage A cable/pipe tray running up the leg has been severely distorted in several places The firemain has been disturbed, but remains serviceable There is no apparent hull damage The lower support and guardrails of the Well navigation warning light platform are severely distorted The cause of the incident was “Operator Error’. The Master underestimated how his vessel would be affected by the strength and direction of the wind and current, In this case, the misjudgment caused a reduction in available maneuvering room and the vessel's inability to clear the Well. All Captains must take note of the error in judgment that caused the incident. You should familiarize yourself with MIM#1199.001 and MIM#1192.001, All our captains should be more cautious; your decisions can affect the lives of your passengers and crew. Manager, Marine Department ce: Executive Director, Industial Services Loss Prevention Engineer Alanine Department Employees & Contractors Safely Flyer le