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 th, 2006.
Summary of Incident
Weather conditions:
Wind: NWly 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 to 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 platform 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
vessels 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.

Abdulsalam A. Yousef
Manager, Marine Department
cc: Executive Director, Industrial Services
Loss Prevention Engineer
All Marine Department Employees & Contractors
Safety Flyer file