INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.

Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City

Registration No.16Q13029

COURSE MODULE
(Paper-Based)

STUDENT’S COPY

I. NAME OF PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT)

COURSE CODE
II. COURSE DESCRIPTIVE
Ship Handling and Maneuvering
TITLE / CODE
Seam 5

COURSE CREDIT UNIT

IV. PRE-REQUISITE / CO-
DW 1
REQUISITE / CREDIT UNIT 3

VI. COURSE DESCRIPTION Ship Handling and Maneuvering

MODULE NUMBER
Action to be taken following a
VII. MODULE TITLE/ NUMBER
collision 14

IX. INCLUSIVE WEEK Week Number 14

State the initial action to be taken following a collision or a grounding ;

X. COURSE OUTCOME initial damage assessment and control.

Learning Outcome: At the end of the modules, the students should be able to:
1. State that after impact the engines should be stopped, all watertight doors closed, the general alarm sounded and the
crew informed of the situation
2. State that in calm weather the colliding ship should generally remain embedded to allow the other ship time to assess the
damage or prepare to abandon ship
3. State that survival craft should be made ready for abandoning ship or assisting the crew of the other ship
4. State that a distress or an urgency signal should be made
5. State that, if not in danger, own ship should stand by to render assistance to the other for as long as necessary
6. State that all details of the collision an subsequent actions should be entered in the log-book

A. STCW Competence Addressed by the Course Module :

 A-II/1 F1.C5: Respond to Emergencies

B. STCW KUP Addressed by the Course Module:

 A-II/1 F1.C5. KUP1: Emergency Procedures

XI. MODULE RESOURCES

MINIMUM READING MATERIAL/ONLINE RESOURCES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE FACULTY; IT CAN BE
IN PDF / WORD FILE / INTERNET LINKS / ETC. AND ITS MHEIs DISCRETION BASED ON THEIR
RESOURCES / CAPABILITY

A. IMO IMDG.1: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (Volume 1)

[https://law.resource.org/pub/us/cfr/ibr/004/imo.imdg.1.2006.pdf]
B. Dangerous Goods Management Manual
[http://www.mrcmekong.org/assets/Publications/basin-reports/Dangerious-Goods-MM-
Sept2013.pdf]
C. An Introduction to the IMDG Code [http://www.imdgsupport.com/Free%20IMDG%20Code
%20introduction%2037-14.pdf]
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029

INTRODUCTION:
Even with the latest developments in navigational equipment and communication
systems, collision accidents between ships continue to occur around the world. Some of the
main reasons for such accidents are negligence, incompetence and miscommunication.
Ship Collision just does not leave the ships damaged; they can also lead to major
pollutions and claim several innocent lives. Not to forget the ill fated ferry MV Dona PAZ, a
Philippine registered passenger ferry, that collided with MT Vector an oil tanker on
20th December 1987 and killed 4386 lives including 11 crew members from MT vector.
Although technology has conferred in many ways the safety in shipping industry, it’s a
fact that ship collision incidents continue to happen, constituting one of the most common
types of
maritime

Collision

Duties of
Probable Cause Actions to Take
Officers
accidents.

LESSON MAP:

COLLISION
Collisions must be avoided - as rule 16 of the International Collision Regulations states - every
vessel, which is directed to keep out of the way of another vessel, must take early and substantial
action to stay clear.
Collision Imminent
Whatever action you take, it should be to prevent contact, however if collision is unavoidable you
should reduce damage to ‘sensitive’ areas of both vessels.
Probable Causes of Ship Collision Incidents
As we all know, collision is a structural impact that occurs between two vessels and may result in
severe damages, pollution or even loss of human lives. Most ship collisions have been caused by:
 lack of communication between vessels
 incompetence
 poor knowledge
 restricted visibility
 bad weather conditions
 failures of critical system for vessels’ navigation
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029

Reduction of damage can be achieved by:

 Taking speed off the vessel (full astern, etc).
 Attempting to avoid by turning the vessel (a
glancing blow rather than a direct
contact).  A bow to bow situation or bow to
quarter situation will be far less damaging
that the bow cutting directly into the other
vessel's hull, particularly near the engine
room  compartment.

Actions to Take

AFTER COLLISION WITH SITUATION CONTROLLED

 Sound emergency muster alarm – (7 short,  contact the other vessel and give
1 long) whatever assistance is necessary (without
 Stop the vessel endangering your vessel) to ensure the
 Transmit distress or urgency signal on the safety of life of the people from both
radio (if necessary) vessels
 Evacuate passengers and crew to  produce documents and exchange
emergency stations particulars adequate to identify the vessel
 Ensure all people are accounted for and and details of ownership
check for injuries  stay by the other vessel until no
 Ensure the safety of the vessel and all on- further help is needed
board - Master's responsibility  notify the authorities at the earliest
 Determine the extent of damage opportunity but within 48 hours of the
 Sound tank/s incident occurring (Check your
 Inspect bilges or sound if enclosed State/Territory’s’ Legislation as to the exact
 Observe for any oil, or fuel spills in the length of time for reporting and who to
water around the vessel. report to)
***If damage has occurred take damage  log details of event in the vessel log
control measures: book or record book as soon as possible
 Prepare lifesaving equipment after the event
 Prepare to abandon (if situation  attend to any injured person
deteriorates)   undertake an on-board inquiry and
detail information
 if required show the appropriate
signals undertake repairs
 **If assistance from other vessels is non-
existent and the vessel looks like foundering
with a coastline nearby, consider ‘beaching’
the vessel.
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029

NOTE: If the collision between the two vessels

has resulted in the vessel piercing the other and
becoming wedged, the striking vessel should
refrain from going astern immediately, as this
may result in one or both vessels' sinking.  If
abandonment of either vessel is essential,
transferring to the stable vessel, while wedged,
may be easier than by doing so via water.

Considering the vulnerability of such situation (collision), mentioned below are important points
to consider when a vessel meets with such unfortunate emergency.

Note: It should be understood that the following points are just for the purpose of guidance,
and during a real situation, one’s knowledge, seamanship and personal competence come in
to play in handling the situation and saving lives.

1. Inform the Master and Engine room This is obvious, but make sure you
inform the Master, if he is not on bridge.
Inform the engine room and stop the
engine. The officer on watch should not
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029

2. Immediately Send Distress Signal Send designated or undesignated distress messages

through VHF, MF/HF, SAT C or any other available
means, depending on the sea area you are in and time
limit you have. If you have enough time inform the
company and the nearest coast radio station about the
incident.

3. Record Important Data Record the time of ship collision, name and IMO
number of the vessel(s) you collided with. Waste no time
in arguing with other vessel. Leave VHF channel 16
unoccupied, through which, you can get necessary
   information regarding assistance and help if the situation
demands. Use any other VHF channel for inter/intra ship
communication. If possible, take a photograph of the
collision from a secure location.

4. Sound the Alarms Sound the general emergency alarm; general alarm
signal is sounded as precaution. It should not be mistaken
as a signal for abandoning the ship. Take attendance, if
anybody is missing report the same to the master. Inform
the officer responsible on muster station about the
situation. Make arrangements, to search and find the
missing person. The responsible officers and crew should
lower the life boats up to embarkation deck and make all
arrangements to abandon the vessel at quick notice. It
should be noted that engine room should not be left
unattended if the impact of collision is minimal, which do
not need an immediate evacuation of the compartment.
Also, the engine room in-charge should ensure all officers
and crew working in the engine room are ready with their
life jackets and TPA if immediate evacuation is required
in the later stages.

5. Assess the Damage Send an officer responsible to the area where the
vessels have taken the impact. Inquire about the
percentage of damage occurred. If the damaged area is an
enclosed space, ensure to take all necessary precautions,
for enclosed space entry. Make an assessment of the
damage and report the same to master. Any decision
should be taken by the master or if the master is incapable
of making decision or carry out his duties, the person next
to his command should do so.
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
6. Take the Soundings
7. Take Immediate Action In Case of
Damage
8. Check For Oil Spill
9. Reach The Nearest Port, If
Possible
10. Abandon The Ship
Everything Else Fails
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029
Send crew to take sounding of all ballast tanks,
fresh water tanks, and wing tanks. Give instruction to
engine room to take sounding of all tanks in engine
room. All tanks soundings are to be taken and
recorded, because the tanks far away from the impact
can experience damage or crack due the shock created
by the collision. Record the sounding of all tanks and
compare it with the previous sounding data. If there is
any change in the sounding, there can be a crack or a
hole in the tank. The sounding of the particular tank or
tanks should be monitored carefully and the rate of
increase or decrease in water should be calculated.
If any tank or tanks appeared to have suffered
damage and ingress of water is confirmed, make
necessary arrangements to pump out the water. If the
pumps are not effective and cannot contain the ingress
of water the whole compartment can be sealed
preventing other compartments from being flooded. If
a self- closing water tight door is provided, it should
be operated from the bridge itself.
If any of the fuel tanks or oil tank is damaged and
if there is imminent danger of oil spill. The procedures
mentioned in SOPEP plan should be followed to
contain the oil spill.
If the master attempts to correct adverse list or
trim, he should consider the effects of shear force,
bending movements, free surface effect when
transferring liquids and blasting and de-blasting on the
hull. If the own ship to be afloat without danger and
engines are ready to maneuver, set course for the
nearest port for repair.  All the above mentioned duties
have to be carried out in a very quick sequence and
with utmost precision as collision can lead to other
emergencies simultaneously.
Only if If the own vessel appears to be sinking and
leaving no other choice except to abandon the vessel,
it should be a verbal order from the master. It should
be always kept in mind that a ship is the best lifeboat.
The master and crew should always try and carry out
all necessary means to keep it afloat. But once the
decision is made to abandon the vessel, no time should
be wasted. All crew should carry out their duties
effectively and escape from the sinking ship as
quickly and as far away as possible.
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029

Even with strict regulations for training and qualification of seafarers, many times the crew
gets panicked and forgets the duties during such emergency. Though it is easier said than done,
the crew should be trained well on board by regular drills. They should be well informed about
the use of life saving equipment and their operating procedures. If a new person joins the vessel,
he should be well familiarized with vessels, emergency procedures, escape routes, location of
life saving equipment etc. before the vessel leaves the port. Any emergency requires quick and
prompt response from the crew and this can be only achieved by regular training and practice of
such emergencies as mock drills.

Real Life Incident

On May 17th, 2017, two bulk carriers were transiting in Singapore Strait. Vessel A suffered a
power loss,
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radars and could not detect the change in Vessel A’s heading and speed. This change was
discovered at a very late stage, resulting in the collision of the two bulk carriers in the East-
bound water route of the traffic separation scheme (TSS) off Batu Berhanti, in Singapore Strait.
Vessel A sustained damages to her bow. Vessel B, sustained major damages, the one to the port
side forward ballast tanks both above and below the waterline, to the port side hull and deck
fittings from cargo hold no. 1 to just forward of the accommodation. Both vessels were able to
proceed to an anchorage, off Singapore where the respective damages were assessed.

When a ship collision occurs, in order to ensure vessel and

personnel’s safety, the following major concern categories
should be checked:
 Vessel’s ability to maintain stability, movement
and navigation
 The functionality of major machinery systems and equipment
 Crew, cargo and environment safety
 Notification of all related stakeholders
 INTER-GLOBAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION, INC.
Brgy. Bocohan, Lucena City
Registration No.16Q13029

Duties of Officers

MASTER’S LEGAL OBLIGATION CHIEF OFFICER’S DUTIES

1. Standby to render assistance
2. Exchange information with master of
other information – General
particulars of other vessel
 Port of departure
 Port of destination
3. Report accident to Marine Accident
Investigation Bureau (MAIB)
4. Make entries in official log book
1. Internal sounding of all tanks – check
watertight integrity
2. Machinery space wet or dry
3. Head count – check for casualties
4. Investigate pollution possibilities
5. Will consider ballasting to bring
damaged portion above waterline

External Communications following Emergency:

1. Distress/Urgency Signal
2. Exchange information with other vessel
3. MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Bureau)
4. Company, Owners, Charterers
5. AMVER
6. Coastguard/MRCC
7. Agents (Port of refuge)
8. Tugs/Towing
9. Dry Docking
10. Weather reports