5` DREDGING CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD VISAKHAPATNAM

S M S CHECKLISTS
Revision: 0 Date : 15-06-2021 CHECKLIST : EM -- 002
SUB: STRANDING OR GROUNDING Ref : SCM Sec 6.2
REF NO: VESSEL: Page 1 of 2

IN THE EVENT OF THE SHIP RUNNING AGROUND, THE

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE BY THE OFFICER OF THE WATCH / Remarks
MASTER SHALL BE THE FOLLOWING, AS APPROPRIATE:
1. If Dredging, stop dredging immediately
2. Sound general emergency alarm
3. Call the Master, if not already on the bridge
4. Switch on deck lighting at night
5. Sound bottom around the ship to ascertain extent of grounding and
the bottom characteristics.
6. Stop engine immediately (considering navigation situation) and
observe results. Drop Anchor, if considered necessary.
7. Inform the Engine Room of the situation and advise to change over
to higher sea suction.
8. Check for signs of oil pollution and if there is pollution, take
immediate steps to control pollution and report to coastal state
authorities or Port control, as appropriate and to H.O. as provided in
SOPEP Manual.
9. Check navigational aids, equipment, charts etc. and recheck the
position.
10. Sound all tanks and bilges & Check hull for damage & leakages.
11. Visually inspect compartments, where possible
12. Check for personnel injuries to the crew
13. Assess the damage to rudders and propellers.
14. Seek assistance of Tugs, if necessary.
15. Exhibit lights / shapes and make any appropriate sound signals.
16. Plot ship's exact position of the grounding, indicating the heading
and the time of grounding.
17. Examine the nature of the seabed
18. The Master shall inform to the PIC & DP at the earliest opportunity.
While taking guidance from the above for grounding the following
need to be borne in mind :
19. Lowering the weir level or dehoppering to float the vessel shall not
be attempted without the explicit permission of the Master.
20. No hasty action to reduce the weir level should be attempted
without ensuring that the Propellers are clear and sufficient
power is available to counter the set and / or wind.
21. If necessary it may be prudent to wait for Tug assistance and only
attempt using the vessel’s own power along with the power of the
Tug to pull the vessel into deeper waters lowering the weir
simultaneously.
22. When passing lines to a Tug it is good seamanship to pass two
strong lines through the same fairlead to ensure better combined
strength and uniformity of pull on both the lines.
23. Check regarding Wind force, local currents, the rise and fall of the
tide.
24. Reduce the draught of the ship & attempt to re-float by pumping out
5` DREDGING CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD VISAKHAPATNAM
S M S CHECKLISTS
Revision: 0 Date : 15-06-2021 CHECKLIST : EM -- 002
SUB: STRANDING OR GROUNDING Ref : SCM Sec 6.2
REF NO: VESSEL: Page 2 of 2

hopper and other tanks in case grounding occurs while dredging.

25. Keep careful and accurate records of all events and actions, with
timings and enter the same in the Deck and Official Log Book.
26. Make ship's position available to radio room / GMDSS station,
satellite terminal and other automatic distress transmitters.
27. Broadcast DISTRESS ALERT and MESSAGE if the ship is in
grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required,
otherwise broadcast an URGENCY message to ships in the vicinity
28. As soon as the situation permits, the Master shall inform the HOD
(Ops) by the quickest means available, preferably by telephone, as
per procedures given in sections ‘Reporting Emergencies’ and
‘Emergency Communication with Head Office’.
29. In addition, the Master should send the Emergency Report, to the
local authorities, Cost Guards, RCC and other parties, as
appropriate, as per procedure given in section ‘Reporting
Emergencies’, requesting assistance if required.
30. OTHER ACTIONS:(SPECIFIC TO THIS VESSEL)
a)
b)
c)
d)

NOTE:
1. This checklist is for guidance in case of Stranding or Grounding on board etc.
2. Log entry shall be made in Deck Log Book “Incident of Stranding or Grounding
occurred and EM -- 002 complied with” after the incident
3. No record of this checklist is to be kept.
4. An Incident Report GEN – 004 shall be sent as soon as possible to the DP
5. A Laminated copy of this checklist shall be kept on the Bridge & with Master.