WHAT IF, SO WHAT Flashcards
Steering gear failure
Initial actions
Call the Master.
If in use, disengage the autopilot.
Engage an alternate means of steering if present. If not, commence with the emergency steering procedure.
If safe, take all way off the engines
Subsequent actions
Display NUC lights or shapes and sound signals.
Modify AIS status.
Check for navigational hazards and vessels in the vicinity and continue to maintain the watch.
Broadcast a SAFETY or URGENCY message if requested by the Master.
Gyro failure
Inform Master
Switch to 2nd Gyro if fitted, if not
Change to manual steering
Both steering pumps on
Use Magnetic compass and apply deviation from deviation card to obtain compass course to steer
Plot position more frequently
Enter headings on ECDIS and RADAR manually
- Note, RADAR will automatically switch to head up mode
Reduce speed if necessary
Check manual for troubleshooting
Vessel starts acting weird moving side to side (steering gear)
Call the Master
Try both pumps and different steering modes
Inform engine room
Reduce speed
If not steering works, establish comms with emergency steering compartment and begin emergency steering procedure
If still having difficulties, display NUC lights or shapes and send urgency message for vessels in the area
Autopilot fails
Change from Autopilot to manual steering straight away
Inform Master
Consult manual for trouble shooting
GPS Faliure
Inform Master
Change to backup GPS on ECDIS, RADAR, AIS, GMDSS Radio Station
Main Engine failure
Initial actions
Call the Master and establish communication with the Engine Control Room.
Disengage autopilot and take immediate action to steer the vessel clear of any danger, including vessels and navigational hazards in the vicinity.
Fix the vessel’s position.
Post additional lookouts.
Display Not Under Command lights and shapes, and as AIS status.
Close all watertight doors, weather tight doors and openings.
Subsequent actions
Take note of tides and currents which may influence the vessel to drift into danger.
Broadcast a SAFETY or URGENCY message upon the Master’s request, and modify the AIS status.
If appropriate, inform VTS or the Port Authority.
Prepare to anchor if the water depth and conditions are appropriate.
Actions following a collision
Initial actions
Call the Master and the duty engineer.
Sound the general alarm and continue to maintain the watch.
Stop engines, but do not attempt to maneuver away from the other vessel.
Close all watertight and automatic fire doors.
Turn on deck lighting.
Subsequent actions
Establish communications with the other vessel and offer assistance under the Master’s guidance.
Establish communication with the Muster stations to ensure that crew and passengers are in the process of mustering.
Broadcast an URGENCY or DISTRESS message upon the
Master’s request.
Carry out damage control as per the vessel’s damage control plan.
Request for all tanks, bilges and void spaces to be sounded.
Assess the vessels stability.
Check for spills and pollution.
Inform VTS or the port authority and the company’s emergency response team.
Actions following grounding
Initial actions
Call the Master.
Sound the general alarm and ensure that all crew have mustered.
Notify the engine control room.
Close all watertight doors and automatic fire doors.
If possible and safe, maneuver to keep the vessel as safe as possible. Avoid going full astern as this can worsen the situation and cause further damage.
Display vessel aground lights, day shapes, and sound signals as appropriate.
Actions for flooding
Initial actions
Call the Master.
Sound the general alarm and ensure crew are mustered.
Stop the engines until the situation is assessed.
Disengage autopilot and switch to hand steering.
Close all watertight and fire doors.
If appropriate, transmit an URGENCY or DISTRESS message.
Abandon ship procedure
Emergency procedure
Broadcast a DISTRESS message upon the Master’s orders.
Instruct crew to don lifejackets and immersion suits ensuring that all have mustered.
Prepare survival craft.
Collect the EPIRB, SART and SOLAS radios, along with other abandon ship kits and essentials such as additional food, water and supplies. Don’t forget the log book and charts (if carried).
Follow the procedures for launching the survival craft, ensuring that all embark with the correct personal LSA.
Once launched, try to keep the survival craft a safe distance, close to the vessel and in contact with each other.
Activate the EPIRB and SART and commence survival efforts.
