KUP 28 Appreciate the procedures to be followed for rescuing persons from the sea, assisting a ship in distress, responding to emergencies which arise in port

Seafarers and port personnel must be prepared to respond effectively to a variety of emergencies, prioritizing the safety of life and property. This lesson will delve into the critical procedures involved in rescuing individuals from the sea, providing assistance to ships in distress, and managing crises that may occur within port boundaries. These procedures are not merely theoretical guidelines but encompass a combination of practical skills, technical knowledge, and adherence to international regulations. We will explore the coordinated efforts required between ship crews, rescue services, and port authorities, emphasizing the importance of swift action, clear communication, and adherence to established protocols.

Learning objectives

Search and Rescue (SAR)

The 1979 Hamburg Convention aimed to establish a global maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) plan, ensuring coordinated rescue efforts by SAR organizations, potentially collaborating with neighboring ones, regardless of the accident’s location.

While ships were traditionally and legally obligated to assist vessels in distress (as per SOLAS 1974), a comprehensive international system for SAR operations was lacking before this convention. Some regions had well-organized rescue capabilities, while others had none, leading to inconsistent response and potential delays in critical situations. The convention sought to address this disparity by creating a unified framework for maritime SAR.

Alongside revising the SAR Convention, the IMO and ICAO collaborated to create and release the IAMSAR Manual (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue). This three-volume guide covers Organization and Management, Mission Coordination, and Mobile Facilities, providing a comprehensive framework for both aviation and maritime search and rescue operations.The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) system aims to support countries in fulfilling their search and rescue (SAR) responsibilities as outlined in agreements like the International Civil Aviation Convention, the Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR) Convention, and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. IAMSAR offers guidelines for a standardized approach to organizing and delivering SAR services, applicable to both aviation and maritime sectors. It encourages nations to enhance their SAR capabilities, collaborate with neighboring states, and view their efforts as part of a global SAR network.Alongside revising the SAR Convention, the IMO and ICAO collaborated to create and release the IAMSAR Manual (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue). This three-volume guide covers Organization and Management, Mission Coordination, and Mobile Facilities, providing a comprehensive framework for both aviation and maritime search and rescue operations.

Man overboard

“Man overboard” refers to a crew member falling into the sea, whether the ship is in open water or a calm port. Seafarers must exercise caution while working onboard, as even in seemingly safe conditions, accidents or negligence can lead to someone falling overboard. This is an emergency situation, requiring swift action to locate and rescue the person. Harsh weather, rough seas, and cold water temperatures pose significant risks of drowning or hypothermia, emphasizing the urgency of a rapid response.

A man overboard situation is a critical emergency, and swift rescue is essential. Locating the person can be challenging in rough seas or adverse weather, and delays risk drowning or hypothermia. Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that happens when the body’s core temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), significantly lower than the normal 37°C (98.6°F). It’s usually caused by being in a cold environment, but can also be triggered by a mix of factors like prolonged exposure to cold, wetness, wind, excessive sweating, lack of activity, or immersion in cold water.

Plan of action in case of man overboard

1. Shout “Man overboard” and indicate the side.
2. Switch from autopilot to manual steering and turn the wheel sharply towards that side.
3. Deploy the MOB marker from the bridge wing on the same side.
4. Mark the position on GPS by pressing the MOB button.
5. Sound three prolonged blasts on the ship’s whistle and raise the “Oscar” flag.
6. Post additional lookouts as quickly as possible.
7. Activate the general alarm to summon everyone to their stations.
8. Announce the MOB situation over the ship’s PA system.
9. Notify the engine room of the need for maneuvering.
10. Perform the Williamson turn.
11. Monitor the radar/ARPA and set the VHF radio to channel 16.
12. Record all events in the bell book.
13. Follow the Captain’s orders.
14. The Chief Mate handles deck decisions, such as lowering survival craft.
15. The Third Mate assists the Captain on the bridge.
16. The officer in charge transmits an urgency signal to alert nearby ships.
17. Maintain visual contact with the MOB marker.
18. Prepare the rescue boat with a fully equipped crew wearing personal location beacons.
19. The rescue boat officer should have a handheld VHF radio.
20. Once rescued, bring the person, rescue boat, and MOB marker back to the ship.
21. Administer first aid if needed.
22. Send an urgency signal to cancel the MOB alert.
23. Record the incident in the ship’s logbook.
24. The Captain will conduct an inquiry into the incident and logbook entries.

Shouting “man overboard” immediately is crucial for mobilizing all available crew members. Spotting a person in the water, especially during daylight glare, can be difficult, making swift action essential to prevent tragedy. The lifebuoy is vital as its smoke signal creates a visible marker, day or night. It’s equally important to retrieve the lifebuoy after a rescue, to avoid misleading other vessels and ensure they don’t mistakenly initiate a search for a person who’s already been saved. As a preventive measure, always wear a life jacket while working on deck. If you fall overboard, conserve energy by avoiding excessive movement or panicking. Entries in the Ship’s Logbook are legally significant and require meticulous recording. It’s crucial to strive for success on the first attempt, as even a slight delay could result in the loss of life during emergencies.

Maneuvers listed in IAMSAR manual

The Williamson Turn:

1. Observe and note the ship’s current position.
2. Turn the wheel sharply towards the side where the person fell overboard.
3. Once the ship’s course has changed by approximately 60 degrees, turn the wheel sharply to the opposite side.
4. When the ship is 20 degrees away from the reciprocal course (180 degrees opposite the original course), bring the wheel back to midship position.

The Anderson Turn:

1. Immediately stop the engines.
2. Turn the rudder hard towards the person in the water.
3. Once the person is clear, engage full ahead propulsion while maintaining the rudder hard over.
4. After turning approximately 240 degrees (roughly two-thirds of a full circle), reverse the engines at two-thirds to full power.
5. Stop the engines when the target point (where the person fell overboard) is 15 degrees off the bow.
6. Gently adjust the rudder and use reverse propulsion as needed to approach the person for rescue.

The Scharnov Turn:

1. Turn the rudder sharply in the direction of the person overboard.
2. After changing course by roughly 240 degrees, shift the rudder hard to the opposite side.
3. As the ship approaches 20 degrees before the reciprocal course (180 degrees opposite the original), return the rudder to the center position, allowing the vessel to turn onto the reciprocal course.

Assisting a ship in distress

The provision of “places of refuge” for ships in distress is a critical aspect of maritime contingency planning. It involves balancing the rights and interests of coastal states with the necessity of providing assistance to damaged, disabled, or distressed vessels at sea.

In November 2003, the IMO Assembly adopted two resolutions on this issue, marking a significant step towards helping those involved in incidents that might require a place of refuge to make timely and informed decisions.

1. Resolution A.949(23) Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance are meant to be applied when a ship requires aid, but there is no immediate threat to human life. In situations where lives are at risk, the procedures outlined in the SAR Convention should still be followed.
2. Resolution A.950(23) recommends that all coastal States establish a Maritime Assistance Service (MAS). This service would have several key functions: receiving various reports and notifications required by IMO instruments, monitoring a ship’s status if a report suggests potential trouble, acting as a communication hub for non-distress situations that still require interaction between the ship and coastal State, and serving as a contact point during private salvage operations if the coastal State deems it necessary to oversee the process.

Regulation 33 of Chapter V of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) deals with distress situations, specifically the obligations and procedures for ships to follow when encountering distress signals at sea.

Key points of Regulation 33:

• Obligation to Assist: The master of a ship at sea, upon receiving information that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance. This obligation applies regardless of the nationality or status of those in distress.
• Information and Coordination: The master must inform the persons in distress or the search and rescue service of their intentions to provide assistance. They should also attempt to establish communication with other ships or aircraft that might be closer to the distress location.
• Exceptions: The master may deviate from this obligation only if:
  • The ship is unable to provide assistance.
  • It’s unreasonable or unnecessary to do so, considering the specific circumstances and recommendations from the organization.
• Logbook Entry: If unable or deciding not to proceed, the master must record the reasons in the logbook.
• Additional Considerations:
  • The regulation references the IAMSAR Manual (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue), which provides detailed guidance on search and rescue procedures.
  • It also emphasizes the importance of coordinating rescue efforts with the responsible search and rescue service.

Emergency in port

An emergency is defined as any event or circumstance that could potentially lead to destruction, damage, disruption, loss of life, or health and safety concerns. This encompasses all situations that, if left unmanaged, may negatively impact port operations (including other users, customers, or visitors), the environment, and the surrounding community.

Before arriving at any port, the agent provides the Master with information on the port’s safety rules, emergency procedures, and arrangements. Upon arrival, a safety meeting is held by port authorities to explain emergency preparedness and procedures. All crew members must be briefed on the port’s safety/emergency management system and evacuation plans, adhering strictly to them in case of an emergency.

Actions by port authorities

Port authorities worldwide are tasked with maintaining a safe and secure environment. This is accomplished through preventive measures, detection systems, emergency and disaster recovery plans, training and awareness programs, and regular audits and inspections. Specifically, ports are responsible for developing and implementing emergency procedures and standards for situations under their direct control. This includes establishing systems for maintaining and practicing these procedures, as well as coordinating with external emergency services.

Additionally, ports must create effective evacuation plans to ensure the safe and orderly removal of all personnel if necessary. They are also responsible for ensuring that all port users, such as contractors, have their own emergency, evacuation, and recovery plans in place. This fosters a coordinated response in the event of an emergency that could impact port operations, other users, or the environment.

In case of an emergency, the port will take the following actions:

1. Activate the Port Emergency Response Plan.
2. Contact relevant emergency services.
3. Notify nearby port users and customers who may be affected.
4. Evacuate if necessary.
5. Contain and control any environmental spills or releases, if safe to do so.
6. Inform the Regional Harbour Master if required.

Evacuation and Restricted Port Access:

While the appropriate emergency services are ultimately responsible for evacuation during a port incident, the port itself handles the initial response. All those affected within the port area will be informed through the best available means.

Ship Actions During an Emergency:

• Ship Masters: Responsible for the control and safety of their vessels, ensuring they can withstand severe weather events like cyclones, floods, and tidal surges.
• Regional Harbour Master: Responsible for controlling ships during cyclones and other severe weather conditions.
• Port Authority: Responsible for its own operations, employees, and keeping port users informed.
• Compliance: Ship Masters and owners must comply with any directives from the Regional Harbour Master, including orders to leave the port.
• Cessation of Operations: All port users, including customers, visitors, contractors, and the public, must cease operations if directed by the port authority.

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