SIMS : A 240 degree Full Mission Bridge Simulation

For the first time in the post-sea training scene in India, SIMS( Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies) crossed a mile stone by installing a full mission bridge simulator for the training of the in-house crew of Executive ship management.

The data fed are from the company's present fleet  - and hence a complete hands on and real life training for the crew has been put in place.

Apart from the staff of the institute and guidance from ESM, Singapore , we are thankful for the active involvement of many of our sailing staff on board and some even during their holidays for providing necessary data and fine tuning to the gadget.

Congratulations and a big thank you to all of you!

Safety Moment-Jan
Courses in SIMS-Jan

2

SAFETY MOMENT   - JANUARY 2004
A team of inspectors was carrying out a close up inspection of a centre cargo tank using a raft on an oil tanker. The centre tanks had been gas freed and filled with clean ballast. The wing tanks had also been gas freed. This was done by purging the tanks with fresh air blown through the bottom cargo lines by inert gas fans.

The inspection team started in the aft part of the cargo tank. In order to inspect the under deck structure additional ballast was requested. When the ballst started, turbulence capsized the raft, tipping one of the inspectors into the water. The inspector fell almost to the bottom of the tank (apprx. 20 m) in an air pocket, was knocked almost unconscious and nearly drowned. The inspector was able to swim back to the surface and was rescued by other team members.

Probable cause : Air remaining in the bottom lines (750 mm dia) fro the purging, escaped into the tank when ballasting commenced which caused very turbulent conditions in the tank, with large air bubbles coming to the surface around the raft. This caused the raft to loose buoyancy and capsize.
Lessons to learn:

1. When performing inspections of cargo/ballast tanks using a raft the inspection team should not enter or remain in the tank during any ballast operation (filling/discharging).

2. Company to ensure that all inspectors are fully aware of the dangers involved when using rafts in tanks.

3. Inspectors must use lifejackets or floatation vests.