In any case, it is crucial that you need to be aware of the emergency drills pertaining to a specific vessel once you venture into it. Your ship may also have a checklist something like this past in the bridge and engine room regarding the function of the crew once accident like collision takes place. Time is always of essence in the case of an accident; the faster one takes necessary precautions, the better. Every accident situation will be unique, but here are follow general guidelines that are common for all and specific instructions you are given by the ship’s master are:
Sound the Alarm
There must be sounding of internal emergency alarm to inform the crew and the ship’s master about the incident. A verbal communication should also be given in relation to the situation. If it is dark carry deck lights to allow the personnel to move around freely and avoid areas that are deemed unsafe. In the event of a collision, there may be certain post impact maneuvers that should be performed, and there may be a requirement to select manual steer.
Shape Personnel and Passengers
Muster all persons on the vessel excluding the crew needed for operating in the engine space to check if there were any losses or victims. If any person goes missing, it should be reported to the bridge so that someone can organize search. Get medical treatment for the injuries as soon as possible.
Alert the Engine Room
The engine room may already know if it was large enough to be heard or felt but communication is paramount. The engine room should be manned after accident unless it is hazardous to do so. However, working in the engine room should have their life jackets and thermal protective aids (TPA) provided ready in case of an evacuation.
Ensure there are no Leaks then Secure Floodable Hatches if Required Every tank, bilge and well should be sounded as soon as possible. An impact is possible to pass energy and create damage in other area of the ship, that is why it is important to inspected every area of the vessel including the engine room. If the soundings show that there could be a leak, then action should be made to ensure the ship does not start to flood. Examples of controls could be operation of pumps, or sealing of watertight doors designed to prevent water from entering to other parts of the ship.
Inform Other Ship and Other Vessels in The Vicinity
To reduce risk of collision with the other vessels in the vicinity, the crew should broadcast urgency or distress, if none then display ‘Not under Command’ (NUC) lights and shapes if applicable. If they have more time on their hands to address the issue, the vessel may call other shore stations and their shipping firm. If so, you should make contact with the other ship and find out if they need any help or if you are needed to stand by.
Take the following information from the other vessel for your record…
- Vessel name
- Port of registry
- Type of cargo
- When and where bound Attend and Deal Proceed with Caution to the Nearest Harbor Donning is very rare and applied only when the master of the vessel has exhausted all methods for maintaining the ship afloat.
In most circumstances, it will proceed to the nearest available location for a repair work to be accomplished. The ship’s master will record protest the moment the port has been attained, pin the blame on the careless company via dispatch.
Why You Need to Contact with US Legal Law’ Professional Following a Ship Collision?
Being a seaman it’s your right to get the disability & accident benefits under the State’s law. If you are suffering from an unfortunate situation of ship collision that was the negligence of another vessel or even your own crewmates or employer, then you must seek compensation for your losses. Moreover, immediate action is needed in this sort of situation because as the time passes the testimony & evidence become increasingly hard to obtain.
Contact the expert of US Legal Law today & learn more about your all-legal options on immediate basis without wasting your precious time.
What Should You Do If Your Ship Was in A Collision? 
