Unfamiliarity breeds danger

The collision of an oil-rig support vessel equipped with azimuthing propulsion units with an oil-rig has highlighted the problems that can occur when an Officer-on-Watch is unfamiliar with different types of propulsion and steering systems.

The bridge watchkeeper in attempting to increase his ship?s distance from the nearest rig turned the port propulsion unit control to astern thrust and increased the propeller rev/min. However, he had not disengaged the automatic steering, which over-rode the propulsion unit manual control. The vessel consequently started to head along the automatic course previously programmed, towards one of the nearby rigs. The bridge watchkeeper increased propeller speed further, thinking that the azimuth propulsion unit was pointing aft, to counter the unexpected movement. Shortly after, the vessel collided with a leg of the rig, causing minor damage.

Cruise line executives are among those that have highlighted the problems their staff face in coming to terms with the operation of ships with unconventional propulsion and steering systems. This is yet another example of the need for thorough re-training of all personnel charged with operating a ship with non-conventional propulsion and steering systems.