NOW that deepsea captains have become "day workers" and ships still arrive at dawn, more attention should be placed on the drafting and enforcement of master's night orders, says a major British marine insurer.
"The value of masters' night orders should not be underestimated in the quest for the efficient and safe performance of a ship, particularly during port calls," said London P&I Club's StopLoss Bulletin.
"Invariably, deepsea masters function as 'day-workers' and, with an early morning ETA [estimated times of arrival] at the pilot station, there is a great deal for ships' officers and crew to prepare after a long voyage," it said.
"Efficient planning in advance can help an operation to be carried out in a controlled and safe manner with the minimum of stress for all parties," said the report.
Master's night orders are traditionally a set of instructions for overnight bridge officers to digest and act upon to ensure that, by the time a ship reaches the pilot station, all are at their stations and all physical preparations are made and the ship is ready to enter port.
The club recommends measures to be taken. "These include calling the master with sufficient time available to appraise the full navigational situation and to develop proper night vision before reaching the pilot station, or taking the con and calling the pilot station to confirm ETA and berthing prospects," said the club bulletin.
"Masters' night orders should also seek to ensure that day crew are called at a reasonable time so that items such as anchors are cleared, pilot boarding arrangements are safely in place and flags/call signs are ready to be run up.
"Consideration should also be given to calling the duty engineer to ensure that engines are on standby suitably in advance of being required for manoeuvring.
"It is also important to endeavour to ensure that bridge manning is increased as required, that mooring ropes are prepared, and that bridge arrival checklists are completed and required systems checked," the club said.
WORLD SHIPPING
24 November 2014 - 22:41
London P&I Club calls for greater attention to masters' night orders
NOW that deepsea captains have become "day workers" and ships still arrive at dawn, more attention should be placed on the drafting and enforcement of master's night orders, says a major British marine insurer.
WORLD SHIPPING
24 November 2014 - 22:41
London P&I Club calls for greater attention to masters' night orders
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