THE Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has again convicted a ship's master and the shipping company for the failure of a ladder which resulted in injuries to a pilot, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
These accidents happen periodically, but are rarely prosecuted. Today, the Australian authority says preventable accidents put seafarers' lives at unacceptable risk.
'Pilots rely on a ship's master and crew to properly maintain, stow and rig pilot ladders.
'Neglecting a pilot ladder can have deadly consequences,' said AMSA operations chief Michael Drake. 'Pilots rely on a ship's master and crew to properly maintain, stow and rig pilot ladders.'
Mr Drake cited common problem, ranging from ladders that were too short, attempts to combine ladders, and the unsafe use of shackles as well as issues with inspections and maintenance.
In this instance, a pilot was boarded the Panama-flagged 12,000-dwt general cargo ship Boshi 58, when the ladder broke during the transfer. The pilot was seriously injured in the incident. The ship, which was built in 2006, is owned and managed by companies based in Hong Kong.
AMSA reports during the court proceedings, it was established that the pilot ladder had not been checked regularly. It had also been stored improperly which led to its degradation.
The master of the vessel and the shipping company Fe Ye Shipping each pleaded guilty for failing to ensure the pilot transfer arrangements complied with the regulations. The master was fined A$5,300 (US$3,450) and the shipping company A$32,000 (US$20,850).
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These accidents happen periodically, but are rarely prosecuted. Today, the Australian authority says preventable accidents put seafarers' lives at unacceptable risk.
'Pilots rely on a ship's master and crew to properly maintain, stow and rig pilot ladders.
'Neglecting a pilot ladder can have deadly consequences,' said AMSA operations chief Michael Drake. 'Pilots rely on a ship's master and crew to properly maintain, stow and rig pilot ladders.'
Mr Drake cited common problem, ranging from ladders that were too short, attempts to combine ladders, and the unsafe use of shackles as well as issues with inspections and maintenance.
In this instance, a pilot was boarded the Panama-flagged 12,000-dwt general cargo ship Boshi 58, when the ladder broke during the transfer. The pilot was seriously injured in the incident. The ship, which was built in 2006, is owned and managed by companies based in Hong Kong.
AMSA reports during the court proceedings, it was established that the pilot ladder had not been checked regularly. It had also been stored improperly which led to its degradation.
The master of the vessel and the shipping company Fe Ye Shipping each pleaded guilty for failing to ensure the pilot transfer arrangements complied with the regulations. The master was fined A$5,300 (US$3,450) and the shipping company A$32,000 (US$20,850).
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