MARINE MIRROR

By Tarun Kansal, Marine Technical Superintendent

When facing a marine incident, such as a collision, grounding, fire, or pollution event, a swift and organized response is crucial to minimize risks, ensure the safety of crew, environment, and assets, and comply with regulations. Effective delegation of tasks ensures all necessary actions are taken in an orderly and timely manner. Here’s how you can structure this delegation:

1. Form an Incident Response Team (IRT)

Establish a clear Incident Response Team to oversee and manage the incident. This team should include key personnel such as the Master, Chief Engineer, Safety Officer, and relevant shore-side management (e.g., operations, legal, and PR teams). Each member of the team should have predefined roles and responsibilities for dealing with marine incidents.

2. Define the Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly assign roles and tasks based on the individual’s rank, experience, and area of expertise. This ensures that each team member knows what is expected of them and can act quickly without confusion. The primary roles can be distributed as follows:

a. Master (Incident Commander)

• Primary Responsibility: The Master has overall command and responsibility for the safety of the crew and the vessel. They are the focal point for decision-making onboard.
• Delegated Tasks:
  • Ensure the immediate safety of the crew (mustering, life-saving procedures).
  • Take charge of communication with external authorities (coast guard, port authority, etc.).
  • Make key decisions on course of action (abandon ship, engine room shutdown, etc.).
  • Maintain clear logs and records of the incident for investigation and legal purposes.

b. Chief Engineer

• Primary Responsibility: Oversee all technical aspects related to the engine room, machinery, and vessel’s propulsion systems.
• Delegated Tasks:
  • Ensure safety measures are taken to secure the engine room and prevent escalation (e.g., fire, flooding).
  • Ensure machinery and equipment are functional for potential maneuvers.
  • Coordinate with firefighting or damage control teams onboard.
  • Assist the Master in determining if the vessel can continue navigating or needs immediate assistance.

c. Chief Officer (Deck Officer)

• Primary Responsibility: Ensure the safety and operation of the deck and cargo operations.
• Delegated Tasks:
  • Assess any deck-related damage or leaks.
  • Coordinate the deployment of firefighting or pollution prevention equipment.
  • Ensure the safe management of cargo and ballast systems.
  • Lead crew in damage control, firefighting, or pollution response as necessary.

d. Safety Officer

• Primary Responsibility: Oversee safety operations, including crew mustering and emergency equipment deployment.
• Delegated Tasks:
  • Ensure that the crew is safe, mustered, and accounted for.
  • Oversee the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure safe evacuation routes are clear if necessary.
  • Lead fire and damage control teams onboard and coordinate drills and preparedness actions.

e. Shore-side Management (Operations & Technical Team)

• Primary Responsibility: Support the vessel’s response and provide critical resources and advice.
• Delegated Tasks:
  • Engage with classification societies, flag state, insurance companies, and other regulatory authorities.
  • Arrange for external assistance such as tugs, salvage teams, and divers if necessary.
  • Manage external communication with stakeholders (charterers, owners, insurers, etc.).
  • Oversee any logistical needs for crew evacuation, vessel repairs, or supplies.

3. Initiate a Response Protocol

Having a well-defined Emergency Response Manual onboard is vital. Delegate responsibility for initiating key elements of the protocol, which may include:

• Damage assessment: Assign specific officers to conduct an immediate assessment of hull breaches, fire zones, or equipment damage.
• Fire and damage control teams: Pre-assign crew to specific fire stations or damage control positions. These teams should be well-versed in handling emergency equipment and know the location of all firefighting systems, first aid stations, and pollution control gear.
• Pollution prevention: In case of an oil spill or pollutant release, delegate a team to deploy booms, spill kits, and take initial steps to contain the spread.
• Communications: While the Master takes overall responsibility for external communication, assign a designated officer (often the Radio Officer) to handle real-time communications with authorities and coordinate with the shore-side teams.

4. Ensure Effective Communication Channels

Assign personnel responsible for internal and external communication to ensure a consistent flow of information. This minimizes confusion and keeps all parties updated:

• Internal Communications: A senior officer should be in charge of briefing the crew regularly, updating them on the situation and any specific instructions.
• External Communications: The Master, or a delegated officer, should communicate with the shore-side support team and authorities. This includes providing incident updates, requesting assistance, and confirming actions.

5. Monitor and Record the Incident

Continuous monitoring and documentation are essential for future investigations and claims. Delegating an officer to log all events and actions taken, including timestamps, provides a factual record to authorities and insurers.

6. Post-Incident Review and Recovery

Once the immediate threat is contained, delegate tasks for recovery. This includes:

• Injury and damage assessment: Assign a team to assess the full extent of damage and report to the Master.
• Crew welfare: Ensure that the safety officer or medic handles crew health assessments and first aid if required.
• Vessel stability and safety: Assign the Chief Officer and Chief Engineer to jointly review the ship’s structural and mechanical integrity before deciding on next steps (repair, tow, or return to port).

Conclusion

A well-structured and pre-planned delegation of tasks allows for a smooth and organized response to marine incidents. The key to success lies in preparation, role clarity, communication, and constant training of crew members in emergency procedures.

Marine Mirror©