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Table of contents

Gard Guidance Masters

3.9.1.1 ACTION TO BE TAKEN

A. Immediate action

  • Reference should be made to the Emergency Contingency Plan
  • watertight integrity of the vessel should be assessed
  • all tanks must be sounded to check for water ingress
  • make an assessment of the forces on the vessel’s structure taking into account cargo distribution and prevailing tides and weather
  • proper navigation lights or shapes must be displayed
  • radio warnings should be broadcast to vessels in the vicinity of the grounding site to keep clear
  • consider attempting to refloat.

    B. Reporting
    The Company, the Hull and Machinery and/or P&I insurers and the local correspondents should be informed immediately, providing the following information

  • date and vessel’s time of the grounding
  • position/location of the grounding
  • extent of damage sustained by the vessel
  • description of the part of the vessel aground
  • depth of water around the vessel
  • cargo distribution
  • prevailing weather conditions at the time of the grounding (keep any weather records)
  • prevailing tide and current
  • consistency of the seabed
  • any pollution arising as a result of the grounding, please see section 3.12 Pollution
  • confirmation of notification to the nearest local authority or the National Operational Contact Point of the grounding.

    C. Salvor in attendance
    Whenever a salvor is in attendance, the Master should keep a detailed, chronological record of the following

  • weather, wind, sea and tidal conditions from commencement of the refloating operation
  • names and position of tugs attending
  • times the tugs commenced the refloating operation
  • all activities undertaken and progress achieved
  • materials used by the salvor
  • personnel involved
  • any damage and/or risk of damage to the salvor’s equipment and property
  • any discussions with the salvors.

    During the refloating operation the Master should keep a detailed record of the vessel’s expenses and excess costs incurred in respect of

  • crew involvement (name, time and activity involved)
  • fuel used (heavy fuel, diesel and lubrication oil)
  • vessel’s equipment used and damaged.