Gard Guidance to Masters

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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.

3.9.1.1 Action to be taken