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Gard Guidance Masters

2.16.4.1 CAUSES OF COLLISION

For further details please refer to

section 1.8 Difference between P&I insurance and Hull and Machinery insurance

Gard News 178, The interface between Hull and Machinery insurance and P&I from the P&I claim handler’s perspective

Gard News 173, Collisions – why do they occur?

Despite the fact that more and better navigation aids are available, collisions nevertheless do occur. The causes are often

over reliance on the navigation aids available

mistaken evaluation of the information provided by such aids

wrong conclusions drawn from given situations

too narrow safety margins

underestimating the prevailing tides and currents

overestimating the vessel’s manoeuvrability

insufficient reduction of speed in restricted visibility

failure to post and maintain a lookout

insufficient knowledge or wrong assessment of the ship’s position

incorrect identification of VHF traffic causing confusion between two vessels

poor communication between the Master and the officer of the watch as to who is actually in command of the watch

insufficient engine or rudder manoeuvre in adequate time

sudden failure of navigational equipment, propulsion or steering systems.

The best precautions to prevent collisions are

constant vigilance and attention

proper and clear communication by and between everybody in charge of the navigation of the vessel

proper application of the Collision Prevention Regulations.

2.16.4 Collision