FRONTERA - Very Serious Maritime Casualty
Vessel: FRONTERA
GAMA reference: 2017-046
Data da ocorrência acidental: 01-03-2017
Circulated on: 01-01-2018
Published on: 01-02-2018
Summary
On 1 March 2017, as FRONTERA was preparing to berth at Barreiro, the Chief Officer was reported missing. The crew member was found at the bottom of the access ladder to cargo hold No. 1, within an enclosed space, while the atmosphere detector was in alarm. The Chief Officer had entered the space alone, without authorisation, without prior ventilation, without breathing apparatus, and without applying the enclosed-space entry checklist. The crew recovered the casualty to the deck and commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The vessel made an emergency berthing in Lisbon, where the death was confirmed.
Safety recommendations
SR01-2017/046, to Reederei Erwin Strahlmann GmbH & Co. KG:
Assess including in the Safety Management System a requirement to start mechanical or natural ventilation immediately after any occurrence is reported in a closed or enclosed space.
SR02-2017/046, to Reederei Erwin Strahlmann GmbH & Co. K:
Assess requiring, after entry has been authorised and the team established, the persons entering a closed or enclosed space to wear safety harnesses that enable rapid rescue.
Lessons learned
Safer alternatives to enclosed space entry should always be considered before entry is undertaken. Where entry is unavoidable, it should be subject to formal authorisation, atmosphere testing, ventilation, the designation of an entry team, external attendance and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Competence and experience do not remove the need to comply with established procedures. Following an occurrence, ventilation should be initiated without delay, while avoiding exposure of rescuers to the hazard. The use of a safety harness connected to a retrieval system can facilitate and expedite rescue operations.