FOLLOWING the deaths of three stevedores in a cargo on the bulk carrier Berge Mawson the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch has called for a review into the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers.
It found the deaths of the stevedores in 2022 was caused by entering an enclosed space containing a noxious atmosphere.
In the accident investigation report Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll, said that in this accident, it is evident that the stevedores did not have sufficient understanding of the hazards posed by coal cargoes nor, more worryingly, had they received training about the dangers associated with entering enclosed spaces.
The accident on the Isle of Man registered bulk carrier, on 27 June, 2022 was at Bunyu Island anchorage in Indonesia.
Mr Moll said cargo operations on board bulk carriers require stevedores and other shore workers to carry out tasks on board, often working separately from the crew.
“Although Berge Mawson’s crew were well-trained in their emergency response to enclosed space accidents, their drill scenarios did not involve shore workers who could be on board at the time.
“In the crew’s rush to collect rescue equipment, they left the entry point to an enclosed space containing a noxious atmosphere unguarded, and this oversight tragically led to the second and third stevedores dying in a well-intentioned but misguided attempt to rescue their colleague.
“Despite international and industry guidance on the training stevedores should receive before working on bulk carriers, InterManager data shows that, of the 257 enclosed space fatalities reported between 1999 and 2023, 67 (26%) were stevedores or shore workers.”
In this case, despite prompt medical attention all three men died.
Berge Mawson was loading coal from barges using a floating crane.
During a pause in loading due to heavy rain, all hatches were closed.
After the rain stopped, a stevedore attempted to access a bulldozer in cargo hold No.7 but mistakenly entered the access space of cargo hold No.8 and was overcome.
Two other stevedores collapsed while attempting to rescue him as crew collected rescue equipment.
“To help prevent further loss of life it is essential that bulk carrier and terminal operating procedures, practices and training equip shore workers to operate safely on board the vessels they attend,” Mr Moll said.
A recommendation has been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to review and revise the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers to ensure that emergency drill scenarios for enclosed space rescues include the possible presence of shoreside staff or third parties.
Recommendations have also been made to Bunyu Port Organizing Unit, PT Bintang Kartika Segara and PT Tanjung Mas to follow the guidelines set out in the IMSBC Code, BLU Code and BLU Manual to provide stevedores with training and PPE to enable them to work safely on board bulk carriers.
A recommendation has been made to Berge Bulk Maritime Pte. Ltd to maintain clear and precise guidance for masters and ships’ crews on cargo operations and ensure that specific duties for shore personnel are considered and the control of access is robustly applied.
Recommendations have been made to Intercargo, InterManager and RightShip to develop a minimum operational safety standard for stevedores conducting cargo operations on board their members’ vessels to include and encourage their members to introduce the minimum operational safety standard for stevedores.
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