Equipment
Navigation and Positioning Equipment
Marine navigation/positioning systems, charts and electronic aids.
Newest 100 Documents
All 335 in search- 202614 May
High Potential Near Miss: Dropped object due to contact with crane sheave
A vessel crane near miss involved a DP beacon striking sheave protection bars, detaching with its holder and falling to the deck. Nobody was injured. The flash examines wire-mounted attachment, absent secondary retention, unconsidered management of change and inadequate access controls, highlighting crane limits and third-party equipment coordination.
- 20267 May
Grounding and subsequent loss of the fishing vessel Crystal Stream (LH 147)
MAIB investigates Crystal Stream’s grounding and subsequent loss near Barmore Island, Scotland. The lone watchkeeper fell asleep; severe fatigue from accumulated sleep debt was highly likely. The report examines flooding, ineffective watchkeeping, delayed liferaft evacuation and inadequate safety management, recommending improved watchkeeping procedures and fleetwide fatigue management.
- 202612 Feb
Girting and capsize of tug Biter with the loss of two lives while assisting passenger vessel Hebridean Princess
Investigation of Biter’s fatal girting and capsize while assisting Hebridean Princess on the River Clyde. It examines towing speed, bridle loading, gob-rope securing, watertight integrity, operational exchanges and training. The precise reason for gob-rope rendering remained unresolved; post-salvage testing found the towing-hook release mechanism functional.
- 202611 Feb
Collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the general cargo ship Verity resulting in the sinking of Verity and loss of five lives
Investigation of the German Bight collision between Polesie and Verity, which rapidly sank with five fatalities. It examines incremental collision-avoidance manoeuvres, navigation displays, late vessel traffic service intervention and duplex radio limitations, alongside flooding, search and rescue, and the constraints imposed by absent voyage data recorder evidence.
- 20265 Feb
Collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the stern trawler Serinah (GH 116)
Investigates the collision of Apache and Serinah in the Firth of Clyde and the trawler’s subsequent flooding and sinking. Examines inadequate avoiding action, watchkeeping competence, navigation equipment, traffic monitoring and assistance after collision. All three fishing crew survived uninjured; recommendations address navigational training and understanding fishing vessel behaviour.
- 2026
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 82 (Spring 2026)
Maritime reports examine solvent use in bilges, navigation audit findings, refused fuel-tank entry, twin-lanyard misuse and obstructed pilot access. Further cases address partial power loss linked to an unannounced software update and pressure over navigation decisions. Commentary emphasises equipment limitations, safe attachment, supplier communication and supportive bridge leadership.
- 2025Nov
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 81
Six confidential maritime reports examine a pilot’s fall, unsafe ladder rigging, illegal waste disposal, congested harbour operations involving an uncrewed vessel, a yacht–ferry close-quarters encounter and management intimidation. Commentary discusses transfer procedures, collision avoidance, competence assurance, reporting protections and the influence of leadership on safety and environmental compliance.
- 20252 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of the dive support vessel Jean Elaine
Investigation of Jean Elaine’s grounding and subsequent loss in Saint Peter’s Pool, Orkney, during scientific diving support. It examines inadequate passage planning, reliance on an unapproved tablet navigation application, ineffective coordination and unchecked certification. Poor hull condition likely contributed to failure after grounding; university and project procedures were subsequently revised.
- 202525 Sep
Collision between the tender to Isabell Princess of the Sea and the RIB Vega, resulting in one fatality
Investigation of a fatal collision between a yacht tender and the drifting RIB Vega in Göcek harbour. It examines unsafe speed, night visibility, unused chart-plotter information, possible alcohol impairment and unclear command authority. The passenger died from collision injuries and drowning; subsequent actions addressed tender operations, authority and navigation-light compliance.
- 20253 Jul
Grounding and subsequent loss of the prawn trawler Sustain
Investigation into Sustain’s grounding in Loch Broom and subsequent constructive total loss. It examines the skipper’s accumulated sleep debt, overnight repairs, lone watchkeeping and navigation by eye using a magnetic-compass autopilot. Unimplemented risk controls, absent watch alarms and inadequate passage planning are analysed; the crew were evacuated unharmed.
- 202516 Apr
UK HSE: Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
This safety flash summarises five vessel collisions with offshore installations and wind turbines reported in an HSE notice. Cases examine distracted watchkeeping, restricted visibility, dynamic positioning limitations and bridge communication. Recommendations address watchkeeping procedures, bridge resource management, alarm operation, attendant-vessel monitoring and consideration of sailing audits.
- 202510 Apr
Swamping of small commercial vessel Calypso 2 with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Calypso 2’s swamping in a coastal cove in Anguilla, resulting in two drowning fatalities. The report examines exposure to ground seas, excursion risk assessment, passage planning, flotation-device use and regulatory oversight. It also analyses distress alerting, casualty recovery and medical provision, recommending improvements to vessel management and rescue arrangements.
- 2025Mar
Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
HSE safety notice examines five vessel collisions involving offshore installations and wind turbines. Cases highlight distracted watchkeeping, lost situational awareness, environmental conditions and poor bridge communication. Recommended reviews cover watchkeeping instructions, bridge resource management, navigational alarms and vessel monitoring, with consideration of sailing audits to identify operational bad practice.
- 202520 Feb
Crew transfer vessel (CTV) drifts onto turbine tower
After a successful personnel transfer, a crew transfer vessel drifted into a turbine structure at 0.5 knots while crew completed administrative tasks. No injuries occurred; paintwork damage was noted. The flash examines situational awareness, bridge instrumentation and inappropriate transfer authorisation, emphasising lookout and consideration of vessel position and conditions.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 79 (Summer 2025)
Six confidential maritime reports examine heavy-weather fatalities, navigational audit findings, lifting entanglement, a pilot boarding fall, obstructed firefighting equipment and exposure to residual acid fumes. Commentary connects operational shortcomings with communication, supervision and safety culture, with separate lessons for seafarers, ship managers and regulators.
- 2025
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 80 (Autumn 2025)
This maritime incident digest examines unsafe pilot transfers, an obstructed escape hatch, incorrect antenna labelling, pest infestation and unsafe fumigation, an unmanned survey vessel capsize, and an enclosed-space inspection injury. Commentary emphasises practical design validation, operational limits, crew welfare and confirmed communication between teams.
- 2025
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2025
A marine safety digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties, including collisions, groundings, fires, capsizes and people entering the water. Case lessons address navigation, mooring, towage, maintenance and emergency preparedness, with detailed discussion of flotation-device entanglement, battery charging, fuel hoses and vessel modifications. Reproduced bulletins and flyers provide further incident-specific learning.
- 202424 Oct
Grounding and subsequent loss of stern trawler Ocean Maid
Investigation of Ocean Maid’s grounding at Cairnbulg Point and subsequent loss. It examines unattended watchkeeping, reliance on past tracks across two chart plotters, impaired night vision and likely effects of insufficient sleep. The report analyses navigation competence, risk assessment and the prompt abandonment and rescue of all four crew.
- 202425 Jul
Grounding and subsequent loss of commercial swim event support vessel Channel Queen
Investigation of Channel Queen’s grounding on the Varvassi wreck during an Isle of Wight relay swim on 20 July 2023. It examines inadequate passage planning, ineffective navigation equipment use, the qualified skipper’s departure and divided attention at the helm. Recommendations address qualified crewing and chart-based passage planning; flooding led to beaching and abandonment.
- 202418 Jul
Contact with Oikos Jetty 2 by chemical tanker Ali Ka
Investigation of Ali Ka’s contact with Oikos Jetty 2 during departure from Canvey Island without tug assistance. It examines passage planning, bridge-team coordination, propulsion orders, tidal effects and ECDIS settings. Pilot fatigue was assessed as highly likely to have contributed; recommendations address fatigue management, training, tug provision and challenge resolution.
- 20247 Jun
Environmental Alert 001/2024
OPRED advises offshore installation operators and owners that a 25% reduction in required fog-signal range is acceptable, allowing 1.5 nautical miles where two are required. Observed reductions should be examined promptly, particularly when repeated, with retesting in optimal conditions and emitter testing to assure compliance with consent conditions and navigational performance standards.
- 20243 Jun
Vessel collided with platform
A vessel waiting on weather collided with an unmanned, unlit platform while using joystick auto heading mode. Nobody was injured and damage was minor. The flash examines distracted watchkeeping, position monitoring and unset navigation alarms, and describes revised DP checklists, watchkeeping analysis and restrictions on non-watchkeeping duties.
- 202422 May
Grounding of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Alfred
Investigation of Alfred’s grounding at Swona Island on 5 July 2022, which injured 41 people. The master almost certainly fell asleep while steering close inshore. Analysis examines passage planning, ECDIS use, bridge staffing, fatigue management, emergency response and vehicle securing, alongside shortcomings in audits and surveys.
- 202419 Mar
Security: Illegal boarding – theft while the vessel at anchor
A knife-armed intruder boarded an anchored vessel in Luanda, Angola, and fled by skiff after a security patrol raised the alarm. The flash examines boarding vulnerabilities and unimplemented precautions, highlighting security briefings, coordination with nearby vessels and port control, radar vigilance and consideration of improved access barriers.
- 20249 Jan
UK MAIB: Workboat collision with wind turbine platform
A workboat transferring maintenance teams in an offshore wind farm struck a turbine platform after its master became distracted by paperwork. A crewman suffered two broken ribs and the vessel sustained minor damage. Lessons emphasise maintaining a lookout, checking navigation instruments and reviewing administrative demands on vessel crews.
- 2024
CHIRP Annual Digest 2024
This annual compilation brings together anonymised maritime incident reports and commentary on crew welfare, vessel design, engineering, deck work and navigation. Cases examine enclosed-space entry, mooring injuries, pilot ladders, machinery hazards and groundings. Discussion emphasises leadership, communication, work permits, training and lessons for conventional and autonomous vessel operations.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 75 (Summer 2024)
Confidential maritime reports examine commercial pressure over damaged anchors, laundry and cargo fires, machinery and mooring hand injuries, inadequate provisions and a grounding. Commentary addresses escalation of concerns, bridge coordination, laundry practices, dangerous-goods stowage, machinery isolation and guarding, and keeping hands clear during mooring.
- 2024
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 76 (Autumn 2024)
This maritime digest examines unauthorised enclosed-space entry, tug propulsion failure during LNG berthing, suspected officer fatigue, rotating-shaft hazards, inadequate provisions, deficient dynamic-positioning capability and departure in strong winds. Case commentary contrasts effective teamwork and stop-work intervention with commercial pressure and weak safety culture, highlighting entry permits, towing configuration and position-reference requirements.
- 2024
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2024
This marine accident digest presents lessons from merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational craft incidents. Cases examine pilot ladders, navigation, mooring machinery, suspended loads, falls and recovery from the water. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address RIB passenger injuries, dredging-chain failures, fire-extinguishing systems and flotation-device suitability.
- 202314 Dec
Heavy contact between the high-speed passenger craft Seadogz and a navigation buoy with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Seadogz’s fatal collision with a navigation buoy in Southampton Water. It examines skipper workload and visibility, chart plotter accessibility, passenger seating and handhold protection, lifejacket effectiveness, and operator oversight. Recommendations address passenger protection, inconsistent regulatory guidance and port assessment of high-speed commercial passenger operations.
- 202330 Nov
Grounding of general cargo vessel BBC Marmara
Investigation of BBC Marmara’s grounding at Eilean Trodday examines a sleeping watch officer, alcohol consumption, absent lookout and disabled bridge watch alarm. It analyses electronic passage planning, ineffective shipboard management and falsified records, alongside distracted coastguard monitoring. Recommendations address crew resources and coastguard cognitive performance.
- 20238 Sep
Collision between cargo vessel Scot Carrier and split hopper barge Karin Høj with loss of 2 lives
Investigation of Scot Carrier’s collision with Karin Høj in the Baltic Sea, followed by the barge’s capsize, its master’s death and the mate’s presumed death. It examines distracted watchkeeping, alcohol consumption, absent lookouts, disabled navigation warnings, rescue delays and weaknesses in company oversight, while acknowledging uncertainty about the barge crew’s actions.
- 202314 Aug
MODU mooring systems in cyclonic conditions information paper
This information paper examines cyclonic mooring risks for mobile offshore drilling units. It discusses site-specific design return periods, met-ocean and seabed inputs, component degradation, installation assurance and change management. Operational guidance covers line-tension management, inspection performance standards, emergency preparedness and consideration of position monitoring during cyclone evacuation.
- 2023Jan
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 1 (January 2023)
This first superyacht incident digest examines backstay entrapment, tender grounding, unfamiliar steering controls, unsafe recovery from the water, an uncontrolled anchor chain and a fatal jet-ski collision. Commentary addresses communication, equipment familiarisation, control testing and the pressures that undermine captains’ safety decisions, alongside crew welfare and medical support.
- 2023
CHIRP Annual Digest 2023
An annual compilation of confidential maritime incident reports and analytical articles covering shipping, commercial fishing, ports and superyachts. Case commentaries examine navigation, mooring, lifting, equipment failures and enclosed-space entry. Wider discussions address safety culture, communication, seafarer wellbeing and fatigue, including an indicative watchkeeper fatigue assessment tool.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 70 (Spring 2023)
This maritime incident digest examines single points of safety failure through reports of grounding, steering loss, unsafe fendering, towing difficulties, coercion, obstructed access, collision, maintenance injury, lifting failure and battery fire. Commentary addresses bridge teamwork, workload, isolation, inspection access and emergency arrangements, with practical lessons for vessel crews and managers.
- 2023
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 71 (Summer 2023)
This maritime digest examines engine defects, misleading master–pilot exchanges, language barriers, a power shutdown, a yacht collision and repeated falls from a paint raft. Commentary addresses commercial pressure, communication and supervision. A separate article describes automated tank cleaning with high-pressure spinning nozzles and remote drone inspections to reduce enclosed-space entry.
- 2023
CHIRP Ports and Harbours Feedback summer 2023
This inaugural ports and harbours digest analyses five reports involving a quayside ladder fall, failed moorings and collisions, ferry traffic conflict, a trapped mooring launch and container-ship grounding. Commentary examines safe access, casualty recovery, bollard capacity, wind loading, navigation aids and communication between port authorities, pilots and vessel crews.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 4 (Autumn 2023)
This superyacht digest analyses an allergic reaction, faulty gangway installation, a dive-vessel capsize, berth-departure contact, mooring injuries and grounding followed by dismissal of a reporting watchkeeper. Commentary examines equipment certification, stability testing, medical preparedness, line-handling teamwork, passage planning and constructive challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2023
This marine accident digest examines merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating casualties. Cases address navigation, machinery maintenance, lifting, fires and people overboard. Lessons emphasise clear control indications, practical recovery drills, effective firefighting arrangements and implementation of risk assessments, with reproduced fishing safety flyers discussing personal distress beacons.
- 2023
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2023
A multi-case marine safety digest draws lessons from navigation incidents, fires, falls, cargo lifting, mooring injuries and fishing casualties. Case analyses examine communication, electrical work, lifejacket use and recovery arrangements. Reproduced bulletins and flyers address fuel-hose modifications, liferaft servicing, carbon monoxide poisoning and fatal man-overboard incidents.
- 2022Dec
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 69
This maritime digest examines unsafe pilot boarding arrangements, helm execution, substandard ship conditions, collision avoidance, a crushed mooring launch and yacht grounding. Commentary emphasises closed-loop communication, challenging unsafe directions and port coordination. A separate article explores links between fishing crews’ working conditions, labour exploitation and safety.
- 202223 Nov
Vessel collision with underwater objects in harbour
An AHTS vessel departing a harbour struck uncharted submerged pilings, damaging its hull and allowing seawater ingress. The flash identifies missing navigational markings and inaccurate chart information. It recommends calculating under-keel clearance with relevant operating factors and, where possible, avoiding areas subject to navigation warnings.
- 202226 Sep
American P&I Club: Vessel grounding – fatigue was a factor
A towing vessel pulling a deck barge grounded on a shoal after the Mate fell asleep on watch. The flash discusses disrupted rest, inaccurate work/rest records and unused ECDIS alarms. Lessons emphasise adequate rest, honest recording of working hours, assistance when struggling to remain alert and correct alarm settings.
- 2022Jun
CHIRP Maritime FEEDBACK 67
Maritime incident reports examine risk acceptance through undocking damage, unsafe access over timber cargo, power and detection failures, collisions, cargo-control distraction, grounding, sinking and boiler repair. Commentary addresses testing, isolation, familiarisation and challenge culture. Additional material describes tug-use training and a pilot-boarding safety checklist.
- 202221 Apr
Subsea transponder wire parted
A positioning transponder’s tripod wire parted during vessel repositioning. The 4 mm wire failed approximately 1 m from the lifting eye, with corrosion and insufficient replacement identified. Divers and a crane recovered the tripod. Actions included performance testing, visual checks before launch and during recovery, and six-monthly wire replacement.
- 202228 Jan
Radio interference from damaged equipment affects other vessels
A pipelay barge experienced GNSS interference traced to a failed connector panel in an unused but connected broadband system aboard another vessel. Shore specialists investigated using radio-frequency detection and spectrum analysis. The flash recommends checking similar unused equipment and considering its removal.
- 2022
CHIRP Annual Digest 2022
A compilation of maritime cases published during 2022, with commentary and supporting insight articles. Reports examine navigation, pilot boarding, mooring, towing, engineering maintenance and working conditions. Discussions address communication, bridge-team challenge, pressurised equipment, harness arrangements, risk assessment, permits and training, alongside examples of unsafe practice and effective intervention.
- 2022
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2022
This multi-case marine digest examines collisions, groundings, machinery failures, fires and people entering the water across merchant, fishing and leisure vessels. Lessons address bridge teamwork, maintenance isolation, pilot-ladder securing, risk assessment and emergency preparedness. Reproduced bulletins and flyers discuss vehicle-deck crushing, collision avoidance and fishing-vessel survival.
- 2022
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2022
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant ships, fishing vessels and recreational craft. Cases examine groundings, fires, towing and lifting failures, flooding, capsize and people overboard. Reproduced bulletins and flyers discuss blocked CO2 pilot hoses, vessel stability, flotation and distress alerting, alongside navigation, training and equipment checks.
- 202116 Dec
Grounding of chemical tanker Key Bora
Investigates Key Bora’s grounding near Kyleakin pier, Scotland, with hull damage and ballast tank flooding but no injury or pollution. Examines inaccurate survey data used for passage planning, ineffective ECDIS use, bridge resource management and deficiencies in pier safety governance, alongside subsequent actions and recommendations.
- 20213 Dec
Collision between prawn trawler Achieve and general cargo vessel Talis and subsequent sinking of Achieve
Investigates the collision of Achieve and Talis in fog off Tynemouth and Achieve’s subsequent sinking under tow. Examines unattended and distracted watchkeeping, radar detection, reliance on AIS, omitted fog signals and delayed avoiding action. Reviews flooding response and rescue, recommending proper-lookout procedures and reminders of collision-regulation obligations.
- 202125 Nov
Vessel ran aground causing major hull damage
A vessel grounded while overtaking near shallow water, damaging its hull and propulsion system and leaking approximately 40 litres of hydraulic oil. The flash identifies an unvalidated passage plan, missing ECDIS danger information and poor understanding of safety depth contours. Actions included revised voyage checklists and updated bridge personnel training.
- 202114 Oct
Capsize of motor cruiser Norma G with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Norma G’s fatal capsize approaching the Camel Estuary. It examines steep waves over the Doom Bar, navigation limitations, limited buoyancy and cabin entrapment involving inflated lifejackets. The report also analyses rescue and casualty extraction, boating training and harbour guidance, recommending clearer passage information and consideration of a navigation aid.
- 20211 Oct
NTSB: Collision leading to loss of life and damage
This flash summarises a Mississippi river towing collision that capsized one vessel, left three crew members presumed dead and caused fuel and vapour releases. It reports insufficient pilot radio communication and inaccurate AIS tow-size information as probable causes, emphasising adequate communication and current information across operational interfaces.
- 20219 Sep
Immobilisation and flooding of dredger Shearwater following repeated collisions with unmanned barge Agem One
Investigation of Shearwater’s immobilisation and flooding near Kinlochbervie while towing Agem One. Towline fouling disabled propulsion, and repeated barge collisions breached the hull. The report examines towing suitability, crew competence, passage planning, HMPE tow arrangements, bilge pumping and regulatory oversight. The initial towline failure’s precise cause remained undetermined.
- 202131 Aug
What are audits for? Some eCMID findings
This safety flash reviews findings from 769 eCMID vessel inspections over the 12 months to April 2021. It highlights shortcomings in confined-space entry arrangements, chemical handling procedures, firefighting equipment, watertight closures, navigation equipment, engine-room practices and lifting-equipment management, alongside links to related incidents.
- 20216 Aug
Sinking of the wooden hulled motorboat Globetrotter with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Globetrotter’s foundering off Fleetwood during a recreational angling trip, with one drowning after anchor-rope entanglement. The report examines poor wooden-hull condition, probable grounding damage, inadequate passage planning and emergency preparedness. It discusses bilge pumping, flotation devices, liferaft provision and rescue difficulties; the exact source of water ingress remained unestablished.
- 202130 Jul
MAIB: Grounding of general cargo vessel Kaami
This safety flash summarises MAIB findings on Kaami’s grounding in Scotland’s Little Minch. It highlights shortcomings in voyage planning, passage monitoring, ECDIS training and safety management safeguards. Recommendations address watchkeeper numbers to minimise fatigue hazards, guidance on ECDIS and bridge lookouts, and internal navigation audits. No injuries or pollution occurred.
- 20211 Jul
Grounding of ro-ro freight ferry Arrow
Investigation of Arrow’s grounding in Aberdeen Harbour during thick fog examines bridge-team workload, restricted-visibility preparations and radar navigation. It analyses electronic chart system limitations, console ergonomics, passage planning and harbour arrangements. Simulator trials demonstrated benefits from separating steering and navigation. The ferry was refloated without injuries or pollution.
- 20212 Jun
Grounding of general cargo vessel Kaami
Investigates Kaami’s grounding on Sgeir Graidach in the Little Minch, which caused extensive hull damage without injuries. Examines incomplete voyage planning, inappropriate electronic chart scales, disabled ECDIS safeguards, ineffective lookout integration and probable fatigue. Recommendations address second-navigator checks, navigational auditing and competence assurance.
- 2021Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2021
A marine accident digest presenting separate lessons for merchant shipping, fishing vessels and recreational craft. Cases examine unsafe access, lifting gear, engine fires, navigation, capsize and flooding. Discussions address risk assessment, supervision, casualty recovery, mooring checks and navigation aids. Appendix coverage dates refer specifically to investigations started, rather than incident dates.
- 202130 Mar
Case study: Lone watchkeeping grounding at night
This flash examines Priscilla’s night-time grounding after drifting south of its planned track on autopilot. The watch officer spent about two hours watching mobile-phone videos without monitoring progress. Lessons emphasise attentive navigation, risk assessment before using a sole lookout, and configuring electronic navigation aids to warn of danger.
- 2021Mar
FAO – their role in international fishing safety standards 28.03.2021
This maritime insight article explains FAO’s contribution to international fishing safety standards, decent working conditions and small-scale fisher training. It discusses revised global fatality estimates, limitations in accident reporting, practical radio and GPS drills, and collaboration to develop fisheries accident and fatality data systems.
- 202124 Feb
Ship Allisions Result in Severe Damage to Fixed Facilities
Reports two oil tanker allisions with South Pass shelf platforms in October 2020 and January 2021, causing damage without injuries or pollution. Investigations remained ongoing. Recommendations address navigation-aid inspections, conditional notices to mariners, consideration of close-ship protocols and drills, regulatory compliance audits, and post-allision topside and underwater structural surveys.
- 2021
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2021
A collection of merchant, fishing and recreational vessel cases examines navigation errors, mooring hazards, machinery fires, flooding and immersion. Lessons address task planning, supervision, maintenance, enclosed-space precautions and emergency readiness. Appendices list investigations and reports and reproduce provisional guidance on anchor failures during prolonged cruise-ship anchoring.
- 2020Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2020
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant vessels, commercial fishing and recreational craft. Cases examine collisions, grounding, machinery failures, overboard accidents, scalding and fire. Discussions address navigation information, lifejackets, maintenance checks and recovery arrangements. An appended provisional bulletin considers precautions for condensed aerosol fire-extinguishing systems.
- 202012 Aug
Grounding and recovery of container feeder vessel Thea II and tug Svitzer Josephine
Investigation of the grounding and recovery of Thea II and Svitzer Josephine in the Humber following propulsion failure. It examines anchor deployment, tug positional awareness, navigation practices and salvage delays arising from managers’ limited situational awareness. The report also analyses discarded towline fouling and recommends reviewing the ship manager’s emergency response arrangements.
- 202015 Jul
Near miss between ro-ro ferry Stena Superfast VII and Royal Navy submarine
This investigation examines a North Channel near miss between Stena Superfast VII and a submerged Royal Navy submarine. It analyses inaccurate range and speed assessments, periscope watchkeeping supervision, electronic contact information and cancellation of a close quarters procedure. Reported actions address simulator training, procedural adherence and risk assessment.
- 202023 Jun
USCG: Automatic identification system (AIS) inaccuracies led to fatalities
This flash describes a fatal collision between towing vessels approaching a Mississippi River bend in darkness. Their AIS broadcasts omitted full tow lengths, limiting operators’ understanding of the passing situation. It highlights accurate vessel data entry and display, and summarises SOLAS requirements for AIS carriage and operation.
- 202015 Apr
Grounding of ro-ro freight vessel Seatruck Performance
This flash summarises MAIB findings on Seatruck Performance’s grounding in Carlingford Lough. It highlights unconsidered squat, shallow-water effects, inadequate bridge support and incomplete use of electronic navigation aids. Recommendations address passage planning, electronic navigation and bridge resource management training. The ferry returned without assistance; no injuries or pollution were reported.
- 2020Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2020
A collection of lessons from accidents involving merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft. Cases examine distracted navigation, grounding, machinery fires, hazardous tank atmospheres, cargo handling and overboard emergencies. Discussions cover passage planning, maintenance, atmospheric testing, lifejacket performance and emergency drills, retaining uncertainty where accident causes remain unresolved.
- 202020 Mar
Grounding and loss of fishing vessel Coelleira
Investigation of Coelleira’s grounding at Ve Skerries, Shetland, and subsequent loss following unsuccessful salvage. It examines inadequate passage planning, ineffective lookout and position monitoring, electronic navigation limitations and possible fatigue. All 15 crew were evacuated without injury. Recommendations address future watchkeeping, rest requirements and electronic chart coverage and updating.
- 202019 Mar
Collision between container vessel ANL Wyong and gas carrier King Arthur
Investigates the collision between ANL Wyong and King Arthur in dense fog, darkness and heavy shipping traffic. Examines bridge-team decision-making, AIS prioritisation over radar tracking, VHF distraction and shore traffic monitoring. Both vessels sustained damage without injury or pollution; recommendations address traffic services and AIS navigation-status descriptions.
- 202020 Feb
Collision between ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon and moored yacht Greylag
These annexes assemble ferry navigation risk assessments, a chief officer training form and Cowes Harbour directions. They address restricted visibility, collision and grounding risks, tidal manoeuvring, radar and ECDIS use, bridge communications and competence assessment, alongside precautions for vessels rafted at Shepards Marina.
- 20192 Oct
Grounding of general cargo vessel Priscilla
Investigation of Priscilla’s grounding on Pentland Skerries examines uncorrected track deviation, an unsafe alternative route, distracted watchkeeping and inadequate navigational warnings. It analyses passage planning, ECDIS settings, lookout arrangements and coastguard intervention, using AIS reconstruction and bridge simulation. Significant hull damage occurred, without pollution or injury; periodic sleep remained possible rather than established.
- 2019Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2019
A collection of marine accident lessons spanning merchant shipping, commercial fishing and recreational boating. Cases examine collisions, grounding, machinery failures, falls, fires and people overboard. Discussions emphasise passage planning, bridge teamwork, equipment maintenance, lifejackets, realistic recovery arrangements and emergency drills, with reproduced bulletins on vehicle-deck safety and retractable ballast securing.
- 201923 Aug
LTI – Fall from height
A subcontracted service engineer returned to a vessel mast to retrieve tools without fall protection. During final radar testing, the rotating antenna struck him, causing a fall onto a lifeboat roof and multiple fractures. The flash highlights communication failures, subcontractor oversight, job preparation and safety culture.
- 201931 Jul
Grounding of bulk carrier Kuzma Minin
Investigation of Kuzma Minin’s grounding in Falmouth Bay after its anchor dragged in strong winds and swell. It examines limited fuel and lubricating oil supplies, distraction from a fouled anchor, and harbour-led refloating. The report also analyses how absent insurance and owner support complicated salvage arrangements and financial responsibility.
- 201917 Jul
Collision between rigid inflatable boat Tiger One and a mooring buoy with 4 people injured
Investigation of Tiger One’s night-time collision with a River Thames mooring buoy, injuring two crew and two passengers. It examines buoy-light visibility, navigation by eye, limited local night experience, chart-plotter use and protective seating and kill-cord arrangements. Subsequent actions addressed night-time speed limits, passenger reporting and independent safety-management audits.
- 2019Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2019
A marine accident digest examining merchant, fishing and recreational vessel casualties. Cases address collisions, groundings, mooring equipment failures, fires, flooding and fatal water-entry accidents. Lessons discuss passage planning, equipment testing, alarm accuracy, emergency arrangements and risk assessment. A reproduced bulletin examines oxygen deficiency during refrigerated salt-water tank entry.
- 201928 Mar
Collision between ro-ro passenger ferry Red Falcon and motor cruiser Phoenix
Investigation of a collision between Red Falcon and Phoenix in Southampton’s Thorn Channel. It examines visual lookout, sun glare, seated bridge positions, radar monitoring and the cruiser owner’s awareness of approaching traffic. Phoenix sustained serious damage without injuries. The ferry operator took watchkeeping improvement measures; MAIB made no recommendations.
- 201924 Jan
Grounding of general cargo vessel Celtica Hav
Investigation of Celtica Hav’s grounding on a training wall in the River Neath approaches, causing hull damage and flooding. It examines deficient pilotage planning, ineffective master/pilot information exchange and unused electronic navigation capabilities. Emergency pumping and delayed coastguard notification are assessed, with recommendations addressing pilotage plans, checklists and position monitoring.
- 20186 Dec
Capsize and sinking of fishing vessel Solstice with loss of 1 life
Investigation of Solstice’s fatal capsize during stern recovery of a heavy catch south of Plymouth. It examines inadequate transverse stability, suspended-load geometry, deck water and recent fishing-method changes. The report also analyses escape arrangements and search-and-rescue coordination, including delayed telephone data, uncharted sightings and coastguard information systems.
- 201831 Oct
Dragging anchor and subsequent collisions by general cargo vessel Celtic Spirit
Investigation of Celtic Spirit dragging anchor in heavy weather on the River Humber and colliding with two anchored vessels. It examines insufficient anchor cable, delayed recognition of movement, engine readiness and warning communications, alongside anchorage allocation. Fleet procedures and port arrangements were revised; no recommendations were made.
- 201830 Oct
Potential interference of VHF-FM radio and AIS reception
This flash summarises US Coast Guard reports of LED lighting interfering with shipboard VHF radio and AIS reception, including failed contact during a traffic separation scheme incident. It describes a possible interference test using a quiet radio channel, squelch adjustment and switching LED lights off and on.
- 2018Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft. Cases examine navigation errors, flooding, machinery failures, fires, scalding, overboard emergencies and carbon monoxide poisoning. Discussion addresses electronic chart checks, alarm use, maintenance, risk assessment and practised emergency procedures, with appended rescue-line and yacht-keel safety bulletins.
- 201825 Sep
Seamanship: Vessel Collision with Fishing Boat
A vessel on a ballast voyage collided with a fishing boat in fog and zero visibility, sustaining paint scratches above the waterline. The flash examines failures to follow standing instructions and shortcomings in radar use. Lessons address procedure compliance, radar and lookout training, and early, readily apparent collision-avoidance action.
- 20183 Jul
Man overboard from creel fishing vessel Varuna with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal probable man-overboard incident from the single-handed creel boat Varuna off north-west Scotland. The precise circumstances remain unknown. The report examines the open transom shooting gate, absence of worn flotation and a personal locator beacon, non-functioning AIS, search arrangements, risk assessment and regulatory oversight.
- 201827 Jun
Grounding and loss of commercially operated yacht CV24
Investigation of CV24’s grounding and loss off Cape Peninsula during the Clipper round the world race. It examines positional awareness, competing navigation and deck-supervision demands, electronic chart access, passage planning, manning and safety management. The crew were rescued uninjured; recommendations address navigation procedures, training and organisational assurance.
- 201820 Jun
Grounding of general cargo vessel Ruyter
Investigation of Ruyter’s grounding at Rathlin Island examines an unattended bridge, disabled watch alarms and absent night lookout. It analyses alcohol consumption, inadequate company oversight and normalised departures from watchkeeping instructions. Hull damage caused flooding; the vessel refloated without assistance. Subsequent company action included random alcohol testing and crew reporting empowerment.
- 20189 May
Grounding of general cargo vessel Islay Trader
Investigation of Islay Trader’s grounding off Margate after dragging anchor and attempting to reposition. It examines insufficient anchor cable for tidal conditions, neglected position monitoring, bridge workload and failure to seek the master’s assistance. Paper-chart navigation, radar monitoring and Schottel controls are discussed, with recommendations addressing anchorage planning and watchkeeping standards.
- 20189 May
Vessel ran aground following error on chart
A vessel grounded by the stern on an uncharted sand hill while leaving a port approach channel. Investigation identified chart errors and indications of buoy movement. The flash highlights echo-sounder limitations, draught monitoring, reporting navigational discrepancies and berth-to-berth passage planning. Tug recovery and subsequent inspections found no severe hull damage.
- 201826 Apr
Groundings made by bulk carrier Ocean Prefect
Investigates Ocean Prefect’s two groundings at Umm Al Qaywayn on 10 and 11 June 2017. Analysis examines tidal set, limited local pilot knowledge, passage monitoring, inadequate survey information and misleading channel marks. The second grounding breached three ballast tanks. Agreed port improvements and company actions resulted in no recommendations.
- 201825 Apr
Collision between bulk carrier Huayang Endeavour and oil tanker Seafrontier
Investigation of the collision between Huayang Endeavour and Seafrontier in the Dover Strait. It examines inadequate long-range scanning, conflicting plans following VHF communication, omitted sound signals and the very likely effects of fatigue and mental loading on Seafrontier’s master. Neither injuries nor pollution occurred; completed remedial actions included retraining and rest-hours monitoring.
- 2018Apr
MAIB Safety Digest 1/2018
A collection of marine accident lessons covering merchant, fishing and recreational vessels. Cases examine collisions, groundings, flooding, fires and personnel injuries, with attention to navigation, towing, maintenance and emergency readiness. Equipment-specific discussions include pilot-ladder deterioration, bilge-pump blockage, carbon monoxide alarms and safety-tether hook deformation under lateral loading.
- 201815 Mar
Collision between general cargo ship Saga Sky and barge Stema Barge II resulting in subsea power cables damage
Investigates the collision of Saga Sky and Stema Barge II off Kent during severe weather, with anchor dragging and severed interconnector cables. Examines outdated anchorage charts, cable burial and condition monitoring, ship handling and emergency towage availability. Recommendations address nautical information, heavy-weather procedures and emergency response capability.
- 201725 Oct
Grounding of the ultra-large container vessel CMA CGM Vasco de Gama
Investigates the grounding of CMA CGM Vasco de Gama in Southampton’s Thorn Channel during pilotage. The analysis examines an unsuitable track for prevailing conditions and manoeuvring limitations, unclear bridge responsibilities, passage planning and underused electronic navigation aids. It records refloating without damage, injuries or pollution, and subsequent training and pilot-assessment measures.
- 201719 Oct
Grounding of bulk carrier Muros
Investigation of Muros’s grounding on Haisborough Sand examines an unapproved revised passage plan, electronic chart scale, disabled warning functions and reduced watchkeeper alertness. ECDIS replay and simulations explored route checking and safety-contour alarm behaviour. Rudder damage required towing for repair; no injuries or pollution occurred.
- 2017Oct
MAIB Safety Digest 2/2017
Marine accident cases draw lessons for merchant vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft. They examine fires, collisions, lifting failures, falls, entanglement, flooding and emergency recovery. Practical discussions cover navigation aids, risk assessment, drills and equipment integrity. An appended safety bulletin examines low-sulphur marine gas oil waxing and cold-temperature fuel testing.