Collision of vessel

A collision can be the start of a string of events, such as water ingress, loss of propulsion or steering, total power failure, fire, pollution, capsizing or even sinking. Therefore, it is vital the every OOW takes the correct immediate action should a collision occur. Your company SMS should provide guidance and checklists for your vessel and the International Bridge Procedures Guide also contains both guidance and an emergency checklist (available for download below) if required to respond to a collision.

• SoundGeneral alarm,
• Muster and account for all hands checking for any missing or injured persons
  Action Following A Collision:
• Stop engines, display appropriate signals required by the Collision Regulations.
• Shut all watertight and fire doors. Ascertain the apparent extent of damage to own vessel (switch on deck lights at night). Switch VHF to channel 16 and if appropriate channel 13.
• If passengers carried muster them at emergency stations.
• Make contact with the other vessel and obtain:
• Vessel name, call sign and Port of Registry,
• Master’s name and detail of the owner and/or manager,
• Vessel type, cargo on board and extent of the damage.

Action Following A Collision:

• Stop engines,
• display appropriate signals required by the Collision Regulations.
• Shut all watertight and fire doors.
• Ascertain the apparent extent of damage to own vessel (switch on deck lights at night).
• Switch VHF to channel 16 and if appropriate channel 13.
• If passengers carried muster them at emergency stations.
• Make contact with the other vessel and obtain:
  Vessel name, call sign and Port of Registry,
• Master’s name and detail of the owner and/or manager,
  Vessel type, cargo on board and extent of the damage.
• Broadcast an URGENCY message to all ships in the vicinity and local coastguard or DISTRESS ALERT if the vessel is in grave and imminent danger.
• Commence full inspection to determine the condition of own vessel includes:
  • Identification of compartments flooded or on fire.
  • Identification of compartments that are leaking fuel or cargo.
  • Establish if the vessel afloat / aground.
  • Machinery and steering gear condition.
  • Sound all tanks and bilges.
• Inform both Flag and Coast State Authorities as appropriate.
• Preserve VDR or SVDR records.
• Maintain a log of all events.