Crewboat lost battle in Safety Fairway

**CaptKrunch** · February 1st, 2009, 02:13 AM

Deleted post.

**Capt. Lee** · February 1st, 2009, 05:52 AM

Funny thing is that is the second time this crew boat had a head on collision. In 1998 this same crew boat ran into a production platform wide open head first. That time the Captain was asleep in the bridge underway at 24kts broad day light in calm seas. That opened up a position for me. I worked on the Scout for about 9 months in 1999. We had a great crew. I think my little boy was conceived in one of the rooms on that boat.

**Stareed** · February 1st, 2009, 06:56 AM

Capt. Lee that was an over share! And as for the accident why was the captain letting unlicensed personal operate a vessel near in a Safety Fairway without being in the Wheelhouse, We all can probably hear the USCG tearing his license in half from Fourchon if you listen carefully!

**Capt. Lee** · February 1st, 2009, 09:02 AM

He did not say unlicensed. He said mate in training. Regardless he should not have been left alone in a passing situation. I was always very nervous about letting unlicensed people (even if I trusted them) at the wheel in confined quarters on a crew boat. They just move too fast. If something were to go wrong you have less time to react because of the speeds involved.

**Capt. Lee** · February 1st, 2009, 11:00 AM

Oh yeah, I have seen those pics before. Brings back memories. Yes I am interesting in the pics of the rig. If you can e-mail me the pics my address is:

ernest_freeman@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance, Lee

**Jolly Tar** · February 1st, 2009, 12:52 PM

What exactly IS a Safety Fairway?
Are Rules different when transiting?

**drkblram** · February 1st, 2009, 04:02 PM

First and foremost, Capt Lee, now that is WTMI!

That is a nice looking vessel. Nice lines, and typical of ECO, CLEAN.

Not sure about this situation, but one thing I've noticed (and this isn't meant in a negative way, just an observation) that ships and crewboats/supplyboats don't always agree on what constitutes "safe passing CPA."

And while leaving an insufficient watch (we don't know if the "mate in training" was not licensed or just not experienced, at least I don't) incharge, the captain did make a mistake, we don't know what the container ship may or may not have done to contribute to the accident. I for one would be interesting in hearing a complete report on this.

As for the fairways, I had to tackle "collision corners" at night, on my 3rd or 4th sea watch as a mate (on a tanker). THAT was an experience.

**Capt Brian** · February 2nd, 2009, 05:46 AM

The photos are very interesting. I do have 1 question though, was anyone hurt? I sure the hell hope not. Friggin crew boats! We had a new mate tag the green day board at the mouth of the jetties in Fourchon (no one was hurt, other than our bonuses). I am still amazed, how in the hell can you hit a HUGE ship and you have all this space. Wonder how this guy drives on the road.

**CaptKrunch** · February 2nd, 2009, 10:19 AM

This post was intended to share information that can be learned from and not to pass judgment on any one person or company. The person from whom I received these photos has expressed concern as to how this may be viewed so therefore I have removed them to protect their innocence in this matter. All accidents and safety issues involving those of us in this industry should be actively discussed so that we may all learn from and hopefully prevent them from occurring again. No person, company or clients name was used in this post (though obvious to some industry insiders) and no opinion was expressed as to who or what may have actually been at fault in this maritime casualty.

**drkblram** · February 2nd, 2009, 08:03 PM

Krunch,

Good point.

As an investigator (fires-my new job) I have found that the truth is not always the initial, or even second info you learn. I tried to make that clear in my post. We need to know what both ships did, the intentions of the MoW, and the weather/sea conditions, as well as any possible defects in either vessel.

**Captainmugsy** · February 3rd, 2009, 03:56 AM

If this just happened a few days ago, it is the second major incident in the past 3 weeks for these crewboats. I am really starting to wonder if those 100 ton captains get enough Training and schooling!!

**Capt. Nemo** · February 4th, 2009, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Captainmugsy

If this just happened a few days ago, it is the second major incident in the past 3 weeks for these crewboats. I am really starting to wonder if those 100 ton captains get enough Training and schooling!!

How do you know he was a 100 Ton Captain? Could have been a AGT Oceans. Hell, most of the six-pack guys I know can avoid hitting a CONTAINER SHIP...if everything is working correctly.

I've never run over a ship, but I've torn some stuff up because of mechanical failures. Ever had an engine quit at the worst possible moment?

Years ago, it wasn't uncommon to have a steering relay weld itself to the contactor. And when it happened it happened at a really bad time, every time. It made for a pretty exciting ride through the High Span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel or Hell Gate!

If the Mate-in-training screwed up, too bad for him. Let's wait and see what the investigation turns up before we start casting aspursions on a whole class of mariners. I think a Master AGT Oceans who only runs big ships back and forth across the pond would require a bit of training prior to putting a "little" 170' crew boat or OSV stern-to in a berth at the E. Those guys can't even clear the colregs line without a pilot. Different strokes and all that stuff.

Just my two cents worth.

Nemo

**tengineer** · February 4th, 2009, 01:42 PM

"If the Mate-in-training screwed up, too bad for him. Let's wait and see what the investigation turns up before we start casting aspursions on a whole class of mariners. I think a Master AGT Oceans who only runs big ships back and forth across the pond would require a bit of training prior to putting a "little" 170' crew boat or OSV stern-to in a berth at the E. Those guys can't even clear the colregs line without a pilot."

It's wise to wait until the investigation is over but it may be a year or so before it's published. I personally wonder how a crew boat which is relatively maneuverable could manage to hit a big old containership unless there was either; 1. Lack of 'situational awareness [someone wasn't looking out the window] 2. A mechanical malfunction.
As far as a Master AGT not being able to clear the Colregs line ? They probably could but the companies that own the ships require they have a pilot to reduce the companies liablility. When a ship goes in and out of many ports each year the pilot with local experience is an important guy to have. No master of 1 or 1 million tons can possibly have the same knowledge local knowledge as a pilot who makes one particular port his home. Companies with tens of millions of dollars invested in ship and cargo know this; they hire pilots. Besides, the pilots are usually pretty entertaining !

**Robert** · February 4th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by tengineer

As far as a Master AGT not being able to clear the Colregs line ? They probably could but the companies that own the ships require they have a pilot to reduce the companies liablility. When a ship goes in and out of many ports each year the pilot with local experience is an important guy to have. No master of 1 or 1 million tons can possibly have the same knowledge local knowledge as a pilot who makes one particular port his home. Companies with tens of millions of dollars invested in ship and cargo know this; they hire pilots. Besides, the pilots are usually pretty entertaining !

It is usually a governmental requirement for pilotage. I doubt many companies would be willing to affect the bottom line by hiring pilots unless it was required.

**tengineer** · February 4th, 2009, 03:10 PM

Mr. Thomas,
I've been on a few ships in years past where the government 'required' a pilot. Keep in mind these were ports in countries that weren't considered "first world". The master, if he was confident of the route, would call and say he didn't require a pilot and if the government would rather the ship not call on his port he would proceed on to his next port. Invariably after a period of time we went to port. However, nowadays most insurance companies will leave one uncovered if the master refuses the service of a pilot even in these places.
On the other hand most ports do indeed now require a pilot and I don't blame them.
If you are bringing a ship containing god-knows-what into my home port I want a guy with local knowledge pointing the way.

**Capt. Nemo** · February 4th, 2009, 04:20 PM

Tengineer,

I'm just curious: Are you a deck officer or an engineer? If you're an engineer I wonder how you know, or why you care, about the requirements for harbor pilots. Do you stand your watch in the engine room or on the bridge?

**tengineer** · February 4th, 2009, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Capt. Nemo

Tengineer,

I'm just curious: Are you a deck officer or an engineer? If you're an engineer I wonder how you know, or why you care, about the requirements for harbor pilots. Do you stand your watch in the engine room or on the bridge?

I am an engineer with over 35 years experience and when maneuvering in or out of port I have had to be on the bridge from time to time as required by the company employing me. Knowing a bit more than the bare essentials to do my job and having a curiosity has made my job more enjoyable over the years. I also count a harbor pilot or two among my friends.

**El Capitan** · February 5th, 2009, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by Capt. Nemo

Tengineer,

I'm just curious: Are you a deck officer or an engineer? If you're an engineer I wonder how you know, or why you care, about the requirements for harbor pilots. Do you stand your watch in the engine room or on the bridge?

I wonder if you took a breath before you wrote, what you wrote, Nemo.

It all sounds a bit narrow minded, and more aimed at being offensive than constructive. Take a deep breath, and try to be a bit more objective.

**Capt. Nemo** · February 5th, 2009, 04:39 AM

My most humble apologies. I should have stepped back and waited a bit before posting. It was not my intention to offend or provoke anyone.

I truly was curious about where the watch was stood. I didn't know that some companies required the engineer to be on the bridge. Live and learn.

I'll be more careful with my questions in the future.

Nemo

**tengineer** · February 5th, 2009, 08:42 AM

No offense taken Nemo. It's not often I was required to be on the bridge but it's not unheard of. My wife conned me into taking a cruise a while back and the chief on that ship had to be up there when coming in and out of port. As he said, "It keeps the guys from calling down and saying, "this thing isn't acting right maybe you ought to check the whatchamacallit."