Bulker, Utility Vessel Collide due to Lack of Proper Lookout

The bulk carrier Jag Arnav collided with a fast utility vessel in June 2015 due to the lack of a proper and effective lookout by all available means on the vessels.

The units collided some 26 nautical miles north-west of Bunbury, Western Australia, on June 23.

Jag Arnav sustained minor damage and no injuries to the crew. Total Response sustained structural damage to its bow and deck, and two crew members received lacerations and abrasions. Both vessels were able to resume their passage.

An investigation conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found that a proper and effective lookout “by all available means as required by the regulations was not being maintained on either vessel.”

The investigation found that Total Response’s unqualified deckhand was performing the duties of deck watchkeeper without adequate supervision. Jag Arnav was not detected by anyone on board Total Response and consequently, no avoiding action was taken.

The investigation also identified that Jag Arnav’s officer of the watch, the third officer, did not maintain an effective lookout despite various electronic aids to navigation detecting Total Response. The third officer reported visually detecting Total Response, but incorrectly assessed the vessel to be passing clear.

Following the incident, Jag Arnav’s owner, the Great Eastern Shipping Company, advised that it has circulated its report into the collision to other ships that they manage and will provide additional training for navigation officers.

The company has also emphasized their requirements as laid out in its safety management system with regard to the use of radar for position fixing, acquiring observed targets, use of automatic target acquisition and the use of radar overlay on the electronic chart display and information system.