MSC Siena’s permit to work over the side and the associated procedure required that the ship not be underway when working over the side. However, this requirement could not be complied with when working over the side to rig a combination pilot ladder.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Allseas Marine, Greece will adequately address the safety issue because it significantly reduces the likelihood of a similar accident occurring on board this company’s ships in the future.
Allseas Marine advised the ATSB that the work permit system procedure was revised to better address work over the side and provided details as described with respect to safety issue number MO-2011-010-SI-01.
An improved ‘permit to work overside’ form supports the revised procedure, which includes the following guidance that is relevant to working on combination pilot ladders: Work must not be carried out over-side when the ship is underway unless proper risk assessment has taken place and all precautions have been and always subject to master’s discretion. … Any such work should be closely monitored / watched by a responsible officer.
Allseas Marine also advised that it had obtained independent advice with regard to rigging pilot ladders. Based on that advice, the company considers that when pilotage services have not been suspended due to weather conditions, rigging a pilot ladder may be permissible subject to the master’s overriding authority and judgment on safety matters.
The safety action taken further reduces the likelihood of a similar accidents on ships managed by Allseas Marine to rare (more than once every 10 years or between 10 and 100 years).
