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1. The number of reported Grounding incidents/casualties for IRS classed vessels have been either during pilotage or while navigating in shallow water in rough weather. The grounding incidents that were reported resulted in minor damage, dents and/or hull damage requiring repair, there have also been two groundings resulted in flooding due to structural damage which rendered the relevant ships unseaworthy requiring towing assistance to reach port of refuge.

2. Based on information provided in reported cases the most common cause of these were related to inadequate risk assessment while navigating in adverse weather condition or shallow water and ineffective navigation during pilotage.

3. These grounding incidents provide an opportunity to re-look at navigation practices, SOPs and Safety Management System implemented by the Companies.

4. A few effective ways to prevent similar incidents in future could be:

a) Risk Assessment and Mitigation measures based on weather forecast are undertaken to take vessel to safe/sheltered area.

b) Risk Assessment and Mitigation measures are undertaken so as to ensure safe operation during pilotage and/or while navigating in shallow water.

c) Ensuring that SOPs for navigation & watch keeping are followed at all times.

d) Undertaking internal navigational audits in order to verify effective implementation of navigational procedures.

e) Ensuring the continuous availability of main engine/s and steering while navigating in shallow/restricted waters.

5. Owners & Managers are to take note of above in order that corrective actions can be taken to avoid similar situations in future. 

Enclosure:

• Nil.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.          

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