2012 Simulated Emergency Preparedness Drill – Sea Odyssey

Subject: 2012 Simulated Emergency Preparedness Drill

Date: August 16, 2012

Vessel Name: M/V Sea Odyssey

Vessel location : Singapore Strait

Exercise Scenario:

While approaching Singapore for bunkering, around 1400h (0600z) on 16^th August 2012, during pressing up of Water Ballast Tank no. 6, flooding on Cargo Hold no. 6 was observed. Water inside CH no.6 is about 2 meters high and there were traces of black oil which were suspected to be coming from the adjacent Fuel Oil Tank.

The M/V Sea Odyssey needed an immediate assistance to conduct repair on the affected Tanks.

Observation & Recommendations:

OBSERVATIONS	RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the Global Crisis Communication Manual, the incident was concluded to be on the very 1^st level, which means that the incident is an operational concern and not really critical.	It was suggested to conduct a more serious and severe drill scenario next time to intensify the response of the emergency team members hence, more proceedings and measures will be practiced.
It was noticed that the reports were sent to MOLSHIP only.	According to the Communication Flow for Marine Casualty, the Ship Managers should equally report to the appropriate Supervising Office/Group, aside from the Core Ship Manager/MOLSHIP. In these drill, the BCSMO must have been informed as well.
There was a slight difficulty in examining the exact position of the vessel.	Maps and Charts of the major ports must be ready and organized on the ECHQ.
In terms of reporting, it was noticed that there were differences on the chronometer (time) of each response team members.	ECHQ must have clock(s), Phil. LT, vessel’s LT and UTC.
Team members were obliged to go out of the ECHQ and use other PC whenever there was a need for printing some documents.	Make sure that printer is always accessible on the ECHQ.
Minor idle times were observed during the drill proper; that some essential matters which needed an immediate response were not attended promptly.	It is recommended to make a follow-up call to e-mails sent wherein responses or status are needed right away.
One confirmed participant was not contacted all throughout the course of the drill that an instant substitute was needed.	It was recommended that the QAC Head must remind all the participants at least 30 minutes before the start of the drill proper.
8. There was one Landline handset which did not function (no dial-tone).	Make sure to check all the equipments in the ECHQ – such as the landline handsets, clicker, projector, etc. – if they are all working properly.
9. Some members of the team were not kept informed on some updates.	Regular updates of the incident onboard must be done and must be shared to all the persons in the ECHQ.