2015 Simulated Emergency Preparedness Drill – RMC Altair

Subject: 2015 Simulated Emergency Preparedness Drill

Date: April 24, 2015

Vessel Name: M/V RMC Altair

Vessel location :

Exercise Scenario:

After the vessel departed port and her Pilot had disembarked, she slowly increased her RPM while monitoring the Main Engine. An hour after, engineer observed an abnormal sounds at Main Engine, hence, caused the vessel to stop and drift. The vessel M/E was not operational and vessel was considered dead ship. There were a lot of vessels passing while she was drifting towards the nearest island. At the time, strong winds were experienced and there were moderate swells in the area. Vessel had to use anchor during emergency and towing was needed to be arranged.

Attendance of tugboats, Mezura Maru and Ryusho Maru, were arranged to tow the vessel directly back at Namura berth. Ballasting was carried-out for about an hour, to adjust the ballast until departure condition with deepest draft of 8.0m. Flywheel was secured to prevent propeller from turning that may further damage the Main Engine. Main Engine Maker’s Service Engineers were requested to open the Main Engine for inspection and check the extent of the damage. Power was shifted to shore power, compress air onboard was supplied by the yard, JCG were informed, H&M Insurance surveyor was arranged and parties from MOL will be coming as well. Cylinder cover and Piston no.3 were removed to thoroughly inspect crosshead and crankpin bearing no.3. Conditons of no.3 crankpin, crosshead pin, and guide shoe, etc. were checked and found out that the cause of the incident was that nuts were already slacked/loosed. Attendance from the Classification Society was arranged to carry-out Survey and necessary repairs.

Observation & Recommendations:

About 3 hours and 30mins after the drill was closed, the management and its staff were gathered to evaluate the emergency drill:

Observations:	Recommendations
1. All MMSM Marine & Tech staff went inside ECHQ when the drill started. The Exercise Controller immediately dismissed some of the Superintendent.	In the next drills, it is recommended that only the PIC in charge should attend immediately except when the PIC is out of the country. This is to maintain the safe operation of the company.
2. Upon assembly, when testing the communication, it was found out that the emergency telephone is having a problem and has to initially use mobile phones until the telephone phone is replaced.	It is recommended that all equipment inside the ECHQ are always ready to use.
3. Master’s Initial Assessement was lack of important details. Nearest land and the rate of vessel drift were not reported.	Initial report of Master is important to be able to prioritize the actions needed actions. Recommend to further conduct training and drills.
4. The focus was initially concentrated to Main Engine works and then shifted to the safety of the vessel.	It is recommended that the first priority must be the safety of the vessel and to take the approppiate action. MMSM should assist the Master in the possible mitigation of possible accident by proper analysis.
5. On giving the instruction to prepare for an anchoring :	It is recommended that proper assessment must be carried –out.
Anchoring, the Master did not confirm the depth of water and condition of local area. It was observed that there was fishing area.	Carried out before any action to prevent further trouble and for each party to inform necessary authority.
6. There was confusion during preparation for emergency towing. Vessel has encountered difficulty.	If this is on actual incident, delay and possible acident will occur. It is recommended that crew will have properand actual training and drill for emergency towing.