The Coast Guard has released Findings of Concern 008-19, “High Speed Craft Operations Manuals,” regarding an incident where a high speed catamaran passenger ferry allided with a rock jetty at over 30 knots, injuring 15 passengers.
Coast Guard investigators identified several prudent measures to be implemented on vessels in similar service to mitigate risks. You may read the Findings of Concern here.
Findings of Concern are issued to disseminate information related to unsafe conditions that were identified as causal concerns in a casualty and could contribute to future incidents. They are intended to educate the public and state/ local agencies about the conditions discovered so they may address the findings with an appropriate voluntary action or highlight existing applicable company policies or state/local regulations. Findings of Concern do not relieve any domestic or international safety, operations or material requirements.
A very good action by USCG. The principles of safety are enshrined in the ISM Code, even if “legally”‘ the ISM code does not apply to domestic vessels. The principles of safety apply. The operators must adopt safety management system as the way of doing business. The operators must voluntarily create a safe working environment with psychological safety. Identify risks and control those risks, and be prepared for emergencies.
Thank you for your comment, Ravindra. Well said! Thanks for reading Maritime Commons.
Regards, LT Midgett, Editor