Acting on Instinct

This week, the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued its report on thedeaths of three stevedores in a cargo hold access space on board a bulk carrier.

Berge Mawson was in Indonesia, loading coal from barges using a floating crane. During a pause in loading due to heavy rain, all hatches were closed. After the rain stopped, a stevedore mistakenly entered the access space of a cargo hold and was overcome. Two other stevedores collapsed while attempting to rescue him as crew collected rescue equipment. The stevedores had not been trained on safe cargo work on board bulk carriers or on the dangers of enclosed spaces.

Gard recently highlighted another incident where two stevedores died onboard a bulk carrier when entering a cargo hold containing zinc concentrate. Both stevedores were discovered inside the hold lying on top of the cargo, one having tried to save the other.

Investigation reports for enclosed space accidents often conclude that the underlying cause was “failure to follow established procedures” but these accidents are likely caused by a wide range of operational, commercial, technical and training-related factors. Still, says Gard: “Far too often, we also see that individuals