GovWire

Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the collision between the UK registered general cargo vessel Scot Carrier and the Denmark registered split hopper barge Karin Hj, resulting in the capsize of the barge and the loss of its two crew on 13 December 2021.

Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, said:

The collision between Scot Carrier and Karin Hj resulted in the tragic deaths of two seafarers. International requirements are clear that posting an additional person on the bridge as a dedicated lookout is vital to safe navigation. However, this investigation is one of many that have found that the watchkeepers were alone on the bridge at night.

This report also highlights the dangers of distraction from watchkeeping duties. While shipping companies may have procedures to address distraction, seafarers are also responsible for acting professionally; watchkeeping is a safety critical task. Shipping companies should empower their crews to make the right decisions, highlighting the impact that distraction has on task performance, and have effective methods of ensuring that an additional lookout is posted at night and in poor visibility.

The report makes a recommendation to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to clarify to the shipping industry that posting an additional lookout at night and in restricted visibility is a regulatory requirement on UK ships, and all ships in UK waters.