The general cargo vessel was about to discharge packaged sawn timber in a small Caribbean port. Before discharging commenced the master told the crew the importance of slinging each timber package at equal distances to maintain its centre of gravity.
Discharge started in the evening. This chief officer had turned on the cargo floodlights and all crew members were wearing proper PPE such as boiler suits, high visibility vests, safety shoes and hard hats. The 3rd officer and an AB were in cargo hold 1. The chief officer and an AB were in cargo hold 2.

The vessel’s cargo cranes were operated by the bosun and an AB. On the quay were three stevedores. The crew connected the slings to the cargo in the cargo holds. Just before midnight there were some issues with the slings in hold…

Read more in the February 2019 case »

For more Loss Prevention information, please contact: 
Joakim Enström, Loss Prevention Officer
E-mail: joakim.enstrom@swedishclub.com

Each month the Club’s Loss Prevention team issues a new safety scenario to assist members in their efforts to comply with international safety regulations and to follow best practice. 

When discussing the case please consider that the actions taken at the time made sense for all involved. Do not only judge, but also ask why you think these actions were taken and could this happen on your vessel?