Analysis of Marine casualties in Jamaica and Recommendations (2019-2020)
Analysis of Marine casualties in Jamaica and Recommendations
(2019-2020)
The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) has flag State, port State and coastal State responsibilities in Jamaica. The MAJ analyses statistics of incidents in Jamaican waters to generally prevent marine casualties. Marine casualties and accidents, whether or not loss of life is involved, will be investigated for the purpose of determining the cause of the casualty and the persons, if any, who are responsible and to obtain information for the prevention of similar casualties. These analysis and recommendations will therefore deliberately not name vessels or persons involved in these accidents.
The Shipping Act require the owner, agent, Master, or person in charge of the vessel involved in a marine casualty to notify the MAJ whenever a casualty results which causes physical damage to property, material damage affecting the seaworthiness or efficiency of the vessel, any stranding or grounding, any loss of life, or injury incapacitating a person.
Between Calendar year 2019 and 2020 Jamaica has had a grounding of a pilot boat (April 2019) and a grounding of a Tug (February 2020). Investigations have concluded that the pilot boat crew were not aware of their location after disembarking the pilot ( a case of vertigo?). The tug-master who had no valid certificate was also unaware of his location as he struggled to maneuver his vessel in bad weather off the coast of Montego Bay. There were also two small oil spills as a result of hoses parting during bunkering.
Recommendations
As a result of these accidents the Maritime Authority of Jamaica urges:
- Mariners (captains and engineers) to keep certificates valid.
- Masters to keep abreast of weather forecast while in Jamaican waters; also take all necessary action as required by Rule 2 of the collision regulations (Good seamanship) to ensure that the vessel can be maneuvered safely and away from danger in whatever circumstance.
- Bunker vessels to check the condition of their hoses before each bunkering activity.
- Surveyors will also be paying keen attention to hoses during Local Trade inspection of the bunker vessels.