Shock Mitigation Directory

MAIB - Accident During Pilot Transfer Between Cargo Vessel 'Sunmi' and Pilot Vessel 'Patrol'

08.01.2018

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has issued a report on the investigation of the accident during pilot transfer.

At 1812 on 5 October 2016, a Port of London Authority pilot was in the process of boarding the cargo vessel 'Sunmi' from the pilot launch 'Patrol' when he fell and was crushed between the two vessels. He died at the scene despite prompt medical attention from RNLI and local ambulance.

The sea pilot, Gordon Coates, was 63 years old. He had joined the PLA as a trainee pilot in 1995 and gained his Class 1 sea pilot licence in 1997.

While both of his legs were crushed in the accident, the post-mortem report stated that the sea pilot’s death was due to trauma to his left leg.

Safety Issues

• Low freeboard pilot transfers involve risks that should be included in risk assessments for boarding and landing.

• The designated pilot boarding station on board Sunmi was not marked and the deck gate should not have been opened in preparation for the transfer as it was unsuitable.

• The pilot had ingested sufficient alcohol on the day of the accident for his blood to contain 122mg alcohol per 100ml of blood approximately 2 hours after reporting for duty. It is likely that the consumption of alcohol contributed to his fall.

• The International Maritime Pilots’ Association ‘Required Boarding Arrangements for Pilot’ poster did not include reference to the amendments to pilot transfer arrangements made in IMO Resolution A.1108(29), regarding deck gates.

Recommendations

The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (2017/139) has been recommended to promulgate the requirements for gateways in vessels’ rails or bulwarks intended for pilot boarding operations by updating its ‘Required Boarding Arrangements For Pilot’ poster to include the amendments in IMO Resolution A.1108(29).

A recommendation has also been made to Misje Rederi A.S. (2017/140) to ensure that the designated pilot boarding areas on Sunmi are marked and that pilot boarding operations are overseen by a responsible officer.

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MAIB investigation report 21-2017: Vessels 'Sunmi' and 'Patrol'