Personnel / Pilot Transfer Safety Initiative embeded by Pacific Tug Group
As we continually strive to improve safety in our operations, it’s crucial that we learn from incidents within our industry.
Pacific Tug Group Australia would like to provide details of an initiative evolving from the tragic event involving crew changes of Formosabulk Clement in August 2021 off the coast of Brisbane, Australia.
The Incident has been investigated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
This report can be found at:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2021/mair/mo-2021-004
(ATSB MO-2021-004): On August 9, 2021, during a crew change operation between the Formosabulk Clement and the launch PT Transporter, a departing chief mate lost his life while attempting to board the launch. This incident occurred after several successful transfers had already taken place, highlighting that even routine operations can turn deadly when multiple risk factors align.
Whilst the investigation identified a number of learnings one key finding from the investigation was the need for a clearer communication process, especially given the multicultural nature of our industry and potential language barriers.
Following this incident, Pacific Tug were challenged with addressing an industry wide system that has been the standard and remains the standard for personal transfers. When addressing the many constraints to communication and instant messaging, Pacific Tug proposed a solution that identified a universal, visual, communication system.
This system comprised of physical elements being:
- A Mast Mounted traffic light system controlled from the pilot or transfer vessel. These signals can be seen from both the Deck and Bridge of the ship.
- A CTV seating area traffic light system duplicated from the main traffic lights.
The system also comprised of written instructions and signage:
- An information card that is provided to the vessel requiring transfers, before the transfers commence. This has to be workshopped and understanding confirmed by all parties involved in the transfer prior to the arrival of the CTV.
- Signage placed on the CTV clarifying the actions according to the signal.
- An instruction card to be used at the transfer location on the ship clarifying the actions according to the signal.
This Red, Yellow, Green visual system makes it absolutely clear as to the intentions of the CTV Master and the actions required of all parties in real time and as controlled by the current circumstances.
As maritime professionals, it’s our responsibility to continuously improve our procedures and implement new safety measures. Pacific Tug urges all operators to consider adopting this traffic light system or similar visual communication methods for transfer operations.
In the interest of maritime safety, Pacific Tug have shared details of the Traffic Light System.
Furthermore, let’s renew our commitment to:
- Thorough risk assessments before each transfer operation, especially when conditions change
- Clear communication protocols between all parties involved and ongoing training for all seafarers
- Empowering all personnel to halt operations if they have safety concerns
- Regular training and drills for emergency situations during transfers
The loss of a colleague is always a tragedy, but we can honour their memory by learning from these incidents and improving our safety practices. Let’s work together to ensure that every crew member returns home safely at the end of their tour.
Safety is not just a priority – it’s a core value that should guide every decision we make.
