Loss of bridge control in functioning systems
The first article in this series examined accidents involving loss of bridge control due to a mechanical or electrical failure in conventional steering systems. However, accidents can also occur when systems are fully functioning. They can be triggered by wrong settings applied by the crew. Amidst the panic when control is lost, crew have only ...
Three accidents involving loss of bridge control in fully functioning systems are highlighted in this article. In the first case, a fishing vessel moored alongside lost bridge control while transitioning from bridge to engine room control for maintenance. The pitch control lever remained in full-ahead position, causing the vessel to move forward and collide with another ship. The investigation found no documented procedure for control transfer and fatigue as contributing factors.
The second incident involved a naval vessel that veered into a commercial vessel it was overtaking. A bridge console controlling steering and propulsion malfunctioned during a transfer of thrust control, leading to the loss of steering. The bridge team failed to notice un-ganged thrust and did not use the emergency override, resulting in a collision that caused multiple deaths and injuries.
In the third case, a vessel with schilling rudders struck and sank two unmanned vessels alongside while making a turn in a port. The master, on pilotage exemption, transferred steering control to the bridge wing. The system allowed for astern thrust without stopping the engine, leading to the collision. Fatigue impacted the bridge team's situational awareness.
These cases demonstrate the critical importance of proper control transfer procedures, system design with interlocks and synchronised settings, and attentive bridge operations, even in seemingly routine situations.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.