What strategies can you use to prevent offshore vessel collisions?

Comprehensive approach to monitoring and tracking is essential. Prior to actual mobilization and execution of work at the site, a meticulous project execution plan must be formulated on paper. This plan should include the approval of anchor patterns, clearly defined single lines of command, and a robust interface management plan/procedure to ensure seamless coordination among various vessels engaged in drilling, topside equipment hookup maintenance, and offshore pipeline installation. Communication protocols must be established and strictly adhered to, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise information exchange. This helps in avoiding miscommunication, a common cause of maritime incidents.

Proper Bridge Resource Management: Bridge Resource Management (BRM) is a system that promotes effective communication and decision-making among the crew on the bridge. This can help prevent collisions by ensuring all crew members are aware of their roles and responsibilities in navigating the vessel safely.

I consider that the International Collision Regs would be the primary method of avoiding collision not as an additional factor. Communication is secondary assuming no language difficulties.

Totally agree Jono - why on Earth would you want to use anything else. Giving all vessels a wide berth where possible is also recommended - if you invite trouble - you will find it.

Waypoints tend to be common ie all the ships follow the same route, thus you’ll likely meet on reciprocal tracks. If you offset say 0.5 nm to the right, you give yourself a bit more room

AIS, GPS, VTS and radar systems, provide real-time information on their locations. The implementation of a centralized monitoring system will enable effective coordination and reduce the risk of collisions by allowing operators to anticipate potential conflicts and adjust vessel trajectories accordingly. However preventive and regular/risk-based inspection and maintenance of tracking equipment and vessel critical equipment are imperative to prevent malfunctions or breakdowns, which could compromise the accuracy of vessel positions and impede collision avoidance efforts.

Early elimination of targets which are clearing at a safe distance allows you to concentrate on those which will be a bit closer. Whether using plotter or chart, frequent and regular comparison of position with intended track indicates effect of tide or current. Always correct your heading to maintain your selected track

To prevent offshore vessel collisions, monitoring and tracking are essential. Advanced systems like AIS and radar offer real-time data on vessel positions, courses, and speeds, aiding risk assessments. Predictive analytics enhance collision foresight based on historical data. Effective communication through VHF radio and satellite links ensures shared information among vessels, promoting coordinated navigation. Adherence to maritime regulations, including traffic separation schemes, strengthens collision prevention. Regular crew training in avoidance strategies and emergency response protocols empowers quick and informed decision-making.

Maybe pay more attention looking out of the window ahead and prioritizing that over listening to the GMDSS because we no longer have ROs Have a lookout in keeping with the COLREGs. It says a lookout has “No other duties”. So that’s not you if you are navigating, pushing a BENWAS button, attending to GMDSS or a half dozen other things.

Continous training is always a bedrock to resolve future occurrence of an incident or accident. When trained, personnel knows the right tool to use in averting incident and also government regulatory action.

Don’t forget to call the master sooner than later. He has the experience to assist and the earlier his intervention the more satisfactory the outcome. As master rather be called a hundred times and not needed than called once when collision inevitable!

Proper Training and Certification: All crew members on offshore vessels should be properly trained and certified to operate the vessel and follow safety protocols. This includes training on navigation, communication, and collision avoidance techniques

The only reason I have lived this long is I don't trust other vessels to obey the rules. Always have an exit strategy in case they don't.

The contributors have provided many outstanding solutions. I would like to add: 1) Rehearse that crisis. Every Bridge watch stander should be taught to rehearse scenarios in their head, including a contact suddenly turning toward you, man overboard, fire, loss of steering, etc. I encourage Masters rehearse crisis situations with their watch standers. 2) Situational awareness, situational awareness, situational awareness. Get up, look out the window, and compare the RADAR and ARPA to what's out there. A sunken container just below the surface is not going to show on the RADAR. 3) Take visual bearings and RADAR ranges to confirm the electronics. Electronics fail. Spoofing is becoming more common in certain parts of the world.

Be adequately rested before you go on watch. You shouldn’t be taking alcohol or drugs, there is no place for either onboard ship. Leave your phone or pad in your cabin. At night give yourself time to adjust to the dark.

Voyage plan, long and short range tracking, being rested and alert. Identifying risk. Understanding relative motion, proper lookout, Taking adverse weather into consideration when underway

Remember the guy on the other ship could be asleep, pissed or on the phone so don’t rely on him following the rules. Nothing beats early action by either party to avoid close quarters.

Remember the guy on the other ship could be asleep, pissed or on the phone so don’t rely on him following the rules. Nothing beats early action by either party to avoid close quarters.

Proper Planning and Risk Assessment: Before embarking on a voyage, the vessel's crew should conduct a thorough risk assessment and develop a plan to avoid potential hazards, including collisions. This includes identifying potential collision hotspots and taking necessary precautions.

All items one through five, in my opinion, directly cover the control measures required to prevent the incident, but there isn't much we can talk about once it happened, i.e. the recovery steps we need to do to reduce the impact of the incident. Obviously, all of this is subject to the historical frequency of such accidents occurring in that specific location, and our control systems rely significantly on it.