Near Miss – OCIMF definition

An event or sequence of events which did not result in an injury (or incident)
but which, under slightly different conditions, could have done so.

Typical unsafe behaviours are misuse, or no use of PPE (safety harness, safety
goggles). Unsafe working practices such as crew members standing in
dangerous positions or moving into unsafe locations, use of incorrect equipment
or using equipment in the wrong way.

All near misses should be reported to the office via the danaos ISM module.

WORKING ALOFT
A fitter was to be working on aft main mast renewing some support platform. The fitter was
up the mast when the C/O found he was not wearing safety harness. The safety harness was
on standby near the fitter but he did not use it. The C/O stopped the job and warned the fitter.
The job was resumed after he had put on the safety belt.

Do we really need a Chief to tell us when to wear a harness? A fitter is an experienced

seaman. Common sense should prevail
SAFETY FIRST !!!

WORKING ALOFT
Vsl was underway on Gulf of Mexico, wind NE 5. During 12-14.00 watch 2/off observed one
OS painting forward mast from top of the mast house without using a safety harness.
Immediately his job was stopped, the bosun was called to the bridge and reminded that when
he gives jobs it is his responsibility to check that people are equipped according to
regulations & working aloft check list. The OS was also instructed that he has to wear at all
times correct PPE.

Yet another case of crew working aloft without following procedures. It is your life and your
responsibility to make sure you are working in a safe manner. You only need to fall once to be
seriously injured or worse…

STEERING FAILURE
During pilotage from Ningbo port to pilot station the rudder stuck on starboard 20o.
Immediately Steering system was switched fm System1 to System 2 as per emergency
procedures. The rudder started to respond.

Good example here of how emergency procedures followed. Steering gear systems must be
checked prior to departure as per company procedure.

POTENTIAL HAND INJURY

While sounding ballast tank during ballasting/deballasting operations in port a crewmember
took off his gloves "for reason of convenience”. The measuring tape's winding handle was
accidentally released and the tape went down too fast. The crewmember tried to stop the tape
with his bare palm. Fortunately he did not cut his fingers, as he jerked away his hand quickly.
His reflex saved him from injury on this occasion.

PPE is issued for a reason. Even when doing small tasks like this it is important to keep
yourself protected. Do not take off PPE for convenience it is there for a reason.

UNSAFE PRACTICE
Crew derusting wrong engine room supply air fan room. Deck crew sent for derusting and
painting e/r supply fan on E deck inside funnel. Air fans were stopped. The 1/E noticed that
crew were working also in supply air room on deck B outside accommodation where fans
were running.

Toolbox talks should be held prior to carrying out all jobs. This way there is no confusion and
mistakes like this won’t be made. This could have resulted in a serious incident.
COMMUNICATION!!

UNSAFE RIGGING
Vessel was anchored at Suez waiting Area. The deck crew was advised to prepare the
Starboard Accommodation Ladder for shore personnel to come onboard. It was noticed by
the duty officer that while fixing the wire through the stantions of accommodation ladder, the
O/S carrying out the job was nor wearing any life jacket and no lifebuoy was prepared in case
of any mishap / emergency. The job was immediately stopped and the O/S clearly reminded
of the safety precautions and wearing proper PPE. The job was later resumed and completed
only after he was wearing a lifejacket and a lifebuoy was arranged at scene.

Always rig safety harnesses when working overboard. It is your life and your responsibility
to make sure you are working in a safe manner. Procedures are in place for a reason.

SLIP HAZARD
During routine inspection it was observed that on a dry passage way the insulated rubber
mats in front of an electrical panel had become unsafe. Condensation had formed below the
rubber mats making the mats unsafe to walk on. Therefore it is required to check and dry up
all deck contact surfaces with the rubber mats when the vessel sails from warm to cold
geographical area.

PPE NOT USED

During safety inspection on main deck second officer observed O/S without proper PPE
while he was working with grinding machine. Eye protection was not in use, Second officer
stopped O/S and requested to take eye protection. Once O/S brought a face shield, Second
officer reminded him about the safety precautions during grinding and chipping operations
and especially the importance of eye protection during such operations. This case is to be
discussed during forthcoming SQSE meeting.

PPE is there for a reason, the use of goggles in this case will stop foreign particles from
entering the eyes of the O/S. This is a good case where a toolbox meeting should be carried
out, crewmembers should be reminded about simple safety procedures.

WORKING ALOFT
Whilst securing gangway after unberthing in Vancouver, second officer noticed that one A/B
had not attached his harness to the safety line. The job was stopped immediately and A.B was
asked to secure properly his harness. The case was reported to the Master.
After completion of the job a meeting was held with deck crew and explained once again to
follow correct procedures when working overboard. (Preparing/securing gangway and pilot
ladder etc.) It was also explained to them safety comes first.

SECURITY
At 0430 LT / on the 10th June, 2 skiffs were sighted crossing from starboard to port at a
distance of 5.5 nm. The skiffs switched off their lights as they manoeuvred to a position right
ahead, of own vessel, and stopped. Radar distance at 5.5 nm and CPA 0.1 nm. Lookouts: on
each wing with aldis lamp & 12V lifeboat search lamp. It was observed on the radar screen
that the targets started to increase their speed towards own vessel. Own vessel immediately
altered course to port in order to evade and increase the targets CPA switched on all deck
floodlights. The skiffs chased own vessel for about 30 mins and then abandoned as the
distance grew to 1.3 nm. At 0500 LT in position Lat: 05 19.6N Long: 109 34.0E, the skiffs
stopped chasing. Emphasis was made on the following: Funds transferred, Locking of all
external doors (accommodation & e/room), Positive reporting to OOW and recording in BNB
that all external doors locked, Extra lookout, Additional lighting to illuminate dark spots
around accommodation block, Raising the alarm, Access to bridge from accommodation
external stairways provided with locked metal grating at all level of decks.

COVERS NOT FIXED

After sailing from Pusan it was found that hawsepipe covers were not fixed and left on/deck.
Bosun was immediately informed and hawsepipe covers were securely fixed in position by
bolts. All crew was instructed to secure all moving objects all the time in order to prevent
damage to vessel or injury to persons.

FIRE HAZARD
1st engineer noticed some oily rags remained used and had been thrown under hot pipes close
to the boiler area but not at designed drums. The E/R alarm was sounded and all engine
crewmembers were called, then a toolbox meeting was carried out again before any job
commenced. The importance of using garbage collection/segregation procedures for any type
of garbage especially oily rags at designated spaces due to fire hazards, risk assessments and
hazard occurrences were detailed and explained. Also after every job is completed the area
should be kept clean and tidy.

UNSAFE PRACTICE
Two O/S and Bsn received order from Captain to prepare Stbd side pilot ladder. After few
minutes the C/O came from fwd mooring station and noticed the team were preparing the
pilot ladder using only torch light but no deck and pilot ladder lights. The C/O stopped the
job and informed the Master to switch on the deck lights. After the lights were switched on
the job was resumed.

This activity can become very dangerous if the correct amount of luminosity isn’t available.
Both O/S should realise that personal safety is a must when carrying out various activities on
the ship.

WATER NEAR ELECTRICITY

During routine safety round, Master found small leakage of water from the pipeline in
officer's laundry. The water was dropping very close to electric switch with potential danger
of electric shock or short circuit. Electric switch has been isolated and water leakage rectified.
Heads of departments have instructed crew to pay more attention and report any similar
potentially dangerous situations on board. Case to be discussed at the next safety meeting.

FAULTY EQUIPMENT
During an inspection in E/R carried out by the Captain one grinder was found without
specifications on it. All grinder wheels on board are designed for 6600 revolutions. The
grinder is not in use anymore until the correct specifications supplied.

This was the correct way to deal with the situation if ever in doubt ask, do not attempt to use
equipment if your unsure as to whether it is safe to use or not.

FAULTY EQUIPMENT
2/O felt light smell of smoke, Master was called on bridge. D/C was sent to check the mess
rooms and ships office. After checking D/C reported that there is smoke in the ships office
coming from a 110v/220v transformer, feeding an electrical hot water kettle. It was
unplugged and the burned transformer was removed.

FOLLOWING ORDERS
Two O/S decided to move steel plates from funnel deck to inside E/R. In the morning C/O
gave a direct order to them to not move any plates due to rolling of vsl and risk the of an
accident is major. During this time the C/O was in his cabin preparing different documents
for arrival in Brazil and heard noises on the funnel deck. He went out to stop them. All
crewmembers were ordered to report to ballast control room for briefing ref to this matter and
warning all crewmembers to follow safety procedures strictly.

ORDERS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED… regardless of how you feel about a

situation if an order is given regarding your own personal safety it should be followed, in the
above case the C/O is experienced and realised the safety hazard, his judgement should be
respected.

SANITY AND HYGIENE

On the 21st of April 2011 during lunch Captain discovered that C/K is using only one
chopping board and knife for raw fish, raw and boiled meat and vegetables. This could be a
serious hazard to health of the crew on board. Also it was noted that chicken was boiled only
20 minutes and served half-raw. Captain reminded the C/K about basic rules of sanitary
hygiene and requested the C/K to use different clipboards and knifes for each kind of food.
Bulk Carrier – Dangerous Spaces
During planned maintenance accommodation engine room casing watertight doors dog bolts,
at co2 room, the O/S designated for this job, was ready to enter into the co2 room without any
checks. He was seen from the bridge by the Captain and stopped, C/O called and remind
again procedures to enter into enclosed spaces (what is a enclosed space, what are the dangers
- accidental leak of co2 and oxy deficiency), required all risk assessments, enclosed spaces
check list, airing spaces properly.

Bulk Carrier – Working at height

EE3 went on aft mast to change some bulbs globe cover, preparing for Singapore port. He
failed to inform duty officer about his job intention and failed to put the warning tags on
radar not to be switched on. Fortunately the duty officer noticed and checked where EE3 was
going. He put the warning tags on radars not to be switched on.

Working at height – is a high risk activity and can easily result in serious and fatal accidents.
The electrician must follow proper safe working practices and must e properly controlled by
the Chief Engineer. The Chief Engineer has to be aware of what work the Electrician is doing
and must ensure that tool box talks and / or Permits are used as required.
If any crew member including electricians cannot or will not follow proper safety procedures
then we will have to use company disciplinary procedures.

Equipment falling from height

Whilst deck crew were tightening container lashing, A/B noticed a loose turnbuckle falling
from lashing bridge above 1 m from him.
Luckily no one was injured. All deck crew were briefed and reminded to strictly follow all
safety work procedure and wear PPE at all times.

PPE not used

While carrying out a non-routine maintenance work in E/R on a flange of steam return /
drain pipe of main engine Scrubber pump a very little amount of hot water splashed on the
M/M carrying out the job, fortunately causing no injury to any person. Soon after the incident
a brief visit / investigation to the location was carried out along with C/E and detailed
investigation followed. Site of incident found to be well clear of any unnecessary obstructions
and tools and was clear of oily stains eliminating any chances of tripping. The location where
M/M was standing while carrying out the job was found to be a little bit awkward. No eye
protection / visor, essential for this particular job was used.
PPE not used
Sand blaster found by Master blasting on top of hatch coaming without a safety belt. The
distance to the top of the cargo was about 6 m.

PPE not used

2/O noticed that EE3 was staying on the top of the portable ladder about 2 m above the boat
deck, while fixing the limit switch of the port side bunker davit, without a safety belt /
harness. 2/O has stopped EE3 and advised him to use proper PPE. Later on that day EE3 was
warned by the Master and reminded to wear PPE at all times.

PPE not used

During initial discharge of phosphoric acid duty AB attempted to get sample with only
rubber gloves and not even
wearing safety goggles which are attached to his helmet. Duty officer stopped him and told to
put on protective suite
and wear safety goggles. Warning was given about the corrosive cargo being handled.

PPE not used

During grinding of fire hydrant d/c was observed by 2/O without goggles. He was stopped
immediately and instructed not to perform any grinding/chipping jobs without wearing the
appropriate PPE.

PPE not used

During routine inspection of the vessel O/S found working on deck de-rusting hatch
cover with jet chisel without wearing helmet and safety goggles. Immediately work was
stopped and proper PPE used. Correct use of proper PPE again explained to all deck crew
during toolbox meeting.

PPE not used

Captain observed that during rigging of Razor Wire O/S was working without safety
harness while fixing the wire
outside of accommodation ladder area, which does not has the railings.

PPE not used

Crew was transferring spear parts to the engine room stores using vessels starboard side
provision crane. During this
operation it was observed by the 2/O what all personnel involved in the operation ere not
wearing hard hats.

Unsafe practice
On 11/10/11 at 0845 hrs lt FTA and FTB have entered in AP tank for steel work. BSN as a
team leader appointed by
C/O, has not reported to the bridge for the time of entering in AP tank although he has been
instructed by the C/O same
day at 0730 hrs lt. Enclosed Space Entry Permit form VT 113 has been issued and signed by
the BSN.

Unsafe practice
 Deck crew started to secure accommodation ladder without sufficient lighting during night
time. Bosun didn't request
watch officer to switch on deck lights and bridge wings searchlight. This job involve work
aloft while vessel underway.
Present high risk for workers.

Unsafe practice
Whilst the E/E was checking the reefers in bay 581484, the bosun noticed that he is not using
the portable ladder in the
correct way. Bosun informed C/O and the work was stopped. C/O gave a brief explanation
how to properly secure the
portable ladder and advised E/E when performing this kind of job always to seek assistance.

After storm, during general investigation, C/O noticed one damaged welding cable,
which was presently in use by
FTRS on deck. The isolation of the cable plug was missing. It was very dangerous because of
the high voltage (FTRS
were doing a repairing job to the hatch covers) and humidity. After a short investigation, was
found out that one of the
FTRS (first time on board) connected by mistake an old cable.

Unsafe practice
On his way from accommodation area to upper deck in order to work on car deck #10 O/S
slipped and fell down. Decks
were wet from continuous rain. Fortunately he was not injured. All crew was reminded
not go out on weather to be
very careful when walking on upper deck and to use non-slip walkway in upper deck tunnel.

Unsafe practice
On his way from bridge to deck Master smelt smoke in the alleyway and noticed some
smoke coming out of electrician
cabin door. Master found out the electrician was doing some soldering works inside his
cabin. Master immediately
stopped the work and requested to be done in the workshop.

Unsafe practice
During some maintenance work, vessel’s both radars were turned off with warning notice
"Don't switch on". Later E/E
reported that maintenance had been completed and the radars could be turned on. 2/O went
on the bridge wing to check
that the area is clear and radars can be switched on again. He noticed D/C was still on the
compass deck, where he could
be exposed to radiation from the radar scanners. The reason D/C returned was because he
left some tools but did not
notify the Duty Officer.

Unsafe practice
During heavy weather and very rough sea (7 m high waves), crew member was noticed
outside the accommodation
without permission. His action was very risky as he could be easily swept by waves
outside. Duty officer on bridge
(chief officer) stopped him immediately and warned him about his dangerous action.

Unsafe practice
Crew was noticed smoking near paint store. C/O warned and advised him that smoking near
paint store could cause fire.

Unsafe practice
Master noticed that manhole cover for wbt 5 port (location is near accommodation-port
quarter) is open and there is no
temporary cover. After further investigation was found that the cover was removed by
one O/S and A/B for
maintenance and they forgot to put temporary cover.

Unsafe practice
Fitters found working in DB tank with 110 V (unprotected) light. It was reminded them
that only 48 V (or less) is
allowed inside the tanks, with good/protected light fixtures.

Water near electricity

During regular accommodation inspection, in upper deck pipe duct space area a leak
was found on one of the pipes running through the space. The leak had caused a puddle of
water in the area close to the circuit breakers for 110v and 440v for main deck and
accommodation with potential danger of electric shock or short circuit. Area was dried by a
crewman wearing rubber boots and rubber gloves, and the leak was fixed.

PPE not used

During routine inspection on upper deck C/O noticed fitters trying to move steel plates
without informing the Bosun a/pnormal safety procedure for this job. Fitters were
immediately stopped, Bosun and deck crew called on the scene. Bosun
also made sure crew all used proper PPE and the job was safely completed.

PPE not used

2/O noticed O/S working on a ladder, for the regular maintenance of Davit on the lifeboat
deck, wearing a safety belt,instead of a safety harness. The job was immediately stopped and
he was instructed to use a safety harness. Bosun wasinstructed to remove all remaining safety
belts onboard.

PPE not used

C/B was without safety shoes in the provision compartments carrying wooden crates.

PPE not used

During preparation of accommodation ladder at anchorage area, 2/O noticed crew working
outboard without safetyharness.
PPE not used
It was observed by duty officer and master that 3 deck crewmembers are not wearing safety
goggles while paintingstarboard side bridge wing. Duty officer suspend their work and
explain to crew importance of wearing properprotective equipment, especially in windy
weather.
PPE not used
During transferring of chemicals at ship's storage area, A/B was not wearing chemical
personal protective equipment,although risk assessment tool meeting was carried out before
deck operations. C/O stopped him and explained one moretime proper procedures.
PPE not used
A/B was observed by Master, climbing on h/c #6 trackway without wearing safety harness or
other protectiveequipment required for working aloft. The job was stopped immediately and
A/B instructed accordingly. A safetybriefing was carried out with all deck crew and fitters
regarding the safety procedures when working aloft and generalsafety onboard.

Unsafe practice
During transferring stores by ship's provision crane, crew involved was staying under cargo
on hook of crane. Operationwas stopped and crew received additional safety instructions.

Unsafe practice
Vessel planned to discharge sludge at Ningbo to the sludge barge. Barge approached to the
vessel and fastenedalongside. Before giving permission to discharge sludge Duty Officer
checked mooring arrangement and found itunsafe (lines of insufficient strength and number
and too short), reported to C/E and C/O. C/E ordered to Sludge Team
Foreman to rearrange lines due to strong wind (20-30 knots).

Unsafe practice
Bosun was lowering steel hot rolled flat and round bars in ER via skylight, using portside
provision crane. Fitter andable seamen were in engine room to receive these bars. C/O was
watching all procedure and he saw that rope by whichbars were secured was loose. Bosun
was unaware of that because of his position and darkness. C/O immediatelystopped the
operation and told them to move far from the bars. Meantime rope slipped to the end of the
bar and bars hitthe platform causing minor damages. C/O explained to all crew that flat and
round bars are not to be transferredtogether and operating area below crane to be kept clear at
all time.

Unsafe practice
During routine job on deck, Captain noticed that FTB was changing acetylene bottle in
acetylene room while smoking acigarette. Captain stopped him to perform the task and call
C/O and all deck crew. Captain and C/O instructed all deckcrew not to smoke on deck.

Unsafe practice
Crew was noticed passing under heavy pallets during supply operations. Operation was
ceased by Ch. Mate and crewinstructed to act according to the general safety rules, no rush
and safety first.

Unsafe practice
During liferaft maintenance a crew member activated liferaft release mechanism by mistake.
As a result STBD sideliferaft fell in the water. Later the liferaft was picked up o/b by crew
and water removed from the plastic container. Gascylinder was not activated, and there were
no big damages to the plastic container, securing bans not parted.
Unsafe practice
2nd Engineer observed, after completion of Bunkering 3rd Barge, M/M trying to cast off the
bunker barge unassistedand without being given any instructions. He was stopped and deck
crew called to cast off the barge.

Unsafe practice
While discharging ammonia at the port, 2/O noticed that loading master was talking on
mobile phone near to thegangway. Mobile was immediately switched off after requested by
2/O and the loading master was advised that using a
mobile phone is not allowed.
10
Unsafe practice
During weekly safety inspection Captain and C/O found that fire and watertight door to dry
passage and bow thrusterroom were lashed in open position. Rectified on spot crew instructed
accordingly.

Unsafe practice
During hydraulic line replacement by FTB at No. 6 cargo hold aft port side, FTB was not
able to stop a minor hydraulicoil leakage due to insufficient amount of oil spill equipment.
Deck scuppers were not plugged. Chief Officer, whosupervised the repair, didn’t act as
instructed to contain the leakage and prevent pollution. Ftb, deck cadet, Master, O/S,
E/T, rushed to restrict and contain the hyd oil spill. Briefing held and all crew urged to take
all efforts to prevent anylikelihood of pollution, cold work permits to be correctly filled in
and displayed.

Unsafe practice
During inspection of life boat No 2 (port side), 3/O decided without informing anyone, to test
the life boat's engine.After starting on battery # 1 and switching on battery # 2, it exploded.
He came on the bridge and reported the incident.
After investigation, following was found out:
- 3/O did not inform 1/E who was the assigned engineer for testing and maintenance of the
life boat's engine;
- 3/O did not disconnect charging cable, before starting life boat's engine.
- Battery contacts have not been inspected for moisture (there was a heavy rain the previous
night).
Battery explosion could have injured 3/O by acid burns or plastic debris. All crew mustered
on bridge and safety officerpresented again the case and procedures to be followed.