Enhancing maritime safety protocols: lessons from the Haldia port incident in India

Eda Zenic -

The Directorate General of Shipping, India issued shipping circular No. 24 of 2024 addressing a fatal incident on the bulk carrier Kavo Alkyon at Haldia Port on October 4, 2023. A businessman, unauthorized to be onboard, sought shelter from the rain beneath a hatch cover while it was being closed, resulting in his entrapment and death.

Key Findings from the Investigation:

The Directorate General of Shipping conducted a preliminary investigation that identified several key factors contributing to the casualty:

Failure in Basic Seamanship:

  1. The investigation highlighted a lapse in basic seamanship practices. With only two duty hands present on the deck, the gangway, a critical point of entry and exit, was left unattended while the crew focused on closing the hatch covers. This oversight allowed the businessman to reboard the vessel unnoticed.
  2. Proper seamanship would have required verbal communication or the use of a torch to signal and clear the area before operating the hatch covers, which was not done.

Non-Compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS):

  1. The crew failed to follow established procedures outlined in the ship's Safety Management System (SMS) for closing hatch covers. These procedures are designed to prevent accidents by ensuring that all areas are clear before such operations.

Insufficient Manpower:

  1. The investigation found that the number of duty hands on deck was insufficient to manage both cargo operations and security duties effectively. This shortage of personnel led to critical tasks being neglected, such as monitoring the gangway.

Inadequate Illumination:

  1. The area where the incident occurred was poorly lit, especially under the hatch covers. During nighttime operations, the illumination provided by the ship’s forward mast light was obstructed by the rain, making it difficult to see if anyone was in the vicinity of the hatch covers.

Recommendations for Prevention:

To prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents, the Directorate General of Shipping issued the following recommendations:

Manning the Gangway:

  1. The gangway should always be manned to control access to the vessel. During night hours or adverse weather conditions, the gangway can be lifted from the jetty to prevent unauthorized boarding.

Adequate Personnel on Deck:

  1. To ensure safety, security, and operational efficiency, there must always be an adequate number of personnel present on deck to handle both cargo operations and security duties effectively.

Adherence to Basic Seamanship and Safety Procedures:

  1. Crew members must strictly adhere to basic seamanship practices and follow the safety procedures outlined in the SMS manual at all times, particularly during critical operations like hatch cover closing.

Improved Lighting:

  1. The areas between the hatches and underneath the hatch covers should be properly illuminated, especially during night operations, to prevent accidents caused by poor visibility.

Restricting Unauthorized Access:

  1. Ports should enforce strict controls to prohibit entry to unauthorized individuals during non-operational hours or when conditions might increase the risk of incidents.

Controlled Access to Enclosed Spaces:

  1. Vessels must ensure that all enclosed and restricted spaces are only accessed with proper authorization from ship personnel. These spaces should be securely locked or otherwise controlled to prevent unauthorized entry.

Comprehensive Training for Seafarers:

  1. Seafarers should receive thorough training regarding their responsibilities for onboard security, including the importance of monitoring and controlling access points such as the gangway.

Final Remarks:

This circular serves as a critical reminder of the inherent dangers associated with enclosed spaces onboard vessels and underscores the need for rigorous adherence to safety protocols and proper training. Shipowners, operators, masters, crews, and port authorities are urged to take these recommendations seriously to enhance the overall safety and security of maritime operations.

The circular was issued by Capt. Harinder Singh, Nautical Surveyor, and Deputy Director General (Technical), with the approval of the Competent Authority. It is directed to all ports and relevant stakeholders via the Directorate General of Shipping's website.

Additional Information:

  • Vessel Details:
    • Kavo Alkyon, a bulk carrier registered under the Marshall Islands flag, built in 2005 with a gross tonnage of 38,845.
    • Owned/Managed by Falcon Ventures and classified by the American Bureau of Shipping.
    • The vessel was carrying coal at the time of the incident.
  • Casualty Details:
    • The incident was classified as a very serious marine casualty with one fatality. The deceased was an Indian national and a businessman, not a seafarer or authorized shore personnel.