USCG issues stability warning for uninspected vessels

Eda Zenic -

The United States Coast Guard issued safety alert 06-24 following the tragic capsizing of an uninspected 30-foot workboat on Bayou Chene, Louisiana, which led to the death of one crew member. The accident highlights significant safety concerns related to the stability of uninspected commercial vessels when carrying cargo.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred as the vessel was transporting three portable tanks weighing a total of 7,776 pounds—exceeding the boat's stability limit. During transit, the vessel soft grounded on a mud flat and subsequently capsized. The investigation determined that the combined weight of the cargo surpassed the vessel’s maximum safe deck capacity of 7,000 pounds on protected routes, critically reducing its stability and leading to the accident.

Several factors contributed to the incident:

  • Overloaded Cargo: The cargo exceeded the safe stability limit, with stacked cargo further compromising stability.
  • Lack of Awareness: The crew was unaware of the vessel's loading limitations, as there were no formal stability tests or loading guidelines available for this uninspected vessel.
  • No Training: The crew lacked formal training in vessel stability and safe loading practices, leaving them unprepared to manage the risks associated with overloading.
  • Unverified Cargo Capacity Claims: The vessel’s owner had advertised a cargo capacity of 8,000 pounds, a figure that was not based on documented stability testing or calculations.

Key Coast Guard Recommendations

The Coast Guard issued several recommendations for uninspected vessel owners, operators, and managers to prevent similar accidents in the future. These include:

  1. Determine Maximum Cargo Capacity:
    Vessel owners are urged to perform formal stability tests or calculations to determine the true maximum cargo capacity of their vessels. This should ideally be done by marine engineers or qualified professionals who can assess the specific stability limits of each vessel accurately.
  2. Display Cargo Capacity and Loading Plans:
    Owners and operators should visibly post the vessel's maximum cargo capacity and a recommended loading plan onboard. This should include clear instructions for cargo placement, which is critical to maintaining optimal stability and preventing overloading.
  3. Develop and Implement Crew Training Programs:
    The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of structured training programs that teach crew members about vessel stability and safe loading practices. Training should ensure that all crew members are familiar with the specific stability characteristics and loading limits of the vessel they operate.
  4. Review and Update Safety Policies:
    Regularly updating safety policies and procedures around loading and vessel stability is essential. Owners and operators should ensure that all crew members are both aware of and adhere to these updated policies.
  5. Verify and Document Compliance:
    Vessel owners should maintain detailed records of stability tests, loading plans, and crew training. Periodic checks should be conducted to confirm that vessels operate within their safe loading limits and that crews are following established loading protocols.

Importance of Compliance and Safety Awareness

This safety alert serves as a critical reminder for uninspected vessel owners to prioritize stability and load management, even if regulations don’t mandate formal inspections. Accurate knowledge of cargo capacity, coupled with crew training and adherence to safety policies, can prevent similar capsizing incidents. The Coast Guard stresses that the safety of both crew and vessel depends on a proactive approach to stability and risk management.