About the FIC
AMSA conducted a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) on DCVs that conduct towing operations over the period 21 November 2022 to 27 February 2023.
The campaign focused on the implementation of risk assessments for towing operations as specified in the safety management system (SMS) requirements of Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements — national law) 2018.
In conjunction with standard inspections of DCVs conducting towing operations, specific questions relating to the implementation of risk assessments were asked by AMSA inspectors.
Along with risk assessment details inspectors checked crew training requirements, management of fatigue and procedures for reporting and recording marine incidents.
Overall results
94 FIC inspections were carried out during the campaign.
The FIC showed mostly positive results for questions directly related to towing operations:
- 99% of vessels had a risk assessment for towage operations.
- 97% of risk assessments for towage operations were up to date.
- 95% of risk controls were implemented or able to be complied with. This was related to currency of emergency plans and procedures, relevant training, safety briefings, availability of the required PPE and appropriate crewing.
- Training requirements were found to be mostly positive but with room for improvement with 91% of vessels having evidence of training for initial safety training, onboard operations and emergency procedures where applicable for the operation.
- For vessels with a risk assessment in place, 65% had more than 11 controls in place to reduce the risk.
The remaining questions showed mostly positive results:
- 99% of vessels reviewed their documented SMS within the past 12 months.
- 98% of vessel crewing assessments included how to manage risk due to fatigue.
- 96% of vessels had a procedure for recording marine incidents in the vessel logbook.
- 92% of vessels had a procedure for reporting marine incidents.
On 90% of vessels inspected, the master and owner had tested the effectiveness and implementation of the SMS on board. The remaining 10% of vessels inspected had not tested the implementation of the SMS and therefore not tested whether the SMS was effective for their vessel and operations.
DCV towage FIC results
| Question | Yes | Yes% | No | No% | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does the vessel have a risk assessment for towage operations? | 93 | 99% | 1 | 1% | 94 |
| Is the risk assessment for towage operations up to date? | 91 | 97% | 3 | 3% | 94 |
| Does the crewing assessment in the SMS include how to manage risk due to fatigue? | 92 | 98% | 2 | 2% | 94 |
| Has the vessel’s documented SMS been reviewed in the past 12 months? | 93 | 99% | 1 | 1% | 94 |
| Has the master and owner tested the effectiveness and implementation of SMS on board? | 85 | 90% | 9 | 10% | 94 |
| Is there evidence of training for initial safety training, onboard operations, and emergency procedures where applicable for the operation? | 86 | 91% | 8 | 9% | 94 |
| Does the SMS have a procedure for recording marine incidents, as defined in the National Law, and recorded in vessel logbook? | 89 | 96% | 4 | 4% | 93 |
| Does SMS have a procedure for reporting marine incidents to AMSA involving death, serious injury or loss of a person from the vessel, or the loss of the vessel, or significant vessel damage? | 86 | 92% | 7 | 8% | 93 |
| Was each risk control implemented or able to be complied with? | 88 | 95% | 5 | 5% | 93 |
Number of risk controls identified for towing operations
| Number of risk controls | Number of vessels |
|---|---|
| 11 or more | 54 |
| 10 | 4 |
| 9 | 4 |
| 8 | 5 |
| 7 | 1 |
| 6 | 4 |
| 5 | 2 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 3 | 2 |
| 2 | 0 |
| 1 | 1 |
Our continued focus
Educational guidance on DCV towing operations, with an emphasis on risk assessment, was promulgated on AMSA’s website prior to commencement of this FIC.
Owners, Masters and crew of DCVs conducting towing operations are strongly encouraged to review this guidance and take steps to ensure that:
- risk assessments identify all potential hazards related to towing operations and adequate controls are put in place to minimise the risk.
- all crew involved in towing operations are trained in the relevant safe working procedures and emergency procedures before commencing duties.
- masters and owners test the effectiveness of the safety management system and ensure all crew are familiar with the sections relevant to them.
A current risk assessment that considers all potential hazards and risks to safety, during towing activities, followed up with controls to protect against those risks (procedures, emergency plans and training) are essential steps to ensure your general safety duties are met under the national law.