REF:
OT/TRD/14/001
Date:
26th March 2014
To:
Masters and Chief Engineers
Subject: Unsafe
Behaviour and Condition (UB&Co) - Distraction at Work
Over
the last six months, we had received 16 UB&Co reports related to
unauthorized use of mobile devices (smart phones, music players and radio) or
while on watch and/or at hazardous zone.
Using
of mobile devices mobile devices at hazardous zone is a serious breach of
tanker safety rules and regulations. Crew members who had found committed such
breach should be reprimanded and the mobile device should be confiscated
immediately.
Also,
using of mobile devices, carrying out non-essential work or conversation while
on watch keeping duty or at work could cause the crew member being distracted
from their primary duty. This could lead to serious accident and personal
injury.
From
recent industry Lesson From Incident (Feb’14), “Distraction from Primary Duty”
was identified as the main root cause which lead to collision between a tanker
and a cargo ship.
With
immediate effect, Masters and Chief Engineers should implement the following
measures to prevent distraction at work:
Place
warning sign on navigation bridge, ECR and CCR which carries message:
Ø
“DO
NOT GET DISTRACTED FROM YOUR PRIMARY DUTY”
Ø
“
Do not use any mobile devices, music player or radio which could cause
distraction while carrying out watch keeping duties”
Ø
“Do
not carry out non-essential work (e.g. updating chart & publication) or engage
non-work related conversation which could cause distraction to the personnel on
duty.”
Confiscate
the mobile device and/or reprimand the crew member involved if found breaching
the “No-Distraction at Work rule”.
Raise NC report for any
violation.
Encourage
crew members of ALL RANKS to report any non-conformity to “No-Distraction at
Work rule”. Remember there should be NO RANK when safety is concerned.
Please
discuss this circular with ALL crew members onboard and convey the message to
them during Shipboard Safety Meeting.
Best regards,
Tan Say Yeow
Manager,
Crew Training
Department
