NTSB Says Complacency, Lack of Procedural Compliance at Issue in Marine Accidents

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says a lack of procedural compliance and complacency were key factors in several marine accident investigations that have concluded so far in 2021.

The NTSB’s Office of Marine Safety is responsible for investigating major marine accidents within the United States and its territories, as well as accidents involving U.S.-flagged vessels worldwide. So far this year it has completed five marine investigations.

In Marine Accident Brief 21/07, the NTSB determined the probable cause of the flooding of the towing vessel Alton St. Amant on May 17, 2020, in Harvey Canal, New Orleans, Louisiana, was the absence of shipyard pre-inspection and monitoring procedures for water transfer, which resulted in potable water tanks overflowing through their open access hatches during an unmonitored transfer.

In its report NTSB investigators wrote that crew and shipyard personnel designated to conduct liquid transfers must be aware of the status of a vessel’s tanks, including their access hatches and associated piping systems, whether ashore or at sea. When filling a tank, open access hatches create a risk of unintended flooding. Pre-inspection and monitoring of transfers provide the opportunity to identify and remedy any issues in order to ensure they are safely completed.

The NTSB’s investigation of the Sept. 8, 2019 contact of the Savage Voyager’s tow with the Jamie Whitten Lock & Dam, near Dennis, Mississippi, revealed the tow moving out of position in the lock chamber. Investigators found that the crew did not effectively monitor and maintain the vessel’s position during its descent. The movement resulted in the aft barge becoming hung on the upper gate miter sill, resulting in hull failure and release of crude oil into the lock. Details of the investigation are contained in Marine Accident Brief 21/06.

NTSB investigators wrote that while locking operations can seem routine, the margins for safety are frequently low. Maintaining vessel position and communication with the lock operator are critical practices to ensure safe lockage. Crews should avoid complacency and vigilantly monitor lines at all times to prevent “running” in a lock.

Other marine investigations completed in 2021 include:

• The March 15, 2020, contact between barges towed by Cooperative Spirit and the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge on the Mississippi River near Luling, Louisiana. Damage estimate: $1.65 million. Report: Marine Accident Brief 21/05
• The Feb. 26, 2020 fire aboard the City of Cleveland on the Mississippi River near Natchez, Mississippi. Estimated damage: $2 million. Report: Marine Accident Brief 21/04
• The October 8, 2019 fire aboard the Susan Lynn, which was docked and in layup status on the Barataria Waterway in Lafitte, Louisiana. Damage: $1.35 million. Report: Marine Accident Brief 21/03