Near-collisions at sea are often caused by communication failures, lack of proper watchkeeping, or misunderstanding of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (the Rules of the Road at Sea). This text highlights the importance of clear communication and effective watchkeeping through two specific incidents, aiming to prevent serious collisions and enhance maritime safety.

From time to time, the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) receives reports of near-collisions due to violations of right-of-way rules or inadequate watchkeeping on the bridge. The causes may vary from case to case, but often involve different types of communication failures, task prioritisation issues, and lack of listening and information-sharing on the VHF channels of the vessel traffic service (Maritime Traffic Regulations, 2021, section 12). In some cases, it also involves failure to adhere to the Rules of the Road at Sea. This “lessons learned” article is based on two reported incidents to illustrate the importance of communication and competence when two vessels are passing each other. 

In the first incident, the passenger ship was following its regular route as usual. Shortly after departure, the navigator spotted a recreational craft approaching from the port bow, very close to the passenger ship. The recreational craft was heading directly toward the bow of the passenger ship. The navigator immediately sounded several blasts on the ship’s whistle and reversed the propeller 100% astern in an attempt to stop the vessel. This manoeuvre allowed the recreational craft to pass just a few metres in front of the bow. After the near-collision, the passenger ship contacted the recreational craft via VHF. The operator of the recreational craft admitted that he had not been paying attention and had not seen the passenger ship until he heard the whistle. 

Operators of recreational craft must be aware that larger passenger and cargo ships have limited manoeuvrability (Rules of the Road at Sea, Rule 3g). Due to their long stopping distances and restricted ability to manoeuvre, they cannot practically give way to smaller vessels that come too close, even if evasive action is taken immediately. Situations where recreational craft fail to keep a proper lookout and cross in front of large ships can quickly become stressful for navigators on large cargo and passenger ships, potentially resulting in collisions – despite the larger vessel following its route and acting in accordance with regulations.

It is also challenging for the navigator on a large passenger ship to spot small recreational craft from the bridge. There are several blind spots where such boats may not be visible. Large passenger ships often have camera surveillance of their blind spots, but this is not necissarily the case for smaller vessels. To prevent and learn from such incidents, the NMA urges all operators to familiarise themselves with the Rules of the Road at Sea. In this specific incident, the following rules are particularly relevant: Rule 5 (Look-out), Rule 15 (Crossing situations), and Norwegian Rule 44 (Responsiblity between vessels)

In the second incident a wellboat and a yacht were on parallel courses but at different speeds. The wellboat, moving slower, turned starboard to pass behind the yacht, but the yacht then turned and crossed directly in front of the wellboat’s bow. The wellboat made a hard starboard turn to avoid collision, but due to its heavy load, it took time to change course. They had tried several times to establish contact via VHF channel 16, but received no response from the yacht. 

Altough both incidents ended without collision, they could have resulted in serious damage to both vessel and crew. The common factor in both incidents is the lack of proper watchkeeping and communication failure – for example, calling on VHF channel 16 without receiving a response from the vessel being hailed. The lesson is to maintain the listening watch on channel 16 in busy areas (VTS zones), to help avoid and identify such sitiuations. It is also possible to use sound and/or light signals to attract attention, as was done in the first incident. 

It is important to note that communication on channel 16 often occurs without knowing exactly who you are talking to. This was highlighted in the KNM Helge Ingstad accident in 2018. The Accident Investigation Board’s report (2019/08) emphasised how unclear identification and role understanding in VHF communictaion contributed to misunderstandings between vessels. The incident illustrates the importance of clear communication, where vessels identify themselves and clearly convey their intentions. 

Clear communication and early clarification before potentially dangerous situations are signs of safe and responsible navigation and contribute to safety for everyone at sea.