Following on from our hook-up newsletter last week, we are looking more closely at stability for ALL vessels!
Disclaimer: With the exception of the AMSA reported incident the information provided herein is an extract from the AMSA Managing Stability publication and NOT from Shorlink!
Stability refers to the ability of a vessel to return to its upright position after being heeled over by wind, waves, or other forces. A vessel that does not have sufficient stability is at risk of capsizing.
AMSA introduced the requirement for operators to identify risks to vessel stability in their risk assessment. This is because failure to adequately assess stability risks may lead to a vessel capsizing.
Even small changes to your vessel — like adding gear, modifying tanks, or shifting weight — can affect stability. What might seem minor could put ALL on board at serious risk.
Stability isn’t just about design — it’s also about how you operate. Overloading, poor stowage, fishing gear hookups on underwater objects and movement of people on board, all increase risk of instability.
A powered barge with a mounted crane became unstable and capsized in 3.5 metres of water during lifting operations of a concrete structure. The master exceeded the crane’s operating limits. There was no safety management system (SMS) in place and no risk assessment was conducted for the work itself. This incident shows that no amount of on-the-job experience can make up for a lack of risk assessment, control measures and safe operating procedures.
A 12-metre powered barge was operating in inland waters near shore. The work involved moving a concrete structure using a vessel-mounted crane. As the master was slewing the crane jib, it became overextended for the weight it was lifting. The vessel listed to starboard and took on water over the side. The vessel capsized and sank.
The investigation identified the following factors in the overall safety outcome:
A compliant SMS is required for all domestic commercial vessel operations. An effective SMS safeguards people, the vessel(s) it applies to, and the environment from harm by considering the risks associated with the operation and ensuring procedures and control measures are in place to ensure safe operations. While this incident occurred in shallow, inland waters, the outcome could have been more serious. A risk assessment and SMS should have identified and prevented this incident through stability assessment and operating procedures that addressed the risk of overextending the crane.
Stability risk assessment
Applies to all vessels (Class 1, 2, 3 and 4) except those eligible for a simplified SMS.
Record of modifications affecting stability
Applies to Class 1, 2 and 3 vessels.
AMSA have provided a vessel stability checklist. Whilst it does refer to fishing, it can be a starter to ensure that your vessel, regardless of operations, is equipped correctly.
Click Here for the link and you can print it out – just one page!
Make vessel stability part of your safety planning
Be prepared to survive a vessel capsize!
We would greatly appreciate your comments on AMSAs Managing Stability publication, we encourage you to so please send them to contact@shorlink.com
Need more information please don’t hesitate to contact our office!
