Helmsman Fined for Unattended Bridge Leading to Collision in Dutch Waters

The disciplinary court for mariners in the Netherlands recently fined a fishing vessel’s helmsman for leaving the bridge unattended to use the restroom. During his absence, the vessel collided with an anchored tanker off IJmuiden, resulting in damage and a small spill. The incident occurred as the 150-foot fishing vessel Joris Senior was returning to port after a week of fishing in the North Sea. The helmsman decided to deviate from the captain’s planned route and cut through an anchorage area, claiming it would save time. He left the bridge unattended for about five minutes, resulting in the collision with the tanker Golden Daisy.

The collision caused damage to both vessels, with the fishing vessel’s bow being damaged and the tanker’s sludge tank being punctured, releasing three cubic meters of sludge into the water. The disciplinary board found the helmsman at fault for failing to call the skipper to relieve him before leaving the bridge and for not maintaining proper alertness while navigating through the anchorage area. The helmsman was fined 1,500 euros for his actions, with the board noting that the consequences could have been much worse.

The board emphasized the importance of maintaining alertness and proper watchstanding practices, especially after a week of intensive fishing, to prevent accidents on port-bound fishing vessels. It also highlighted the need for operators to pay extra attention to crew members’ responsibilities to ensure a safe return home. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in maritime operations and the importance of following proper procedures to prevent accidents and protect the marine environment.

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