Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Draftdodger

On [insert date], a maritime incident occurred involving a vessel that touched the bottom while maneuvering alongside at the first berth of KS Terminal in Riga. This event has prompted a thorough investigation, highlighting the underlying causes and corrective measures taken. The root cause of the issue was identified as the Charterers’ failure to ensure compliance with their responsibility to provide a safe berth for docking. KS Terminal features a relatively shallow berth which was modified with moveable extensions intended to facilitate access to deeper areas of the basin. However, these extensions proved to be unstable, leading to the vessel making contact with the less deep region of the berth's basin. In response to the bottom touch, the ship's Master promptly issued a detailed protest letter to the Charterers, documenting the incident. The Owners' Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club was notified and subsequently boarded the vessel to assess the situation. An underwater inspection was carried out in the presence of the Master, confirming that there was no damage to the vessel's hull or equipment, allowing it to continue its journey without delay. Preventive measures are already in place, as the Master and crew followed established protocols, demonstrating effective seamanship throughout the incident. Additionally, it is worth noting that the vessel alleged damage to the fenders at the second berth during loading operations at the Port of Riga. Investigators again pointed to the Charterers’ failure to provide a safe berth as the contributing factor. Upon notification of the alleged damages, the captain promptly issued a letter disputing the claims, as the fenders had suffered previous damage from earlier vessels. To safeguard against future disputes, ships under current management have been instructed to capture high-resolution photographs or videos of fenders during berthing procedures. This proactive approach aims to mitigate unwarranted claims for damages to fenders or buoys by terminals, enhancing accountability and clarity in maritime operations.

On June 7, 2018, the cargo vessel 'Draftdodger' experienced a minor incident at Riga during its loading operations, briefly making contact with the seabed. Following the event, divers were dispatched to inspect the hull and confirmed no damage to the ship. However, as the 'Draftdodger' maneuvered to a new berth, it was involved in an incident that damaged four fenders, leading to a financial claim of 15,020 Euros. To address this, the P&I Club is set to issue a Letter of Undertaking. The vessel ultimately departed from Riga at 11:15 p.m. on June 8, setting sail for Gibraltar.