Reviews & Ratings for the Kommandor-Orca

On August 16, 2022, a serious accident onboard the 'Kommandor Orca' in Portland, UK, left the vessel’s second officer with severe injuries, necessitating the amputation of his lower left leg. The incident occurred while the ship was docked, gearing up for its inaugural research charter following a year of extensive conversion work. The officer was utilizing a deck crane to relocate equipment when he encountered a dangerous situation caused by improper operational procedures. While utilizing emergency controls stationed 12 feet above the main deck, which had become a common practice on the ship, the officer's foot became trapped in the crane's unguarded rack and pinion system. This critical oversight was further complicated by the placement of the emergency controls within a concealed hatch at the crane’s base, leading to a lack of awareness regarding safer remote or bridge-based control options. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that senior officers had instructed the second officer to use these emergency controls without adequate training on proper crane operation. This consequently resulted in unsafe practices emerging from a flawed safety management system (SMS) that failed to address the risks of operating cranes under such conditions. During the investigation, it was noted that this precarious method of operation was not only non-compliant with the manufacturer’s stipulations but also overlooked important safety measures, such as protective guardrails when working at heights. Immediate assistance was rendered by a fellow crew member, and the officer was promptly taken to a hospital; however, it became clear that his leg injuries were too severe to salvage. Previously known as the 'Bourbon Orca', the 'Kommandor Orca' had recently changed ownership without proper transitional training for the new crew. This resulted in a significant inefficiency in operational procedures. In response to the findings, the vessel's operator has since taken corrective measures, updating the SMS and retrofitting the crane with safety guards and an emergency stop feature. Additionally, a third-party training provider has retrained the crew on safe operational practices, further emphasizing the necessity of remote control tools for crane operations. The company has also committed to providing ongoing support and employment for the injured second officer, aiming to foster a safer working environment in the future.