The Scot-Explorer: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has unveiled its comprehensive investigation report regarding the maritime collision involving the 'Scot Explorer' and the gas carrier 'Happy Falcon', which took place on October 24, 2023, approximately 12 nautical miles northwest of Thyborøn. The two vessels had embarked from Swedish ports a day earlier, with the 'Scot Explorer' headed for the UK and the 'Happy Falcon' on course for the Netherlands. On the night prior, the 'Happy Falcon' had overtaken the 'Scot Explorer' near the northern coast of Denmark as both vessels traveled south-west along the Danish shoreline. At 10:12 a.m., the 'Scot Explorer' was moving at a speed of 12 knots on a 216° heading with its master alone on the bridge. Meanwhile, the 'Happy Falcon', positioned on the port bow and approximately five miles ahead, began to decelerate due to a main engine technical issue. By 10:18 a.m., the 'Happy Falcon' had come to a complete stop and started to drift as repairs were initiated. Unfortunately, the necessary ‘vessel not under command’ (NUC) signals were not activated, and the vessel’s status was not updated on the AIS, nor was any maritime safety information communicated. While this was occurring, the 'Scot Explorer' continued on its set course, unaware of the imminent danger as the master was distracted by multiple tasks and failed to keep a vigilant lookout on surrounding traffic. Although the master adjusted the autopilot slightly, the course changes did not affect the closest point of approach (CPA) with the 'Happy Falcon', which decreased to nearly zero. At 10:42 a.m., a crew member alerted the master from the deck about the dangerously close situation, which found the 'Happy Falcon' just 200 meters away, with a CPA of only 20 meters in a mere 40 seconds. The master quickly programmed the autopilot to turn to starboard, switching to manual steering to enhance the rudder angle, but despite these efforts, a collision occurred just ten seconds later. The port side of the 'Scot Explorer' collided with the starboard quarter of the 'Happy Falcon', causing hull damage to both vessels above the waterline, yet thankfully no injuries or pollution resulted from the incident. The preliminary findings by the MAIB highlighted critical oversights: - Neither vessel's officer of the watch maintained an effective lookout or responded appropriately to prevent the collision, as mandated by the COLREGs. - The crew of the 'Happy Falcon' failed to communicate the technical failure of their vessel. - The master of the 'Scot Explorer' was alone on the bridge and distracted, violating Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 315 (M). - Key electronic navigation instruments were improperly configured, including both ECDIS units set to silent mode and deactivated alarms, and the 'Scot Explorer' had not properly tracked the 'Happy Falcon' on radar despite visible proximity. The absence of a dedicated lookout left the master unable to take immediate action as the situation escalated, in contradiction to MGN 315 (M), which warns against allowing automated controls to foster dangerous circumstances. The initial reliance on autopilot during the emergency maneuver contributed to an inadequate turn radius, delaying the avoidance of the collision. Additionally, the crew did not activate the general emergency alarm, crucial for initiating an emergency response. In response to this incident, the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents reached out to Intrada Ships Management Ltd, emphasizing the importance of watchkeeping standards on the 'Scot Explorer'. Following this, Intrada has conducted an internal review of the collision, issued a fleet-wide safety bulletin addressing the incident and watchkeeper responsibilities, and clarified navigational expectations to its masters. Furthermore, Navigator Gas Ship Management (Denmark) ApS, managing the 'Happy Falcon', has performed an internal investigation, arranged Bridge Resource Management refresher courses, refined their safety management protocols, and disseminated a safety bulletin detailing lessons learned from this experience, which will be included in the company's 2024 audit review topics.