SECTION 4 - Marine Accident Investigation Branch

To access the bowsing tackle connection points, the lifeboat preparation crews had
to stand on top of the tenders’ coach roofs (Figure 3) and on the top of the open
lifeboats’ stem and stern compartments (Figure 4). While the crews wore safety
helmets, safety shoes and solid lifejackets, none of them wore a safety harness and
tether.
As the lifeboat preparations continued, the fire teams attempted to access the
vicinity of the fire. Despite warnings, other crew members continually breached the
smoke boundary and the lead MCA surveyor advised the master that he intended
to abort the drill. However, the master requested that the drill be continued to help
improve training and to identify other potential learning points. The lead surveyor
agreed, and at 1015, the master broadcast the areas that the crew were to avoid.
At 1016, all lifeboat and liferaft preparation team radio checks with the bridge were
completed.
Forward bowsing tackle
Figure 3: Access to bowsing tackles from the tender’s coach roof
Ventilation hatch
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