SECTION 4 - Marine Accident Investigation Branch

The company’s STO was guided by the vessel’s Certificate Checklist matrix when
developing specific training programmes. The matrix included the requirements
for crews’ “Basic Certification”, “Advanced Certification” and “Company Required
Training” and was based on the duties as defined on the muster/emergency plan. A
copy of page 1 of the matrix is at Annex H. Before joining a vessel, it was the STO’s
practice to contact the crew purser to identify any crew training shortfalls against
the Certificate Checklist matrix and focus his training in those areas. He would also
adjust the programme to reflect any specific training requirements identified by the
master and the ship’s SO.
1.18.3 Non-operational ships - training requirement
None of the Malta administration, GL, or the ship’s manager stipulated any particular
change in training emphasis for a vessel emerging from refit which was over and
above that applicable to an operational vessel.
1.18.4 Training delivery
During the early stages of Saga Sapphire’s refit there were about 120 crew on
board, comprising 20 deck, 20 engineering and about 80 hotel staff. During this
time, the STO undertook the role of fire-watch officer and managed the hot work
fire sentry requirement. Towards the end of February 2012, the majority of hot
work had been completed and the STO started his training programme which was
commensurate with the crew build-up.
Determining the crew’s training requirement and promulgating the weekly
training planning schedule was left entirely to the discretion and experience of
the STO. While there was no high-level training guidance, the STO produced a
comprehensive training programme. However, there was no input by the ship’s
SO other than an agreement that the SO would be responsible for delivering of
fire-fighting and liferaft preparation training. Training commenced on 20 February.
Example copies of the training schedules for weeks commencing 20 and 27
February and 5 and 12 March 2012 are at Annex I.
The first drill was carried out on 3 March. Drills were subsequently scheduled each
day at 1830 to maximise the working day, commencing 5 March until arrival at
Southampton, although some were cancelled at short notice.
During Saga Sapphire’s passage to Southampton, the training requirement had to
be re-assessed following receipt of Version 8 of the muster/emergency plan. The
master felt the need for additional training effort and oversight in preparation for the
forthcoming MCA-monitored drills. The master was also concerned that no liferaft
preparation drills had been conducted. Consequently, during one of the morning
management meetings, attended by the ship’s senior officers, on or about 24 March,
the master formally instructed the ship’s SO to assist the STO and carry out liferaft
training.
While in Southampton, Code Bravo (fire) drills were carried out on 26, 27 and 28
March in preparation for the MCA’s expanded PSC inspection planned for 29 March.
During the drills, the crew went to their lifeboat/liferaft stations but the lifeboats were
not lowered and the bowsing tackles were not rigged.
The STO maintained a comprehensive record of all crew who attended the training
sessions.
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