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Federal Bureau of Maritime Accident Investigation (BSU) investigated collision of guard ship and yacht
The Federal Bureau of Maritime Accident Investigation (BSU) has investigated the collision of the ‘VB Rönnebeck’ with the sailing yacht ‘Schöner Wohnen’ in the Nordperd roadstead off Rügen on Aug 23, 2023 and drawn a clear conclusion from this: if there is no radio response, a vessel responsible for ensuring safe navigation must not continue to reduce the distance between the vessels. Communication must begin before a critical approach – and the vessel providing traffic safety assistance must not itself create a risk of collision. The detailed investigation report documented the sequence of events leading up to the accident and the systemic shortcomings The 'VB Rönnebeck' was operating as a traffic control vessel, monitoring a safety zone around two LNG tankers at anchor. However, this special task was not apparent to the crew of the ‘Schöner Wohnen’: the tug bore no special markings and therefore appeared to be an ordinary motor vessel. When the captain of the tug realised that the yacht would not maintain the required distance, he steered towards it and accelerated to around ten knots. The yacht was monitoring VHF channel 16. No call was made on this call and emergency channel. It was only when they were a few metres apart that the tugboat captain attempted to make contact by shouting and to switch the yacht to Channel 13. Both vessels eventually manoeuvred to starboard and collided. The recommendations were: 1. Guard vessels (VSFs) must not close the distance to recreational watercraft aggressively, even if the other vessel fails to respond to radio or visual contact. A lack of radio response is never a justification to approach on a tight interception course.Safe Operational Speeds: Intercepts or approaches to notify boaters of restricted zones should be done at safe, non-threatening speeds, ensuring adequate reaction time for both crews. 2. The BSU highlighted a systematic problem with how guard vessels are recognised. They recommended the implementation of standard visual signals—such as specific daytime markings or a yellow isophase light (Gleichtaktlicht)—so recreational skippers can immediately distinguish a safety vessel from a standard commercial motor vessel. 3. Early Use of Universal Channels: Vessels executing a safety or security mission must initiate radio contact early on universal monitoring channels like VHF Channel 16, rather than waiting until the vessels are within whispering distance to shout or attempt communication on local working channels.Recreational Awareness: The report noted that because recreational yachts are not legally required to carry advanced tracking like AIS, radar, or dual-watch VHF setups, security vessels must plan their maneuvers assuming the yacht may be completely unaware of their specialized role. 4. National Action: The BSU directed recommendations to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) to officially establish and standardize identification laws for local traffic assurance ships.International Action: To achieve global conformity under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs/KVR), the BSU proposed that Germany introduce formal regulatory change submissions to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Tug sold to URAG to be renamed Ronnebeck
Iskes Towage & Salvage has been making news of late taking delivery of new tugs and it has now been reported that it has sold one of the older units in its fleet. The 1976 built Voith Schneider powered tug Hercules (30tbp) has been sold to Unterweser Reederei GmbH (URAG) of Germany to operate under the name Ronnebeck. The tug has a long history with various owners, after being built in Germany as the Herkules and managed by Hapag-Lloyd Transport & Service it saw service in the UK for Alexandra Towing and subsequently Howard Smith Towage and Adsteam (UK) Ltd. It then transferred to Smit Harbour Towage Liverpool before its last but one move to Iskes in 2007. - See more at: http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/tugs,-towing-and-salvage/towlines-february-2016#sthash.OdozMUsn.dpuf
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