Master fined for windfarm vessel collision

Michael Gallagher was in charge of the Windcat 9 with 15 people (three crew, 12 windfarm technicians) on board at the time of the collision in the Donna Nook Air Weapons Range on 21 November 2012.

A subsequent investigation by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found that the vessel was travelling at around 23 knots at the time of the collision, which caused bad damage to the hull and extensive flooding, but no injuries.

It also found that the master did not hold the correct qualifications and that navigation practices, including passage planning and monitoring, use of lookouts and knowledge of the navigation equipment were weak. In addition, the company’s crew assessment procedures were not followed and the master had not been formally assessed to determine his suitability for his role.

But the MAIB did note at the same time that best practice guidance for managers and crew of offshore renewable energy passenger transfer vessels was in general, limited and disparate, and there was no integrated method of promulgating lessons learned to the industry.

Mr Gallagher pleaded guilty to breaching Section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 at Southampton Magistrates Court at the end of October.

He was fined £1500 and told to pay £8,082 in costs, plus a victim surcharge of £120.

The vessel operator meanwhile, Windcat Workboats Ltd, has been asked to review and amend its recruitment and qualifications check procedures and determine standards for its assessors. Also to take new measures to improve crews’ knowledge of navigation practices.

The National Workboat Association and International Marine Contractors Association, meanwhile has been asked to further develop and expand its best practice guidance for crews of offshore renewable energy passenger transfer vessels, with new guidance for owners and operators.

By Anne-Marie Causer