Page 25: of Marine News Magazine (October 2018)

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Rose Point ECS and tigators did indeed conduct interviews of of? cers aboard

Hatteland Series XG2 both vessels before administering a breathalyzer alcohol

Best Meets Best tests and instructing them to report for further drug and

Rose Point ECS software combined with the alcohol testing as per regular post-accident protocol.

Hatteland Series X G2 all in one systems facilitates meeting Coast Guard NVIC 01-16 requirements for

O ARM O OUL

N H , N F ?

paperless charting transit.

In the end, the Chief Mate on the ATB was exonerat-

Rose Point ECS provides the gold standard for navigation ed, having been on board the privileged vessel and having software in the US, and Hatteland is a worldwide leading acted properly immediately prior to the event. An unfortu- manufacturer of 60945 type approved systems. nate, but not particularly unusual event; right? No appar-

Together they provide a unique solution that moves ent disciplinary exposure to the tanker’s chief mate, right? marine navigation into the digital age.

Not so fast. While the Coast Guard investigators initially showed little inclination in pursuing charges against the chief mate, his company’s almost immediate termination of his employment rekindled their interest.

His employer’s decision to ? re him was triggered by his failure to abide by a provision of the oil company/char- ter party which required that “… all times the vessel was underway, at least TWO crewmembers be present in the wheelhouse.” At the time of the collision (and from the commencement of the voyage almost six hours earlier), the chief mate was alone in the wheelhouse. And, although he www.rosepoint.com/rose-point-ecs claimed ignorance of such a 2-man-in-the wheelhouse re- for more information contact [email protected] quirement, company policy demanded its strict adherence.

Now, the real fear arose that, if his company claimed ‘gross misconduct’ on his part as the reason for his termi- nation, the Coast Guard would be emboldened to more aggressively pursue S&R proceedings against his license.

Thankfully for him, his company did not cite gross miscon- duct for his termination and the Coast Guard followed suit by declining to bring charges against his license.

The ‘takeaway’ from this case? Threats to a marine li- cense, livelihood and professional reputation can come from unexpected sources. These include miscommuni- cation of key company policies between you and your employer that might put you and your maritime career ‘on the beach.’

Randy O’Neill is Senior Vice President with Lancer Insurance Company and has been Manager of its MOPS Marine License

Insurance division since 1984. Over the past 29 years, Mr. O’Neill has spoken and written on many occasions on the importance of USCG license protection.

He is a regular contributor to MarineNews magazine.

He can reached at: [email protected] www.marinelink.com

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