Always try and use the doors that are in the lee, protected from the wind. The Nautical Institute gives this advice after a crew member had to be transferred to hospital after being hit in the face by a windward door.

The Nautical Institute gathers reports of maritime accidents and near-misses. It then publishes these so-called Mars Reports (anonymously) to prevent other accidents from happening. A summary of this incident:

A vessel was en route in heavy weather and high winds. A crew member attempted to exit the accommodation from the port side accommodation door on the upper deck, but had chosen the weather side of the ship. As he opened the door and stepped outside, the strong winds pushed the door back against him.

The door hit the victim in the face and he his lost balance and fell down. Two other crew observed the incident and immediately proceeded to help the victim, who was transferred to the hospital, where first aid was provided. He had sustained a gash of approximately four centimetres across his face.

The Nautical Institute stresses that weather conditions affect almost every activity on board. Be aware!

Mars Reports

This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 202072, that are part of Report Number 338. A selection of this Report has also been published in SWZ|Maritime’s January 2021 issue. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published on SWZ|Maritime’s website.

More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form.