A vessel was underway and experiencing severe rolling and pitching due to a heavy, long swell. In the galley, personnel were preparing the next meal. A new Mars Report describes how an attentive crew member prevented a possible accident from occurring.
The Nautical Institute gathers reports of maritime accidents and near-misses. It then publishes these so-called Mars (Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme) Reports (anonymously) to prevent other accidents from happening. This is one of these reports.
While passing near the galley, another crew member observed that the chief cook had placed his chef’s knife on the edge of the prep table, directly above his right foot.
The crew member intervened and reminded the chief cook that, given the vessel’s movement, this could lead to an unfortunate accident. The chief cook agreed and placed the knife on the magnetic holder.
Also read: Keep an eye out for hazards in plain view
Advice from The Nautical Institute
- Every crew member is responsible for their own safety. That said, all crew as a team should also look out for their shipmates. Anyone committing unsafe acts should be brought back on the ‘Safety Train’.
- We all sometimes lose our situational awareness, become fixated on a task, and take shortcuts. Don’t hesitate to intervene, in a diplomatic and tactful manner, if you see unsafe acts being committed.
Also read: New eyes see potential slip zone
Mars Reports
This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 202456, that are part of Report Number 385. A selection of the Mars Reports are also published in the SWZ|Maritime magazine. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published (in full) 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.
Also read: Safety equipment becomes snag hazard and crew member injures finger
