Report on fatal accident on board Oslo Wave 3 in the port of Hamna in Finland on 13 February 2023
Marine report 2023/05
Oslo Wave 3 had loaded timber in Hamina port, where part of the timber was stowed on deck. The accident happened as tarpaulins where layed out to protect the deck cargo before departure. A gust of wind resulted in the crew loosing control of a tarpaulin being layed out. The tarpaulin pushed one of the crew members over the ships side so he fell from top of the deck cargo down onto the quay below. He died later form the inflicted injuries.
The awareness to leave early the next day led to time pressure contributing to the crew not stopping the work operation even though they found the working conditions risky.
It was not possible for the Russian-speaking crew to fully familiarise themselves with the shipping company’s safety management system and related tools, as parts of this documentation were only available in English. In this case, the language barrier had no direct bearing on the accident, but a common understanding of safety procedures is essential to establishing a good safety culture, and language is an important success factor in this context.
The purpose and implementation of procedures and checklists appears to be poorly understood on board, as the checklist was seemingly only used to comply with the safety management system. Thus, no obvious link had been established between the risk assessment, relevant procedures and the practical performance of the work on board the ship.
Following the accident, the Shipping Company has introduced measures to reduce the possibility of falling from the deck cargo. The NSIA considers this a positive measure, but it should be more effectively reflected in the work that takes place on board.
Published 04.09.2023
Facts
| Location | Port Hamina in Finland |
| Occurrence date | 13.02.2023 |
| Accident category | Personal injury |
| Area | Other Nation's Territorial Waters |
| IMO number | 9208198 |
| Name of vessel | Oslo Wave 3 |
| Accident type | Fatal Accident, Fall over board, Occupational accident |
| Vessel type | Bulk Cargo Ship |
| Register | The Norwegian International Ship Register |