High-Speed Near Miss in the Fog | Collision incident between YSTAD and the ferry SILVERPILEN

High-Speed Near Miss in the Fog: The Dangers of Skill Fade and Unsafe Speeds | Collision incident between YSTAD and the ferry SILVERPILEN | SHK Report S-223/24

What Happened: On 7 September 2024, the veteran passenger vessel YSTAD (a former missile boat) and the passenger ferry SILVERPILEN were involved in a severe near-miss incident in dense fog. During the event, YSTAD was traveling at 35 to 40 knots. This speed was much too fast for the poor visibility. The vessel passed dangerously close to the stern of SILVERPILEN, and a catastrophic collision was avoided purely by chance.

The bridge team on YSTAD lost track of the traffic around them due to a high workload and poor situational awareness. They also misread the radar screen. While the radar worked perfectly, the crew did not use the automatic plotting (ARPA) functions because they lacked knowledge of how the system worked. Instead of using approved bridge tools for AIS tracking, they relied on a personal mobile phone, which failed to function as intended.

The master of SILVERPILEN saw YSTAD approaching and tried to warn them via VHF radio. However, the crew on YSTAD missed the emergency calls. They had misunderstood how their radio worked and accidentally locked it on the wrong channel. The root cause of the incident was poor risk management and planning. Because the vessel was rarely used, the crew had experienced “skill fade,” losing vital familiarity with the ship’s navigation and communication equipment. Another contributing factor may have been short-handed manning on YSTAD.

Immediate Operational Checks:

• Check VHF Radios: Ensure all bridge radios are tuned to the correct emergency and working channels. Watchkeepers must physically demonstrate they know how to unlock and switch channels, adjust squelch, and maintain a radio watchkeeping lookout.
• Prevention: Avoid distractions on the bridge, like music, passenger interruptions, or distracting conversations. Restrict access to the wheelhouse during high speed navigation.
• Test Radar Tools: Verify that automatic radar plotting tools are active. Have the current watchkeeper acquire a target to prove they are familiar with the system. Use of EBLs and Range Rings and auto-target acquisition should all be familiar. AIS overlay is highly recommended in rain and fog, when radar targets may be harder to isolate from clutter.
• Review Safe Speed: Evaluate your current speed against the weather, visibility, and traffic density. Slow down before the bridge team feels overwhelmed.
• Verify AIS Displays: Check that AIS data is showing on approved, fixed bridge screens. Ban the use of personal cell phones for primary collision avoidance. Enforce policy.

Lessons Learned:

• Routine Equipment Training: Bridge officers must practice using navigation and radio equipment regularly. Ongoing familiarization is critical, especially for ships that operate infrequently.
• Strict Speed Control in Fog: Always follow the rules for safe speed in restricted visibility. High speeds in fog drastically reduce reaction time and increase cognitive load on the bridge team.
• Use Approved Navigation Tools: Never substitute approved bridge equipment with consumer devices like mobile phones for critical safety monitoring.
• Detailed Pre-Voyage Planning: Always complete a comprehensive risk assessment before special trips or events. Thoroughly plan for weather limits, heavy traffic, and crew proficiency levels.

Overconfidence, and commercial pressure are common factors in maritime incidents and insurance claims. Companies must make time for training and competency assurance. The risk tolerance and the general attitude of personnel are vital elements to control for when recruiting or building a corporate safety culture.

Advisory for UK Mariners: HSOSC Code Application and Drills

UK mariners operating High-Speed Offshore Service Craft (HSOSC) under 500 gross tons must strictly apply this Code when transporting industrial personnel, such as wind farm technicians. However, the code offers little practical advice for vessel operations.

Operationally, you must maintain High-Speed Craft safety standards. Ensure all officers and crew complete documented type-rating training for your specific vessel model. If carrying over 12 non-crew members, at least two crew members must hold formal crowd control certifications.

Crucially, you must conduct realistic, frequent emergency drills. These drills must actively incorporate the industrial personnel, ensuring everyone on board fully understands muster points, life-saving appliances, and emergency transfer protocols before heading offshore.

However, the code does not advise on best industry practice. Independent marine Ltd recommend reviewing the following in your HSC risk assessments and procedures:

• Ensure adequate manning, ideally in excess of your legal minimum.
• Develop a safe speed versus traffic density policy.
• Make clear your policy on safe speed in restricted visibility.
• Have separate passage plan annotations for restricted visibility.
• Verify Radar and Radio competency, and enforce disciplined watchkeeping.
• Allow time for training, familiarisation and drills.
• Ensure your chartering and manning departments are prevented from violating policies that permit time for handover or familiarisation training.
• Competency assurance assessment program, or training masters in place.
• Encourage an increased minimum CPA when passing traffic in restricted visibility.
• Ensure vessel masters feel able to exercise their judgement and authority to stop the job, reduce speeds, increase passing distances and comply with the COLREGs.

Tags: Near Miss, Safe Speed, Restricted Visibility, Radar Navigation, Crew Training

Official Report:Collision Incident Between YSTAD and SILVERPILEN – Final ReportLEN – Final Report