Summary:
On September 22, 2014, at approximately 11:00 pm, a marine accident occurred involving the motor passenger ship Brijunka, sailing under the Croatian flag, in the waters of Brijuni Port (Veliki Brijun Island).
During a severe storm, while relocating the ship to a safer (more sheltered) area of the port, a crew member, the chief engineer, fell overboard, resulting in fatal consequences.
Based on the conducted investigation of this incident, the Accident Investigation Agency for Air, Marine, and Railway Transport issues the following safety recommendations to the Railway Safety Agency in order to enhance the safety of the Marine system:
✓ AIN05-SR-01/2016
It is recommended that the shipowner JU “NP Brijuni” adapt its Safety Management System (SMS) to align with the type, size, purpose, and sailing area of the vessel.
✓ AIN05-SR-02/2016
It is recommended that the shipowner JU “NP Brijuni” establish the requirement for non-slip surfaces on unprotected deck areas (e.g., decks, access points to the ship, etc.).
✓ AIN05-SR-03/2016
It is recommended that the Public Institution “National Park Brijuni”, as the port concessionaire and manager, establish a mandatory requirement for shore-based personnel to assist with mooring and unmooring operations at Brijuni Port. These personnel may include on-duty employees of JU “NP Brijuni”, such as supervisory staff, firefighters, etc.
✓ AIN05-SR-04/2016
It is recommended that the shipowner JU “NP Brijuni” implement a mandatory alcohol testing policy as part of its Safety Management System (SMS).
✓ AIN05-SR-05/2016
It is recommended that the shipowner JU “NP Brijuni” require crew members of passenger vessels operating in national navigation to wear safety equipment during mooring and unmooring operations. This includes an inflatable life jacket and, if necessary, a safety harness, in accordance with the SMS.
✓ AIN05-SR-06/2016
It is recommended that the Pula Port Authority mandate the development of a Marine study and Port Regulations, and define safety limits for navigation conditions for each specific type of vessel.
✓ AIN05-SR-07/2016
It is recommended that the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure introduce a criterion allowing the competent Port Authority to increase the required number of crew members for Category 6 navigation (National Coastal Navigation), based on operational needs. This would be reflected in an amendment to the Regulation on the Minimum Number of Crew Members for Safe Navigation (Official Gazette numbers 63/07, 76/11, 46/13, 104/15, 31/16, and 83/16), specifically in Article 33, Paragraphs 1 and 2, Chapter IX – Additional Crew Members, as follows:
1) “In addition to the minimum crew requirements specified in this Regulation, an additional number of crew members may be assigned to a specific vessel when deficiencies related to working conditions are identified, particularly concerning working hours and rest periods, as per the applicable labor laws. Additional crew may also be required due to the vessel’s specific design and purpose, or when a significant disparity between the number of crew and passengers is evident, which could impact crew and passenger safety, as well as overall navigation safety.”
2) “The additional number of crew members referred to in Paragraph 1 shall be determined by a commission appointed by the Assistant Minister responsible for Marine safety. However, in cases of Category 6 (National Coastal Navigation), Category 7 (National Nearshore Navigation), and Category 8 (Local Navigation), the responsible Port Authority shall make this determination.”
✓ AIN05-SR-08/2016
It is recommended that Port Authorities introduce regular unannounced alcohol testing for crew members of passenger vessels in national navigation.