MCA SAFETY SPOTLIGHT: BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY AND RISK OF COLLISION

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/123/25

23^rd July 2025

To: The Secretary,

Shipping Branches and Regional Councils

 

Dear Colleague

 

MCA SAFETY SPOTLIGHT: BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY AND RISK OF COLLISION    

Following several recent incidents where failing to keep a proper lookout and poor navigational watchkeeping practices have led to collisions and groundings involving fatalities, and serious injuries, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency published this safety spotlight yesterday: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mca-safety-spotlight-bridge-navigational-safety-and-risk-of-collision

 

The MCA describes navigation is both an art and a science, but neither can be practised effectively unless the watchkeeper is present on the bridge, well rested and able to focus their attention on the complex task of watchkeeping.

 

Notwithstanding the fundamental requirement for an alert, qualified and rested watchkeeper, technology has been put in place to enhance safety by aiding the watchkeeper in their duties. Where fitted, proper use shall be made of equipment including the Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System and zone and CPA alarms on radar and ECDIS. It is important that the equipment is used to best effect and alarms are set appropriately to support, but not replace keeping a proper lookout by all available means and proper watchkeeping practices.

 

RMT notes that the list of incidents in this safety spotlight does not cover the MV Solong-Stena Immaculate collision off the Lincolnshire coast in March, which MAIB is still investigating

 

 

Please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eddie Dempsey, 

General Secretary