Emergency procedures, Beaching

Emergency Procedures

Beaching (by own will)

Sometimes, in case of emergency, the master may decide, by his own will or in agreement with the Insurance Company and/or the P & I Club, to run his ship aground, in order :

to save what can be saved
to avoid a dramatic collision
to avoid to be caught on the lee shore in very bad weather (e.g. engine breakdown or when the engines are not powerful enough to ride the storm)
to avoid the ship from stranding where salvaging would be too difficult or even impossible (rocks, breakers, heavy current)
to avoid the ship from sinking in deep water (which would make the salvage of the crew, ship and/or cargo easier and less costly)

Take at least following actions

Engines stopped
Sound general alarm
Watertight doors to be closed
VHF watch maintained on channel 16
Broadcast to other vessels
Sound signals, Light / Shapes to be exhibited
Deck lighting switched on
If necessary, use anchors
Sound bilges, tanks and overside around vessel (see also Stranding
Evaluate risks of pollution
Inform company and any third parties if relevant
Update if necessary vessel's position in radio room, satellite terminal and other automatic distress transmitter (GMDSS)
Consider danger of the situation and if possible take pictures
Consider further actions with consideration for:

salvage
risks of sinking (emergency message, EPIRB's, abandon ship)
secure position (change of tide, weather, stream, stress risks, stability)
assistance, port of refuge, oil spills

Keep the Company always informed
Enter every action taken in the log book

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