Records, after-action review and crew welfare
1The lesson in plain words
Keep records and preserve evidence from the start. Afterwards, review the response, restore rest and support your crew.
Records
From the first minute the logbooks are evidence: the deck log, the GMDSS radio log, the engine log and the bridge timeline. Write facts and times, not opinions, and never alter an entry; add a dated correction instead. Save the VDR (voyage data recorder) data as the safety management system (SMS) says, before it is overwritten, and keep alarm printouts, charts, photographs and messages.
Investigation
The flag State must ensure a safety investigation into a very serious marine casualty: total loss of the ship, a death or severe environmental damage. States concerned may agree who leads under the Casualty Investigation Code. The company also investigates through its safety management system (SMS). Cooperate and let witnesses give their own statements. The purpose is prevention, not assigning blame or liability; legal or disciplinary proceedings may also follow.
After-action review
When the danger is over, hold an after-action review with the teams: what was supposed to happen, what did happen, why they differed, and what we change. Keep it short and blame-free, write actions with an owner and a date, and send them to the company through the SMS so the whole fleet learns.
Rest after the emergency
For the immediate safety of the ship and people on board, or to help others in distress, the master may suspend the normal hours of rest. Afterwards, as soon as practicable, everyone who worked during their rest period must get compensatory rest (MLC, 2006 and STCW). Plan it deliberately: tired crews make mistakes on the next watch.
Crew welfare
A traumatic emergency can affect mental health. Reactions may include poor sleep, distressing memories, irritability or guilt. Use psychological first aid: make people safe, listen, give practical help, keep them in touch with home. Ask the company for professional support, and share contacts such as SeafarerHelp, a free 24-hour helpline run by ISWAN. Watch for anyone who withdraws, or whose problems last for weeks.
2Key data
- VDR
- Save the data after an incident, before it is overwritten
- Safety investigation
- Casualty Investigation Code (resolution MSC.255(84))
- Hours of rest
- Master may suspend in an emergency; compensatory rest after
- SeafarerHelp
- Free, confidential 24-hour helpline run by ISWAN
3Key points
- 1
Logs are evidence: facts and times, corrections dated, never erased.
- 2
Save the VDR data before it is overwritten; keep printouts and photos.
- 3
Safety investigations seek causes to prevent a repeat, not blame.
- 4
After-action review: planned versus actual, why, and actions with owners.
- 5
Compensatory rest after the emergency; psychological first aid and professional support.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Tidy up the logbook afterwards so it reads clearly.
Right: Never alter entries; add a dated correction. Altered logs destroy trust in all the evidence.
Wrong: Crew who seem fine after a death on board need no support.
Right: Stress reactions can appear days or weeks later; keep watching and offer professional help.
5Practice case & exam keys
Two days after a mass rescue in which several people drowned before your crew could reach them, the bosun is not sleeping and avoids the mess. The crew have worked through their rest periods for 30 hours. The company asks for your report.
Show the answer
Send a brief factual update now and confirm that logs and VDR data are secured. Arrange relief to maintain safe watches while exhausted crew get compensatory rest; record it. Speak privately with the bosun, listen and offer professional support through the company or SeafarerHelp. Hold a blame-free review when people are rested. Send the fuller report with actions, owners and dates afterwards.
Exam keys
- Logs: facts and times; corrections dated; VDR data saved after an incident.
- Casualty Investigation Code: safety investigation, not blame.
- After-action review: plan versus reality, why, actions with owner and date.
- Compensatory rest after suspended hours of rest; psychological first aid.
Finish this unit
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