NOW AVAILABLE! MARINE LOG MARITIME SERVICES DIRECTORY

November 10, 2000 Sleipner continued The life-jackets had been type-approved by British maritime authorities and were accepted by the Norwegian Maritime Directorate on that basis. The life-jackets failed to function satisfactorily. Many passengers had great difficult in keeping them in position. Examinations conducted after the disaster, have shown that the life-jackets did not satisfy the existing IMO requirements. It cannot be precluded, says the Commission, that the deficiency in the lifejackets may have had significance for the number of survivors. The Commission finds reason to emphasize that it is the navigators who have first line responsibility for training and drills, including handling of emergency situations, for themselves and their crews. When a casualty occurs, it is the navigators who are responsible for assuming leadership, obtaining an overview of the situation, and choosing between alternative courses of action. The rescue operation commenced quickly and was conducted in a suitable manner. A number of volunteers made a considerable contribution to the rescue work. The fact that the number of dead was not greater than 16, is largely due to good rescue work, especially from the crews of the vessels that arrived on the scene and whose efforts were outstanding,The efforts of the survivors themselves also contributed greatly towards their own survival and that of their fellow passengers. MORE News index Marine Log Home page