In cases of a power blackout or loss of propulsion, the Seismic shipmaster/OOW shall communicate using fleet operating VHF channel 88/ 16 to the towing tug and request immediate assistance.
The Towing Tug should confirm once they have been made aware of the request. At the same time, the Towing Tug will commence procedures for taking the Seismic Ship under tow.
The below information must be exchanged and confirmed once communications are established between the Seismic Ship and the Towing Tug:
The OOW on the bridge shall pass the situation report to the Seismic Party Chief / Fleet Manager and the online Seismic navigator, who would then monitor the status of all in-sea seismic equipment and alert all other department heads. In addition, the seismic department may initiate a seismic emergency response and maintain communications with the OOW.
Seismic vessel Chief Engineer to regularly update the Master on the status of the rectification work and lead time to regular operation.
7.3 Reporting
7.3.1 Seismic vessel master *note 1 shall continue to monitor the situation on board and constantly update Project Fleet Manager.
7.3.2 Once the seismic vessel is under tow, the Seismic vessel master shall notify the Project Fleet Manager of the situation and discuss further action.
7.3.3 The updated status/situation should also be shared among both Masters; hence all are aware of the situation without any delay.
7.3.4 Seismic Party Chief shall notify the base office and external stakeholders, e.g., Harbor Master, as applicable.
*note 1
Chief Officer to go directly to the bow for emergency towing.
Seismic shipmaster will assume command on the bridge and commence immediate communication with the towing tug.