Positive: STOP WORK by Master challenging Sailing Order

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 14 August 2020
  • Generated on 6 February 2026
  • IMCA SF 24/20
  • 1 minute read

What happened?

A Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) received sailing orders. All the cargo, with the exception of one item, was for one platform; the exception was a radioactive container for a second platform.

Local dangerous goods transportation procedures and regulatory requirement mandated that radioactive cargo must be loaded to the vessel as the last cargo and dispatched first at the highest priority. The Master challenged the sailing order for that reason, but this was rejected by the client’s logistics department. The issue was escalated to company vessel management, who fully supported the Master in the change to sailing orders to satisfy the local Dangerous Goods transfer priorities.

A Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) received sailing orders. All the cargo, with the exception of one item, was for one platform; the exception was a radioactive container for a second platform.

What went right?

  • The Master exercised STOP WORK AUTHORITY and insisted the company’s clients change the sailing order to allow for safe, appropriate and legal transfer and dispatch of the radioactive cargo.

  • The client and the company management actively collaborated and supported the Master in achieving a positive outcome.

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