On January 31, 2016, at 1953 local time, bulk carrier Aris T collided with tank barge WTC 3019, towing vessel Pedernales, and two facility structures, all of which were located on the left descending bank of the Mississippi River between mile marker (mm) 125.2 and mm 126.0 at Norco, Louisiana. Also damaged during the collision were one additional shoreside structure, another towing vessel, and two other tank barges, bringing the total damage cost to more than $60 million. No pollution resulted from the accident; however, two dock workers reported injuries.
The probable cause of the collision of bulk carrier Aris T with tank barge WTC 3019, towing vessel Pedernales, and shoreside structures was the failure of the pilot on the Aris T to take early and effective action to mitigate the risk presented by the developing upriver traffic situation, and the distraction of the captain on the Loretta G. Cenac from safety-critical navigational functions as a result of his cell phone use.
Cell Phone Use
Using cellular telephones and other wireless electronic devices has been demonstrated to be visually, manually, and cognitively distracting.4 Talking on cell phones can have serious consequences in safety-critical situations, and sending or reading text messages is potentially even more distracting than talking because texting requires visual attention to the display screen of the device.
Cell phone use has been a factor in accidents in all transportation modes. In the marine industry, the NTSB has previously recommended that the Coast Guard—
Regulate and enforce the restriction on nonoperational use of cell phones and other wireless electronic devices by on-duty crewmembers in safety-critical positions so that such use does not adversely affect vessel operational safety. (Safety Recommendation M-11-3; Status: Open―Unacceptable Response. The Coast Guard did not implement the recommendation.)
and
Until [the Coast Guard] can develop regulations governing nonoperational use of cell phones and other wireless electronic devices by on-duty crewmembers in safety-critical positions, continue [its] outreach program of information and education to the maritime industry on this issue. (Safety Recommendation M-11-4; Status: Open―Acceptable Response. The Coast Guard agreed to promulgate information about cell phone distraction.)
The status of regulations notwithstanding, it is important for shipping companies and pilot associations to establish protocols regarding cell phone use and to make sure that their personnel are following them.
