Safety First: Lessons from Damaged MOB Buoys and Operational Vigilance

 ⚓ Safety First: Lessons from Damaged MOB Buoys and Operational Vigilance

Curiosity Hook – 3 Questions for You
❓ Did you know that minor cracks in your MOB buoys could impact crew safety during emergencies?
❓ Are you confident your vessel’s emergency equipment is always fully functional before entering port?
❓ Do you know the reporting obligations to Flag State and Port State Control when safety gear is compromised?

If you hesitated on any of these, this blog is a must-read for shipping professionals. 🚢

 

🔍 Clause Breakdown – Understanding the MOB Buoy Notification

The clause reports:

During a routine inspection on 08 Sep 2025, the vessel observed minor cracks on both MOB buoys (port and starboard wings). Additional buoys have been placed on the bridge wings for emergency use. Head Owners have informed the Flag State. Replacement MOB buoys are expected at Barcelona and will be installed promptly. Port State Control should also be notified.

In simple terms:

• Safety Priority: Even minor damage to MOB (Man Overboard) buoys is critical. These devices are life-saving equipment, not optional.
• Proactive Measures: Placing backup buoys ensures no compromise on safety during emergencies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Informing the Flag State and Port State Control demonstrates adherence to international safety regulations (SOLAS Chapter III – Life-Saving Appliances).
• Operational Planning: Scheduling replacement upon arrival minimizes downtime and ensures the vessel remains compliant and safe.

Real-life shipping scenarios:

1. Emergency at Sea: A Panamax vessel experienced MOB deployment during training. One buoy failed due to unnoticed cracks—fortunately, backups were available, preventing operational hazards.
2. Port State Inspections: Vessels without timely reporting have faced detention or fines because damaged safety equipment was not flagged.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Ignoring minor defects can escalate into major safety violations and reputational risk.

 

🧭 Practical Guidance – Managing MOB Equipment Risk

For Owners:
✅ Ensure all lifesaving appliances are inspected routinely.
✅ Maintain spare MOB buoys onboard for emergencies.
✅ Report defects to Flag State promptly to avoid compliance issues.

For Charterers:
✅ Confirm vessel’s safety readiness before chartering.
✅ Include clear clauses on reporting damaged equipment and replacement obligations.

For Operators/Managers:
✅ Keep an updated inventory of life-saving equipment.
✅ Train crew on emergency deployment using backups.
✅ Coordinate with port and Flag State authorities for smooth compliance.

💡 Pro Tip: Think of MOB buoy maintenance like a lifeline—it’s not just equipment; it’s crew protection.

 

🌟 Conclusion – Safety, Compliance, and Professionalism

In shipping, minor details make major differences. A cracked MOB buoy may seem trivial, but in an emergency, it could be the difference between life and loss. Reporting, backups, and timely replacement reflect true professionalism at sea.

👉 How does your team ensure all life-saving appliances are fully operational before entering port? Share your experiences below.

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, always consult qualified maritime legal professionals.