The Emergency Response Service (ERS) is aimed at providing a speedy assessment of the stability and longitudinal strength of a damaged ship in an emergency event. All salient data of the vessels relating to the main hull and its components is stored in computer system along with the loading guidance and strength data. In the event of an emergency, the assessment is carried out using the stored data and details of the damage sustained by means of in- house computer software.
ERS is intended to provide such information round the clock, so that the ship’s crew and management can evaluate the various options available in an emergency before making a decision.
How does the process work?
As a ship registers for the ERS , all her basic data pertaining to trim, stability and longitudinal strength in damaged conditions are uploaded into class electronic database.
Subsequently, during the establishment phase, this data is validated and is run against a few scenarios to confirm the correctness of the software and data.
In case of an emergency, based on the information provided by the vessel’s Master, Class can analyze the ship’s condition using the stored stability information and suggest various options and course of action.
The Class team will remain available throughout the incident for any re-analysis based on updates to the casualty report form or proposed alternatives and the service shall be ended in agreement with the client.
Example of flowchart (vessel registered with IRS)
In the event that an emergency event is triggered, an examination of the ship’s stability and longitudinal strength in the damaged condition will be carried out on base on the damage report from the client.
Time frame for ERS would be dependent on how critical the event is based on the request of the client and prompt availability of casualty information. However, the time frame would not exceed 6 (six) hours unless intimated to the clients accordingly
ETAS (Emergency Technical Assistance Service)
ETAS is an emergency service which assists ship owners and their representatives ensure ship safety and prevent or minimize the effects of marine pollution in the event of a serious ship casualty such as stranding, collision or explosion.
Working closely with the owner and salvage team, the ETAS team is often the brains behind the brawn, making sure that the salvage operations don’t make the situation worse, or minimizing any necessary negative impact.
Preparing for a crisis starts with registering for the ETAS service. At this time all the relevant data of the ships registered for the Prime Ship-ETAS service are stored in a database for easy retrieval in order to be able compute the damage stability and the impact of damage on for example, longitudinal strength in case of an emergency. Technical advice can then be provided as to the best course of action that may be taken to secure the safety of the vessel.
In the case of an emergency, the ship/client should contact the ETAS team as soon as possible after the incident.
The team takes the information provided by the ship and uses it together with the data previously registered in the database to make the necessary computations. Technical advice is then provided concerning transfer or off-loading of cargo, fuel or ballast if necessary, as well as any necessary temporary repairs so that the Master and crew of the damaged ship can respond to the emergency as quickly and effectively as possible.
An ETAS team of highly trained specialists including experienced surveyors, naval architects, master mariners and chief engineers stand ready to respond to any client request 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as time is often a critical factor in crisis management.