Emergency Contingency Procedures ECP Beaching	Doc No.: ECP 05-05 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

5.4. BEACHING

5.4.1. Circumstances & General Preparation

(a) If the ship is about to sink, or it is obvious that it will drift ashore, beaching of the vessel may simplify subsequent salvage operations. Following should be considered in order to decide an ideal beaching location:

• Gradually decreasing depth
• Smooth, firm bottom
• Negligible current
• No shifting sand
• Protection against wave impact and wind

(b) It is, however, very unlikely that in a situation of imminent danger a location like this is quickly available. If possible, the following preparations should be made before beaching:

• Change trim so that the ship may take bottom more evenly
• Change sea chest for cooling water to avoid mud in the machinery
• Discharge ballast so that the ship has spare capacity to take in ballast after she has been beached
• Request assistance so that professional salvagers may start to work as soon as possible

(c) A voluntary beaching will lead to a general average (5.11), provided other conditions are fulfilled.

5.4.2. Direct Beaching

Direct beaching is carried out when the ship is maneuverable, but is expected to lose buoyancy.

(a) Preparations

• Decide which tanks/holds to be filled or discharged in order to secure the ship
• Consider letting bow anchors out during the beaching in order to use these later as an aid in getting off
• Consider the sudden rise in the tank pressure after impact, due to sloshing and heavy vibration. (for Tankers and Gas carriers only)
• Consider how to make use of bow thrusters, if fitted

(b) Beaching

• The ship should have a course perpendicular to the beach
• Let go anchors so that they get the best possible holding power
• After the vessel has touched bottom, maintain the machinery running in order to keep the ship in position until it is secured

(c) Securing

• After the ship is beached, take in ballast in order to prevent slamming
• Consider the possibility to set out moorings in order to keep the ship in position

5.4.3. Indirect Beaching

If the ship is drifting towards the coast uncontrolled, it will lead to beaching. Consider the possibilities of controlling the drift by dragging anchor in order to reach the most favorable beaching position. Beaching sideways will give the most unfavorable situation. The combination of onshore wind and current along the coast may give quite unpredictable results.

(a) Preparations

• Consider how anchors may be used to get the bow or stern to take bottom
• Decide which tanks/holds to be filled /discharged in order to keep the ship in position after touching ground
• Consider alternatives if the engine room develops a leak and there is a power failure
• Consider how best to use bow thrusters, if fitted

(b) Beaching

• Let go the anchors so as to get out sufficient length of chain before the ship takes bottom
• Heave the slack on chains as soon as the ship has stopped

(c) Securing

• Immediately after beaching, take in ballast or discharge ballast from tanks to get sufficient trim change to stop the slamming
• If possible, heave the anchor chains to prevent the hull from turning
• Consider possibilities of setting out moorings to keep the ship in position

5.4.4. Damage Control After Beaching

(a) Inspection

• Take soundings around the ship, and mark on a sketch to find out what part of the ship touches ground. All tanks and holds are sounded to check for leakage
• All hold space bilge level alarms to be cross-checked, in addition manual sounding of all hold spaces to be taken
• Additionally, for Gas Carriers only:
  • The tank pressure must be monitored at all times, the pressure to be controlled by means of compressors
  • IG pressure of the hold space will give a good indication of the hold space integrity

(b) Tide

Consult tide tables to see if the tide is increasing or falling. Also find out if there will be substantial changes in current due to the tide changes.

(c) Hull Loading

Based on the ship's position, the differences, loading/ballasted condition, consider if the ship may become overloaded, and what may be done to reduce the loading.

(d) Securing

Consider if further actions may be taken in order to keep the ship in position after the current has changed.

(e) Notification

Notify the Company immediately and give all information about the situation so that professional advice and guidelines may be acquired.

(f) Sea Protest

In case of any damage or suspicion of damage, consider lodging a note of protest with the harbor master in the next port.

Note: Tankers should activate Emergency Technical Assistance Service, a 24-hour help provided by the Class as per the agreement of the company.