Paint Pollution

During cargo operations at Corpus Christi, one of our vessels took a 3 month supply of paint stores from the dock by means of a shore crane. The paint was stacked on wooden pallets in 25-liter cans and lifted using a shore crane as the vessel's crane could not be deployed. Four cans fell from one of the lifts into the dock. While the crew were recovering the drums from the water using a line with a hook on the end, one drum burst open and sank. Paint spread over the surface of the water to an area of approx 15-20 m.

The terminal advised the agent of the pollution and the agent advised the USCG and Texas General Land Office. The agent then initiated deploying a clean-up operation with Corpus Christi Area Oil Spill Control Association (CCAOSCA) independently of the vessel. Meanwhile, the Master advised the ship's Superintendent who in turn called a Qualified Individual (QI) for the vessel. The vessel's crew commenced their own clean-up using absorbent pads and booms and recovered the majority of the paint.

The QI took over co-ordination of the clean-up operation and stood down the CCAOSCA team initiated by the agent, while arranging to use their own designated clean-up company. The QI also advised the USCG and P& I of the situation. After 1 hour, the alternate team had not been deployed so the QI reverted to the original clean-up organisation (CCAOSCA) to complete the operation using a boat with 2 people.

Cargo operations had been suspended by the terminal when the paint was released but were resumed after the clean up had been completed after 21 hours. However, the terminal staff were concerned about the paint can, which had sunk releasing more paint so a diver was hired to recover it before the ship departed. While the diver was recovering the can, more paint was released. This was contained and cleaned up by the crew and CCAOSCA. The USCG was satisfied by the vessel's responses to the spill and no charges were brought against the vessel.

Lesson

This incident shows how, even a minor spill of paint, has to be met with an immediate and comprehensive response. Before the vessel arrives at any port, Masters must ensure that the SMPEP is completed and up to date (including local P& I) and for the US, the QI information is required. This also helps create a good sense of 'preparedness' when being inspected by any shore agency. Crew members taking or landing stores should be made aware how apparently harmless substances can be viewed by shore authorities and agents as a potential pollution incident and consequently treated with extra care.

All lifts are to be prepared carefully to ensure nothing falls out. This includes lifts prepared by shore personnel. If a pallet is not properly stowed then you are to refuse to lift it until it is rectified. Pallets should be lifted within a cargo net. SWL of gear used must never be exceeded. Once a pollution incident has occurred, it is vital that the relevant parties are informed as soon as possible and a complete log is kept of these contacts. Where possible a photo log of the incident would be very useful to complement the records.