Groundings & Founder
Grounding of a vessel can be an intentional situation or occur accidentally.
There are three different types of grounding; e.g. beaching, stranding, or grounding.
Beaching
A vessel may be beached for many reasons, maybe to save it from foundering in deep water or to flood her, at a recoverable location, in the event of an uncontrolled fire, or simply to carry out underwater repairs, inspections, or cleaning of a foul bottom.
Points to consider (during beaching):
select the beaching site carefully (if the time permits, consider the type of bottom, how level is it, obstructions/obstacles present)
check details of tide (tidal heights, direction, tide times)
beach the vessel at 90o to the beach line (level ground)
beach approximately 1-2 hours after high water (to ensure sufficient water to refloat). If unable to beach around this time period. Ballast the vessel to its maximum draft by whatever reversible means needed to refloat it
stop engines prior to making contact (cooling water intake protection)
once vessel has grounded, lay out anchors (fore and aft depending on weather conditions)
if vessel is moving on bottom, add extra weights, if deep keel vessel, consider shoring up (prevent vessel lying into the sea for refloating purposes).
Refloating:
§ attempt to refloat as soon as vessel reaches flotation draft, remove ballast if it was added - maintain an even trim
§ bleed cooling systems
§ use anchors to kedge the vessel.
Stranding or Grounding
Stranding is the accidental grounding of a vessel on a beach or shoreline while grounding is the accidental contact with the sea bed other than the shoreline.
Actions to take (accidental stranding or grounding):
§ sound the alarm to muster the crew/passengers (7 short, 1 long)
§ account for all personnel and check for injuries
§ stop engines and auxiliaries if grounding is severe
§ sound bilges and inspect void areas
§ take bearings and plot your position - then attempt to determine reason for grounding from the charts
§ survey the area around the grounding (from chart)
§ determine the tide and tidal stream
§ check weather predictions for the area
§ sound around the vessel to determine the extent of the grounding
§ check for hull damage (if severe damage has occurred, it may be best to stay grounded)
With a partial grounding:
§ move passengers and crew to lighten the grounded section of the vessel, jettison any weights possible
§ use astern power sparingly, pay attention to the pumping of mud/sand under the keel due to excess astern propulsion.
if rocky - astern propulsion can damage the hull lay out anchors to assist in refloating or preventing vessel going further aground
§ request assistance (if necessary). consider a tow
§ display appropriate signal `vessel aground'.
When refloating, use anchors to kedge, if the engine's propulsion is insufficient to refloat. Move weights as necessary, have lifesaving appliances ready in case of sudden need. Commence refloating just prior to high tide. If the bottom is sand or mud a vacuum may be created between the hull and the sea-bed. To break this suction it may be necessary to "waggle the vessel's tail" by use of the weights or pulling on alternate anchors.
Once clear of the obstruction it will be necessary to again check the vessel for any damage or ingress of water. Also check propulsion and steerage systems and engine cooling systems.
Note events in vessel’s log or record book and report incident to the authorities.
If grounded on a reef at an uncertain location it may be prudent to stay grounded and adding ballast to prevent further damage to the hull due to movement of the vessel on the grounding.