AWO Near Miss 23-13: Dangerous Boarding Event – Crossing the Gap

A towboat pushing one barge was making its approach to a Liquid Terminal Facility to moor.  The tow was still underpower and making way when an unknown person (later determined to be a cargo inspector) began climbing down a ladder to grab a line and jump aboard the barge. The Wheelman on Watch saw the individual trying to jump onto the still moving barge.  He immediately called his deckhand on VHF instructing him to exercise Stop Work Responsibility and to tell this person to get back on the dock until it is safe the board the tow.