Witnesses to the recent Black Cat cruise boat accident after it grounded just outside the Akaroa Heads are urged to submit a statement to TAIC immediately.
An “S” (Scenic) class carriage is a corridor-type passenger carriage.
Safe place
A place where people and equipment cannot be struck by passing rail traffic.
Safe Working Authority (SWA)
A form used to authorise rail traffic movements not otherwise permitted under the normal system of safe working.
Safety case
A comprehensive document that outlines the safety risks associated with a system or installation and explains how these risks are managed
Safety moment
Discussion and reflection on a health and safety topic or news.
Safety observation assessment
An eight-monthly observation conducted by a certified assessor to review the practical competence of a rail staff member.
Safety observations
‘In the field assessments’ of rail personnel applying practical skills to activities specified in their licences to operate
Safety overlap
The section of track beyond a signal that is considered to be part of the track before the signal, and acts as a safety buffer in which a SPAD train can safely stop
Safety system
A written record of all the management and operational policies and practices that relate to the safe conduct of rail activities, including the operational and training manuals.
Safety-critical
Activities that, if not performed correctly, could lead to serious harm or injury.
Safety-critical activities
Activities that, if not performed correctly, could lead to serious harm or injury.
Safety-critical workers
A worker whose action or inaction may lead directly to a serious incident affecting the public or the rail network.
Safety-observation assessment
An assessment, carried out by certified rail personnel, to ensure locomotive engineers complete various tasks correctly in order to maintain their licence to operate train services.
SAO
Safe Act Observation
SAPB
Spring-applied park brake
SAR
Search and rescue
Satellite constellation
A medium Earth orbit, search and rescue satellite constellation operated by the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme.
See https://nzsar.govt.nz/training-resources/start/sar-coordination-and-support/start-module-1
Satphone
A satellite telephone installed on all the operator’s aircraft as the primary means of communication with the OCC.
Say again
“Say again” is a standard radio transmission made when one station has not heard or understood a transmission and requests a repeat of the transmission, while “barely readable” is an assessment on the legibility of a transmission.
Scavenging
’Scavenging‘ is the removal of exhaust gases from an engine cylinder by blowing in fresh air. A scavenge limiter monitors the scavenge air pressure and prevents the admission of fuel into the engine. Cancelling the scavenge limiter effectively reduces the fuel/air ratio efficiency of the engine, but increases engine torque output.
Scientific buoys
Scientific buoys used to record weather conditions at sea level.
Sea Lane
Regularly used maritime route for vessels
Sealant
Sealant is a material placed between connecting surfaces and is designed to prevent leakage whilst being subjected to pressure. A sealant may be applied to the surfaces in liquid form.
Seaward
Towards the sea, away from land
Seaworthy
Broadly, to be described as seaworthy a “ship must be in a fit state as to repairs, equipment, and crew, and in all other respects to encounter the ordinary perils of the voyage” (as explained by Parke, B in Dixon v Sadler [1839] 5 M&W 405). Alternatively, the ship must meet “that degree of fitness which an ordinary careful and prudent owner would require [his/her] vessel to have at the commencement of [his/her] voyage having regard to all probable circumstances of it” (see Channel J in McFadden v Blue Star Line [1905] 1 KB 697 at 706).
Secondary protection
An additional protection method, used in multi-worksite protected work areas.
Secondary suspension
Suspension between the bogie frame and vehicle body.
Sector
A sector is one flight from a departure point to a destination point.
Securing the tugs
To secure a tug, the ship takes a line from the tug and secures it to the bitts (a pair of posts on the deck of a ship for fastening cables and ropes).
Selcalled
A function of KiwiRail’s radio system that sends an audible alert and caller identifying information to a train control radio display. When radio traffic is busy, this function allows the train controller to prioritise the order of communication and selectively call back as required.
Self-venting fuel cap
Fuel cap with an integrated breather: the vented cap allows for air to come into the tank as fuel is consumed and levels drop, as well as allowing for air to escape via a surge plug.
Semi-Permanent Bulletin
A document used by KiwiRail to disseminate instructions that will apply until they are cancelled or made permanent rules
Semi-permanent couplers
The coupler interconnects into a pneumatic connection and is released through an in-cab electrical circuit.
SEND
Satellite Emergency Notification Device
Senior person
The Operations Manual Part A Section 1.1 list the individuals who have been nominated by the operator as Senior persons for specific designated roles, and these must be individually approved by the CAA.
Service director
The senior cabin crew person.
Service life
Finite or safe life is a usage limit specified for a component, in hours or calendar time, after which time it must be discarded. It is significantly lower than the fatigue life to ensure that the component will not fail in service.
Service speed
The normal operating speed of the vessel while in service
Servo
A servo is a hydraulic actuator that assists the movement of a mechanism.
Setback
To move a train backwards (reverse) a short distance
SFAIRP
So Far As Is Reasonably Practicable
SFV
Skipper Fishing Vessel – Limited
SFV-U
Skipper Fishing Vessel – Unlimited
Shackle
One shackle is a length of anchor chain equal to 27.4 m
Shakedown voyage
A preliminary trip during which adjustments can be made to improve a vessel’s functionality and efficiency and bring it to a satisfactory state for entering its operational phase.
Shank
That portion of the blade inserted into the turbine disk
Sheave
A grooved wheel that spins on an axle, often used for changing the direction of a wire rope and to lessen the effects of friction
Shims
A washer or thin strip of material used to align parts, make them fit or reduce wear.
Shiplift
A system of platforms and electro-mechanical hoists used to lift a vessel as it is moved between the water and land.
Shipping agent
Person who acts for one or more of the parties with an interest in the vessel charter; the same agent may act on behalf of the ship owner and the charterer
Shoal
A natural submerged ridge, bank or bar that consists of, or is covered by, sand or other unconsolidated material and rises from the seabed to near the surface. A shoal is a navigational hazard.
Shoe piece
A structural member of the stern frame.
Shooting the net
Deploying the net to start fishing
Short-stacking
A hazard condition that exists when stacking distance is limited
Shroud
Shrouds (also known as ‘visors’) are fitted to signals to improve visibility in bright sun.
Shunt
A generic term for the movement of locomotives, wagons and carriages using a purpose-built railway engine (shunt)
Shunt locomotive
A locomotive used solely for the movement of vehicles in a yard or terminal.
Shunting
Movement of rail vehicles for formation or positioning of trains
Shunting movements
The positioning and connecting of rail vehicles or wagons together or disconnecting them.
SIB
Soft inflatable boat
SID
Standard Instrument Departure procedure from an aerodrome
Siding
Low-speed track section used for loading unloading or passing
Sidings
Sections of track clear of the main line and main line crossing loops.
Sighting distance
The distance from a signal to its sighting point. The sighting distance is designed for 12 seconds’ uninterrupted at maximum train approach speed, but 10 seconds is the absolute minimum in difficult situations
Signal
A line side device that displays the movement authority to proceed to a train driver
Signal alert alarm
A visual light and an audible alarm that can be set by the driver when passing a caution (Yellow) signal as a reminder that the next signal is likely to be a stop signal. It can also be activated by the eProtect system when approaching a compulsory-stop-board-protected worksite.
Signal Alert button
A button fitted to Matangi trains that illuminates when pressed. After the train has moved 50 metres from the point the button was pressed an audible alarm sounds and the button flashes until the button is pressed to cancel the alert. The button can be pressed multiple times as required.
Signal aspect
A combination of coloured lights a train driver sees, conveyed by the position of the lights relative to each other and the combination of colours or flashing colours.
Signal box
A building that houses one or more signallers and equipment used for the control of points and signals, and communication with other signallers.
Signal trips
A signal trip is an arm which automatically raises when a signal is at ‘All Red – Stop’. It catches on the brake trip lever mounted low on the side of a train and automatically applies the train brakes if the train passes a signal at red.
Signaller
A person engaged in operating a signal box or the operational supervision of a signalling system.
Signalling and Interlocking Arrangements
A general term applied to the controlling of the setting and releasing of ‘signals’ and ‘points’ to prevent unsafe
conditions arising.
Signals maintainer
A person qualified in repairing and maintaining railway signaling equipment, including signals and points.
Signals technician
A person qualified in repairing and maintaining railway signalling equipment, including signals and points. Of the two technicians referred to in this report, one specialised in signals maintenance while the other was a communications specialist who was assisting the signals technician. For the purposes of this report, both are collectively referred to as signals technicians as that was the nature of the work being performed.
Signal gantry
A framework suspended across train tracks upon which signals can be mounted.
Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD)
Passing a Red–Stop signal without authorisation.
Signed off
Paid off or departed from the vessel, usually to go home
Significant wave height
The average wave height, from trough to crest, of the highest one-third of the measured or observed waves.
Simulated flight
Simulated flight in instrument meteorological conditions by restricting the pilot’s view outside and with a safety pilot for aircraft separation.
Simulated in flight
Simulated in flight with a safety pilot present, but without entering instrument meteorological conditions
Single buoy mooring
An anchored float which a vessel can moor itself to
Single slip switch
A mechanical installation that enables rail traffic to be guided from one track to another from a single adjacent track.
Sink
Sink is the opposite of lift. It is air flowing downwards towards the ground.
Site protector
A site protector is a person with similar responsibilities to those of an RPO but responsible for the safety of equipment and personnel at a single worksite within a PWA. They liaise with the RPO on movements through the PWA to confirm all equipment and personnel are clear of the rail lines.
Site Protector (SP)
The person responsible for all personnel and equipment in a worksite, and who reports to the RPO.
Situational awareness
Situational awareness relates to an individual’s understanding of their surroundings. This includes their perception of data from their environment, comprehension of the meaning and significance of the situation, and projection to future states and events.
Skid site
A cleared area within a forest where harvested logs are processed and loaded onto trucks for transport to a port or mill.
Skills
Skills are activities that have been either learnt or acquired and result in a predictable and often better outcome.
Skipper
The captain of a boat or ship
Skipper Restricted Limits certificate
Endorsed for up to 24-metre vessels.
Sky glow
Effects of solar light present in the sky until the sun is approximately 18 degrees below the horizon.
Skyhook
A proprietary hook device that allows a tension load to be applied in one direction but that will release if the load is applied in the opposite direction
Slack water
The time at which the tidal flow changes direction, in this case from flood to ebb, during which there is a short period when there is little or no tidal current.
Slave latch block
The latch block to which the handle is attached is considered the master and the other three are termed slaves.
Sleeper
Transverse support for rails distributing loads to ballast
Slew
Movement of the crane boom in the horizontal plane.
Slider
A fabric rectangle with eyelets where the suspension lines pass through to the canopy. The slider holds the lines together as a parachute opens to slow the inflation rate. It slides down and rests on the risers when the canopy is fully inflated (see Appendix 2).
Slight seas
Waves caused by 15 kt wind in the immediate vicinity, typically about 0.5 m high but can occasionally rise to
1.5 m
Slings
Loops of synthetic webbing material used to lift loads.
Slip
In regions with hilly or mountainous terrain, a ‘slip’ refers to rockfalls or landslides that may endanger railway activities.
Slip-detector alarm
In regions with hilly or mountainous terrain, a ‘slip’ refers to rockfalls or landslides that may endanger railway activities. Slip detectors within this context are trackside equipment designed to detect rockfalls or landslides and initiate an alert and provide details of the location to the responsible rail personnel.
SLM
Senior Launch Master
Slot
Allocated time window for aircraft takeoff or landing
Slowdown alarm
Sensors attached to the engine detect certain issues and trigger a response in the engine that automatically slows the engine down to protect it from damage.
Smoulder
A burning process that normally includes a thermal decomposition step to create a char, followed by self-sustained burning of the char itself
SMS
Safety Management System
Snatch blocks
A snatch block is a block that can be opened on one side to receive a bight of rope.
SOLAS
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
SOLAS Convention
International Maritime Organization’s International Convention for the Safety Of Life At Sea governing maritime safety
Sonar
A system for the detection of objects under water.
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure
Sounding
Measurement of depth of water or tank liquid level
Sounding line
A line joining areas of equal depth on a marine navigation chart.
SPA
Specific approvals (European Union)
SPAD
Rail terminology for the act of a signal having been passed at danger. This occurs when a train should have stopped for a red signal but has continued past it.
SPAD A
When a train passes a perfectly displayed STOP signal without authorisation.
Spar
A primary structural member
Special Bulletin
An internal memorandum issued to KiwiRail staff containing information and instructions temporarily altering a normal method of operation.
Specific gravity
The relative density of a substance, usually compared to water. For example, a substance with a specific gravity of 1 has the same density as water, and 1.5 would be one and a half times the density of water.
Speed boards
Trackside equipment displaying the maximum speed for that section of track.
Speed indicator
A numeric indicator illuminated to advise the safe speed for the route set. Normally associated with a warner route (a specific type of route provided at some signals, selected by the signaller, where the full overlap of a signal may not be available).
Speed restriction
A temporary reduction in line speed. The details of the speed, location of the restriction and reason are provided to drivers in a daily speed restriction bulletin
Spidertracks
A satellite flight data tracking device made by Spidertracks Limited.
Spin manoeuvre
A high-speed manoeuvre where the boat’s engine throttle is cut, the steering is turned sharply and the throttle is opened again, causing the boat to spin quickly around with a large spray of water.
Spiny dogfish
A small species of shark found throughout the seas surrounding the southern half of New Zealand; taken as bycatch they are considered a nuisance, as they can severely hamper fishing operations when they become fouled in fishing nets.
Spline
A spline is a rectangular key fitting into grooves in the hub and shaft of a wheel, especially one formed integrally with the shaft, which allows movement of the wheel on the shaft.
Sprag clutch
An overrunning sprag clutch automatically disengages the engine from the rotor when the engine RPM is less than the rotor RPM.
Spring
A mooring rope leading forward or aft to help reduce the movement of a vessel in a forward or aft direction
Spring lines
Mooring lines leading in a nearly fore and aft direction, the purpose of which is to prevent longitudinal movement of the ship while in berth
Spring pack
The damping system that absorbs in-train forces to the carriage-coupler connections
Squat
When a vessel moves through shallow water, some of the displaced water rushes under the vessel to rise again at the stern. This decreases the upward pressure on the hull, making the vessel sink deeper in the water than normal and slowing the vessel. Squat increases with the speed of the vessel
SRL
Skipper Restricted Limit
SRx
Class of rail carriage created from an upgrade and refurbishment of older SA/SD class carriages. SRx encompasses three types: SR, SRC and SRV class carriages
SSSS
Site-specific safety score
Stabilised approach
The stabilised approach, based on aviation practices, has been developed by RSSB into the non-technical skills training as the Observe, Understand, Decide and Act model.
Stable
To park track machines, rail vehicles and trains whilst they are not in use, typically overnight, or until they are next needed. The vehicles are placed out of service, made inaccessible to the public and usually have all systems on them switched off
Stacking distance
The distance between a road intersection limit line and a railway level crossing.
Stall
The point when the angle between the relative airflow into the parachute canopy and the chord of the ram-air aerofoil wing section is too great for the wing to maintain full inflation pressure. The top and bottom surfaces of the canopy may flutter and the sink rate will increase.
Stanchion
A vertical support structure used to secure cargo, such as logs, on the upper deck of a vessel
Stand
Parking position for an aircraft on the apron
Stand-on vessel
Under the collision-prevention rules – a vessel that is required to maintain its course and speed and monitor the give-way vessel.
Standard flight route
A specified air traffic service (ATS) route from a specific
starting point to a specific end point, designed to channel the flow of traffic as necessary for the provision of air traffic services. An ATS route is defined by route specifications which include an ATS route designator, the track to or from significant points (waypoints), distance between significant points, reporting requirements and the minimum safe altitude.
Standby
Crew called to be ready for duty
Standing orders
The rules posted by the vessel’s captain and/or the operator to be understood by each watchkeeper operating the vessel
STAR
standard arrival route
Starboard
The right side of a vessel when the viewer is facing forward
Starboard quarter
The starboard aft (right-hand back) part of the boat
Startle effect
Defined in SKYbrary as an uncontrollable, automatic reflex that is elicited by exposure to a sudden, intense event that violates a pilot’s expectations. SKYbrary is an international repository of aviation-related information managed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Flight Safety Foundation.
Statement of conformity
A statement made by an authorised person that an aeronautical product conforms to its design specification or type certificate.
Static excercise
The testing was done in the field rather than in a rail vehicle.
Static line
A connection between the main risers and the reserve activation system intended to initiate reserve activation following the release of a deployed main parachute (a cutaway).
Station
Fuselage station numbers identify locations fore and aft along an aircraft’s fuselage with the numbers being measured from a reference datum (station zero).
Station limits
Tracks within arrival and departure signals of a station. Trains within this area may move on verbal authority of a train controller or signaller.
STC
A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is a Type Certificate issued when an applicant has received approval to modify an aeronautical product from its original design. The STC approves not only the modification but also how that modification affects the original design.
STC
Supplemental Type Certificate
STCA
Short-term conflict alert
STCW-F
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel
Steaming
Making way through the water
Steel thimble
A metal ring with concave sides into which a rope may be spliced or seized. The thimble can then take a shackle pin, hook or rope without chafing rope into which the thimble is fitted.
Step count fault
A fault relating to the incremental positioning of a stepper motor.
Stepper motor
An electric motor that can rotate incrementally.
Stern
The rear of a vessel.
Stern frame
A heavy structural member in the stern that supports a ship’s propeller shaft and rudder system.
Stern lines
Mooring lines leading ashore from the aft end of a ship
Stevedore
Shore-based worker who loads and unloads cargo when vessels are in port
Stevedores
Shore-based workers who go on board vessels in port to load and unload cargo.
Stop drill
A stop drill hole is drilled at the end of a crack to spread the cracking force around the hole and prevent the crack propagating.
Stop-disc
A red metal disc sign equivalent to a red signal. It means ‘STOP’ and no trains are allowed to pass while the stop-disc is erected
Stored energy system
An emergency power system comprising accumulators and nitrogen cylinders used to launch lifeboats, tenders and rescue boats in an emergency
Stowage Plan
Plan showing placement of cargo within a ship or aircraft
Strain gauges
A device used to measure the strain (or stress) on an object. It consists of a conductive metallic strip that changes its electrical resistance when stretched
Stranded
When a ship or a boat is aground and cannot be refloated without assistance
Stress corrosion cracking
The growth of cracking due to stress in a corrosive environment
Stress-cycle curve
The stress life of a component is derived from testing the component with a specific load for a number of cycles until it fails. Tests are carried out at increasing loads that result in fewer cycles until failure. The results are plotted on a chart to produce an ‘S-N’ curve. This determines the fatigue limit, the point (applied load) at which any number (or for certain materials a very high number, typically 107) of cycles will not result in component failure.
Stud-bolt
A stud-bolt is a bolt with threads on both ends designed to be screwed permanently into a fixed part at one end and to receive a nut on the other end
Sub-tropical low
Sub-tropical low is a type of weather condition that can bring heavy rain with possible thunderstorms and downpours. It may also bring strong and gale-force winds.
Successful capture
The term ‘successful capture’ is used to describe commencing an instrument approach procedure in a stable,
controlled and correct manner.
Sump
The internal space at the bottom of an engine where lubricating oil accumulates, or as in this case drains into the lube-oil tank below.
Sun-strike
A condition that occurs in vehicles when the angle of sunlight hitting a windscreen creates glare that is very hard for a driver to see through.
Superintendent
A shore-based manager with the relevant technical experience to manage, supervise and inspect shipboard activities.
Superphosphate fertiliser
A manufactured fertiliser containing plant-available phosphorus and sulphur.
Superstructure
Structures built on top of a vessel’s freeboard deck
Support desk
The KiwiRail support desk takes incoming communications and network-related issues and organises staff to complete various maintenance tasks on and inspections of the rail network.
Survey
A process conducted by a qualified person to assess, monitor and report on a vessel’s condition and compliance with applicable maritime rules
Swamped
Engulfed by waves and flooded with water.
Swashplate
A device mounted on the main rotor mast that translates flight control inputs into main rotor blade movement.
Swell
Ocean waves not generated by wind in the immediate vicinity
Swim failure
A person is no longer able to swim or remain afloat.
Swing
A swing shift is a work schedule that falls outside normal business hours and spans both daytime and nighttime. The crew Fiordland Navigator crew operated on a week-on/week-off swing with change-over days on Thursdays.
Switch
Mechanism enabling rail vehicles to move from one track to another
