Inquiries & Recommendations

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On 27 February 2025, the Commission recommended that Maritime New Zealand implement measures to raise awareness of the standards for the Certificate of Medical Fitness for seafarers and ensure that certificate holders understand their responsibilities to maintain certificate validity and report any impacting changes.

Require that all ships of over 500 GRT, that are not fitted with a voyage data recorder, that use the Marlborough Sounds on a regular basis be fitted with an automatic location communicator

Amend the Cessna 206 passenger safety information cards to show accurately how to operate the cargo doors and exit the aircraft, including when the flaps are extended.

The aviation community, including the regulator, Airways, aerodrome operators and aircraft operators, does not have a consistent approach to reducing the risk of simultaneous opposed circuits at aerodromes. Simultaneous opposed circuits can exist as a result of locally agreed procedures at uncontrolled aerodromes, and also at controlled aerodromes under some conditions.

Consider publicising the precautions to be taken by pilots when taxiing aircraft in conditions or poor visibility.

Ensure that the provision of a tour commentary by the Master is properly identified as a possible hazard and noted in the hazard register of each vessel. A suitable section should be inserted into the safe ship management documentation noting the potential hazard of a Master giving a tour commentary. Masters should be directed in the operations manual that if a situation arises where giving a tour commentary poses a risk to the vessel, then the commentary should be stopped or delegated to one of the crew.

Adopt a policy whereby the use of the safety lap seat belts, already fitted in the front passenger seats, is mandatory.

ensure that for any future commercial maritime venture that he may undertake, safe ship management manuals contain appropriate policies and guidelines to address: • safety briefings for passengers and crew • navigation standards • the management of fatigue, and • the consumption of alcohol on board.

The fire on board the Kokopo Chief was caused by radiated heat from an incandescent reflector lamp fitted in a cargo light igniting the timber cargo. While it is widely known that incandescent reflector lamps produce heat, the findings of this investigation offer valuable information to ship designers, owners and operators to consider when selecting the means of lighting in cargo holds and other parts of their ships. There are equivalent lighting options, such as LED lamps, that do not produce the same high temperatures.

Introduce restrictions on boats operating without motorised propulsion during future special maritime events where concentrations of spectator craft are expected.

That attention be drawn, once again to the hazards of altering the configuration of a seatbelt installation. The proper approval process should be followed as it is intended to ensure that any modified seatbelt or harness installation will serve the purpose for which it is to be used with due regard to the loads which may be placed upon it and will be compromise other safety aspects.

Forward this report to the International Maritime Organisation bringing to its attention the safety issue where there is no mandatory requirement for continuity of ships maintenance records and system diagrams when ships change ownership, and inviting it to refer this report on to the appropriate committee for its consideration.