Inquiries & Recommendations

Ngā ketuketutanga me ngā tūtohunga

[the LTSA, MSA and OSH] Liaise as necessary to immediately bring to the attention of the relevant sectors of the New Zealand land and sea transport industry the need to be alert to sub-standard connection of stacks of bases and replace such connections with a system which complies with appropriate standard.

The Commission recommends that the Director of Civil Aviation as a matter of urgency reviews the approvals granted for the FU24-954 aircraft with a view to amending the Flight Manual to allow more accurate determinations of aircraft centre of gravity. This review should also extend to other conversions of Fletcher and Cresco aircraft.

Consideration be given to providing a clip in an illuminated position near the Locomotive Engineer which would enable him to have the Track Warrant clearly visible without affecting his ability to maintain an adequate lookout ahead of the train.

Carry out specific training and educational programmes to make all yard operational staff fully aware of the requirements for loose shunting and institute a system to ensure compliance.

Urgently consult with industry and put in place temporary measures that will enable those operators who are having difficulty complying with the present manning requirements to continue operating, so long as the temporary measures are consistent with safe operation. These measures should be in place until the amendments to Part 31B - Crewing and Watchkeeping - Offshore, Coastal and Restricted (Non-Fishing Vessels) and Part 32 – Qualifications, come into force in 2004.

Conduct a special inspection of Santa Maria II and other vessels owned or operated by the owner to ensure that they fully comply with all relevant Maritime Rules with particular attention to ensure that all fire fighting equipment on board, especially fixed fire suppressant systems, comply with New Zealand regulations.

Consider re-commissioning the actuators in the lateral load guides on the B767 in-hold loading equipment.

Implement procedures to ensure tonnage limitations are not exceeded on shunting services.

It is possible that the Te Onetea Road level crossing is one that has been affected by changes in the allowable dimensions of long, low road vehicles. Unless the profiles of all level crossings are assessed against the current allowable dimensions for long, low vehicles, the potential risk of this type of accident occurring will remain high.

The Commission recommended that the Ministry of Transport undertake research to determine the merits of a regulatory system for the recreational maritime sector, in line with overseas best practice, and how such a system may incorporate licensing, registration and boat design standards to improve the safety of New Zealand’s recreational maritime sector.

They design and construct an underpass in an adjacent but discreet location so that the use of the Heretaunga Street pedestrian level crossings can be discontinued and an effective barrier erected to prevent access to the rail track by young children.

Draw the pilot's attention to the limited circumstances under which low level bad weather routes can be used legally.