Inquiries & Recommendations

Ngā ketuketutanga me ngā tūtohunga

KiwiRail’s predecessors determined that the Wellington rail electric multiple unit commuter service was not a single-person operation. Irrespective of whether these trains were a "single-person" or a "two-person" operation, as a consequence, the radio system fitted to these trains did not have selcall capability and could not send an alert to train control automatically when there was a rapid drop in brake pipe pressure such as when the driver makes an emergency brake application.

include the appropriate Regional Council Harbourmaster in the consultation and approval process when navigational marks are installed, altered or removed in harbours under their jurisdiction.

On 23 February 2018 the Commission recommended that, given the potentially harsh and sensitive environment in the sub-Antarctic islands and the likelihood that shipping activity will increase in future, the Director-General of the Department of Conservation appoint a suitably qualified person to manage the safety of navigation in the sub-Antarctic islands.

do not allow train controllers to be re-certified unless they have undergone the required audits and assessments defined in Tranz Rail’s procedures within the prescribed timeframes.

Give increased consideration to the need for procedures and supervision which take account of the competency and experience of staff employed in all safety critical areas to ensure effective quality control.

ensure that staff are available in the train control centre to assist the train controller by liasing with Tranz Metro when suburban train services are disrupted

The Commission has made a recommendation to Wartsila that it take further steps to help ensure users of its RT-Flex engines are fully aware of all the effects of the IMO sulphur cap and its operational effect on ICU performance, maintenance and lifetime service.

Operators and drivers of large road vehicles should have quick access to the emergency telephone number of the National Train Control Centre for alerting the train controller if there is any issue with their vehicles that could compromise the rail corridor. The Commission recommends that the Chief Executive of NZ Transport Agency advise other operators of large road vehicles that their drivers should carry the train control emergency telephone number so that they can alert the train controller in any similar situation

Make it mandatory that instructors exchange relevant information about trainee pilots, in addition to log book entries, before they can continue with the training of a pilot from a different company or school.

Introduce a system on all Sanford vessels for recording on board, all operational, safety and maintenance checks/tasks carried out by the crew or Sanford's shore staff. A work record book with signed entries each time a task or check is completed would serve this purpose.

develop in conjunction with the Christchurch City Council formalised procedures to be followed before a contractor undertakes any work which conflicts with the requirements of the Christchurch Tramway Limited safety system.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that Transdev Wellington review and improve the training on the application of the in-cab emergency radio button simultaneously with an emergency brake application.