Executive summary
On Saturday, 1 February 1997, at about 1030, the restricted-limit passenger ferry "Te Waka o Kapanga", while en route from Waiheke Island to Rotoroa Island, struck rocks off the point between Little and Sandy Bays on Waiheke Island. None of the 53 passengers and four crew was injured but damage to the two rudders and propulsion systems was substantial.
On Sunday, 29 June 1997, at about 2230, the "Te Waka o Kapanga", on its approach to Coromandel Harbour in poor weather conditions, ran aground on Cow Island near the entrance to the harbour. None of the five passengers or two crew was injured, but damage to the hulls, rudders and propellers was substantial.
Fatigue, lack of training and experience, and absence of documented procedures and work instructions were the main factors which contributed to errors in judgement by both skippers. Safety recommendations were made regarding training, documentation of procedures, and safe ship management.
Related Recommendations
Ensures that all safe ship management providers meet or exceed the same minimum standards.
Liaise with Coromandel Ferry Services and review the Safety Management Policy Manual for the Te Waka o Kapanga critically and ensure it contains the relevant operational and safety instruction necessary to comply with the New Zealand Ship Safety Management Code.
Assess the suitability and, where necessary, upgrade the Coromandel Harbour navigation aids to allow passenger ferries such as the Te Waka o Kapanga to enter and leave the harbour in safety.
Produce an Operations Manual to cover all aspects of the company and craft operation and establish a procedure to ensure all staff are familiar with its contents.
Review the charted area in which the Te Waka o Kapanga operates, combine this with the experience and local knowledge of the area staff , and produce a set of guidelines to show into which areas skippers may go, and any restrictions on such areas including recommended minimum passing distances off known dangers.
Liaise with Maritime Management Services and review the Safety Management Policy Manual for the Te Waka o Kapanga critically to ensure it contains all of the relevant safety information from the Company Operations Manual necessary to comply with the New Zealand Ship Safety Management Code.
Provide training for all company masters in the use of radar and other electronic aids.
Produce guidelines for skippers detailing the procedure for obtaining weather forecasts and weather minima applicable for proceeding on any trip.