Executive summary
At about 2145 on Monday, 19 January 1998, the general cargo vessel "T.A. Explorer" was outbound from Nelson under pilotage when the vessel failed to make the turn near the entrance to the harbour and ran aground on Haulashore Island. The vessel was re-floated after about 20 minutes and, as damage was minimal, continued its voyage to Timaru.
The grounding occurred because the speed of the ship was too high for the tugs to assist in the manner intended by the pilot. Safety issues identified included:
• incomplete assessment of new piloting techniques,
• the standard of communication within the pilot and tug services for the port,
• the need for a common minimum standard of on-going training for pilots, and
• the need for some form of quality control among pilots.
Safety recommendations were made to the harbourmaster for Port Nelson to address the safety issues.
Related Recommendations
Implements a system of regular structured meetings of all pilots and tug masters operating in the port, to foster good communication and a shared concept of operational requirements. Such a system should supplement, rather than replace, the informal communication which exists between pilots and tug masters.
Embarks on a programme for bridge resource management training for ships officers in their employ.
Implements a system of familiarisation in tug operations for maritime pilots, as required.
Ensures that the T.A. Explorer, and other vessels belonging to the company, have an appropriate pilot information card.
Includes in the International Safety Management system for the T.A. Explorer, the requirement for masters to plan each passage from berth to berth.
Clarifies the responsibilities of the tug masters with respect to tug and towline maintenance, with emphasis on the need for on-going thorough inspections of the towline.