Executive summary
On Thursday, 13 August 1998, at about 0120, the fishing vessel "San Rakaia" grounded on Ninepin Rock at the entrance to Pelorus Sound. The vessel had been on passage from Nelson to the Cook Strait fishery with seven persons on board. There were no injuries. With assistance of other vessels the "San Rakaia" was refloated on the next high tide.
Safety issues identified included:
• inadequate management of the crew working routine, leading to fatigue
• under utilisation of available navigation aids
• lack of a watchkeeper monitor alarm for single-handed bridge operation
• lack of mechanical assistance for stowage of catch.
Safety recommendations were made to the Group Fleet Manager of Sanford Limited and to the Director of Maritime Safety to address the safety issues.
Related Recommendations
consider the provision of conveyor systems in the fish holds of the company vessels where these are not already fitted and where the dimensions and layout of the hold are such that fitting is practicable.
produce an Advisory Circular, to be used in conjunction with the Maritime Rules, that gives owners, operators, masters and crew guidance and advice on the causes, recognition, management and prevention of fatigue among seafarers.
formulate Maritime Rules for the management and prevention of fatigue among seafarers on New Zealand commercial vessels that are not covered by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW-95).