Executive summary
On Thursday 16 January 2003, at about 1743, the passenger ferry "Harbour Cat" was proceeding from Birkenhead to Auckland with 3 crew and 2 passengers on board when a fire was discovered in the starboard engine space. The crew extinguished the fire and the ferry continued to the Auckland ferry terminal on its port engine alone.
One of the crew suffered from slight smoke inhalation.
Safety issues identified included:
* access to engine rooms on passenger ferries
* adequacy of procedure and training of ships’ crew in tackling engine space fires.
Safety recommendations were made to the Managing Director of Fullers Group Limited and the Director of Maritime Safety to address the safety issues.
Report includes inquiry 03-208.
Related Recommendations
Draft an amendment to Maritime Rule 40A [Design, Construction and Equipment - Passenger Ships Solas] for the Minister’s consideration, that new restricted limit passenger ships with enclosed engine room spaces should be fitted with a fire detection system and a fixed fire extinguishing system in the engine spaces.
In consultation with the Safe Ship Management provider, amend the emergency fire procedures for each of the groups’ ferries to better reflect the characteristics of each vessel, the use of available equipment on board and the safest possible method of fire fighting in the differing areas on board especially enclosed spaces.
Ensure that all crews serving on the company’s ferries are aware that, when investigating a suspected or indicated fire within an enclosed space, opening the access may rapidly exacerbate the fire endangering the crew, passengers and the vessel. The procedure in the operations manual should include a caution and a reminder that where a fixed fire fighting system is installed for the engine spaces, its use should be considered as a possible safer alternative to opening the space, especially in vessels with twin-engine spaces.
When conducting any review of Maritime Rule 40A, [Design, Construction and Equipment - Passenger Ships Solas] undertake a cost benefit analysis to consider any existing restricted limit passenger ships with totally enclosed engine spaces to be fitted with a fire detection system and a remotely operated fire extinguishing system in the engine space (s). Where a cost benefit is demonstrated as positive, consider drafting an amendment to Maritime Rule 40A for the Minister’s consideration.