Executive summary
On Tuesday 18 March 2003 at about 1455, during a scenic tour of the Bay of Islands, the restricted limit passenger vessel, "Tiger III", encountered a steep wave with an unexpectedly deep trough behind it. The bow of the vessel rode up on this wave before dropping violently into the trough. Four passengers standing on the foredeck received serious injuries. There was no damage to the vessel.
Safety issues identified were:
· passenger access to the foredeck of the vessel during an open water passage
· the unpredictability of sea conditions
· non-compliance with Maritime Rule Part 31B - Crewing and Watchkeeping - Offshore, Coastal and Restricted (non-Fishing Vessels).
Safety recommendations were made to the Chief Executive Officer of Fullers Bay of Islands and the Director of Maritime Safety to address the safety issues
Related Recommendations
In conjunction with the safe ship management company, review and revise the operations manual for the Tiger III and the policy manual for the company to reflect the actual practices and procedures. This should include the operation at Cape Brett and the conditions in which passengers are allowed onto the foredeck.
In conjunction with the Maritime Safety Authority fully implement the provisions of Maritime Rule Part 31B - Crewing and Watchkeeping - Offshore, Coastal and Restricted (Non-Fishing Vessels) and ensure that all company vessels are operated with the appropriate number of suitably qualified personnel.
Urgently consult with industry and put in place temporary measures that will enable those operators who are having difficulty complying with the present manning requirements to continue operating, so long as the temporary measures are consistent with safe operation. These measures should be in place until the amendments to Part 31B - Crewing and Watchkeeping - Offshore, Coastal and Restricted (Non-Fishing Vessels) and Part 32 – Qualifications, come into force in 2004.