Executive summary
On Wednesday 29 September 2004 at about 1720, the passenger freight ferry "Aratere" was entering Tory Channel from Cook Strait when it failed to make a programmed course alteration while in automatic steering. The navigational bridge team had to intervene and make a manual alteration of course to prevent the Aratere from grounding at full speed on the north side of the channel.
Safety issues identified included:
- the adequacy of bridge resource management
- the adequacy of training in the use of all integrated bridge systems
- the adequacy of contingency planning for safety critical situations on board
- the adequacy of procedures covering the receipt and dissemination of information from the International Maritime Organization.
Safety recommendations were made to General Manager Operations, The Interisland Line and the Director of Maritime Safety to address these issues
Related Recommendations
institue abnormal procedures contingency plan training on board to familiarise the master, officers and crew with the operational procedures to be undertaken in any such emergency.
implement training for all masters and officers who serve, or may serve, on board the compnay's vessels fitted with integrated bridge systems (IBS). Training to include the use and understanding of IBS, and the use of Automatic Navigation and Track Steering in line with the guidance contained in the International Maritime Organization circular MSC/Circ.1061.
define safety critical areas for standard voyage for vessels within the company's fleet. Institute and implement contingency plans for abnormal procedures such as, but not limited to, integrated bridge system and steering system partial and complete failures within areas.
instigate a programme of training and practice to reinforce bridge resource management techniques amongst members of bridge navigation teams on board the company's vessels.
Review the procedures for distribution of International Maritime Organization circulars to ensure all affected parties promptly receive International Maritime Organization documentation and the distribution and receipt is adequately recorded.