Executive summary
The Department of Conservation vessel "Southern Winds" was working in the Fiordland area, with a master and 7 passengers on board. On completion of fieldwork on Thursday 14 October 2005, the boat was anchored close to Lloyd Island, in inner Gold Arm, Charles Sound. During the evening the wind freshened and the boat was unable to maintain its anchorage. The master unsuccessfully re-set the anchor 3 times before he decided to move to the outer sound. As the boat passed between Catherine and Fanny Islands it grounded heavily on a rock. The master took all way off the vessel and was able to navigate into clear water where the damage was assessed. It was found that the hull was split and water was entering a small compartment behind the collision bulkhead. The ingress of water was controlled.
At first light the following morning repair personnel and equipment were flown into the area by helicopter. After temporary repairs had been made the boat sailed to Doubtful Sound and then to Bluff, where full repairs were completed.
Safety issues identified included:
- anchoring equipment
- navigation in confined waters without full up to date nautical information being available
- crewing arrangements
- communications in remote areas
- risk management of the boat's operation
Safety recommendations were made to the Director of Maritime Safety, the Shipping Product Manager of SGS New Zealand and the Department of Conservation to address these issues.
Related Recommendations
promote compliance with the Safe Ship Management operations manual by the boat crew, particularly the maintenance of radio contact with Maritime Radio while the boat is at sea.
in consultation with the Safe Ship Management Company ensure that the 'Southern Winds' meets the requirements of all Maritime Rules applicable to the vessel.
ensure that his Safe Ship Mangement surveyors ensure that the minimum manning and operating limits, of all client vessels are clearly notified in the Safe Ship Management documentation.
in conjunction with the Safe Ship Management Company review the 'Southern Winds' Safe Ship Management operations manual to promote best operating practices for the intended use of the boat.
in consultation with the Safe Ship Management Company compile and include in the Safe Ship Management manual a comprehensive list of minimum manning for all the areas and types of operation that the 'Southern Winds' intends to undertake.
in conjunction with the Department of Conservation review the 'Southern Winds' Safe Ship Management operations manual to promote best operating practices for the intended use of the boat.
Initiate a training regime for the crew of the 'Southern Winds' to include, but not be limited to, electronic navigation aids and blind pilotage.
ensure that Safe Ship Management surveyors are aware of the requirements of the Maritime Rules and that the vessels they inspect and certify meet the requirements of those rules.
Prepare and circulate a Rules Bulletin to clarify the requirements for the operation of a vessel that has both passenger and non-passenger certification. The Safe Ship Management manuals should clearly state the requirements for vessel in each mode of operation, with particular emphasis on the classification of the persons on board whether they be designated as passengers or crew.
urgently undertake a comprehensive risk anaysis of all aspects of the operation of the 'Southern Winds'. This assessment should include the method and chain of command of the shore management team.