On Wednesday 9 February 2005 and Sunday 20 February 2005, incidents involving steering malfunctions occurred on board the passenger freight ferry "Aratere" while the vessel was on passage between Picton and Wellington. In both incidents, the steering gear operating the port rudder failed to respond to command signals from the navigating bridge. However, in both incidents the navigation of the vessel was continued safely using the starboard steering gear and rudder.
Because of the similarities arising from each incident, both incidents have been combined into one report.
There were no injuries to passengers or crew during either of the incidents.
Because the Aratere was capable of being navigated and manoeuvred safely on either of the 2 independent steering systems fitted, and the crews exercised good Bridge Resource Management during the incidents, bringing each to a safe conclusion, no specific safety issues were identified.
Because of the safety actions taken by Toll NZ Consolidated Limited, no safety recommendations have been made.
