The responsibility for the safety and security of a vessel moored alongside a harbour wharf lies with both the vessel and the port operator. Notwithstanding that joint responsibility it remains an important function of a port to ensure that the wharf structure and mooring system is adequate for any vessel that intends to use it.
Section 7 of this report draws attention to the work that PrimePort Timaru is currently undertaking, and the work it is planning to undertake, to improve the condition and reliability of its wharves, associated mooring systems and mooring procedures.
Until all of the improvement work has been completed, it is important that the port ensures that the infrastructure and procedures in place at any given time are suitable for any vessel intending to use the port.
On 21 February 2019 the Commission recommended to the Chief Executive of PrimePort Timaru that, until all the planned improvement work is completed, a ship-to-berth risk assessment be undertaken for all vessels intending to use the port. The assessment should identify whether a berth is safe for a vessel to remain alongside, define any operational limits or restrictions and identify any additional control measures that may be required. This information should be passed to the ship prior to arrival.