ATSB issues Marine Occurrence Investigation report
The ATSB has issued marine investigation report on the contact with the wharf by Big Glory.
At 07061 on 20 November 2014, two port pilots boarded Big Glory (cover) off Cape Flattery, where the ship was to berth for loading silica sand.2 The pilot assigned to the pilotage task was very experienced and had performed about 70 pilotages into the port, including about 15 on Big Glory. As he was returning after 6 months leave, procedures required that he undergo a check pilotage.
ATSB comment
As Big Glory approached the planned anchor let go position, astern propulsion was used for 90 seconds because the pilot felt that the ships speed was not decreasing. However, its speed was decreasing, and the ship stopped 150 m short of the anchor let go position. Ahead propulsion was then used for 90 seconds before the port anchor was let go in a position much closer to the wharf than planned (60 m instead of 150-160 m). The particular combination of the ships main engine and rudder movements in the prevailing wind and current resulted in a lateral movement (to starboard) towards the wharf. The use of two shackles of anchor cable as planned suggests that adjusting anchor/cable use to recover from the uncontrolled situation was not considered. Subsequently, the ships hull contacted the mooring dolphin with sufficient force to damage its shell plating and the dolphin. The pilots perception of the ships movement during the critical stages of the approach to the wharf is indicative of his situational awareness at the time.
Safety message |
Bridge resource management (BRM) is critical to safely managing risks in a pilotage. Key elements of BRM include proper planning, execution and monitoring using all available resources. The use of electronic aids to navigation to support traditional methods of pilotage and navigation can significantly enhance the position monitoring ability and situational awareness of the bridge team and, thus, reduce the risk of an incident. |
You can read the report by clicking on the image below:
Source and Image Credit:ATSB