NZ MSA Orders Vessel Tests
The New Zealand Maritime Safety Authority has instructed the owners of the Japanese iron sands carrier Taharoa Express to carry out engine and maneuvering trials with the vessel to ensure that it can berth safely at the Taharoa offshore loading terminal, near Raglan. As a precautionary measure in the event of a further engine failure, the MSA will also require a harbour tug to be on station during the trials and while the Taharoa Express ties up to the terminal. The Taharoa Express was approaching the Taharoa offshore terminal mooring buoy, two nautical miles offshore, at 7.20pm on Sunday night when it suffered a total loss of main engine power. The pilot and crew were carrying out emergency anchoring procedures when engine power was restored.
MSA Release Report on 2001 Fatal Collision
The Maritime Safety Authority released a report on the fatal collision in November 2001 involving the yacht Toolka T and the tug Wainui, which was towing a barge. Toolka T crossed between the tug and the barge and became fouled in the submerged tow line. The yacht collided with the barge and sank as the barge ran over it. The skipper of the yacht was killed. "The MSA's accident investigation details poor watchkeeping practices on both the tug and the yacht and reveals an alarming lack of knowledge of the collision rules at sea," says Russell Kilvington, Director of Maritime Safety. "The helmsperson on Toolka T did not have sufficient technical knowledge to recognise the lights displayed on Wainui as those of a vessel towing another vessel.
Aratere Ferry Allowed to Sail
The Maritime Safety Authority has released the Aratere from detention, but under conditions including that the ferry sails as a cargo ship only. Under the conditions, the ferry will be required to undergo a technical risk assessment, from which actions and risk mitigation strategies will be developed and implemented. The MSA will also require a period of operational experience of working to the new strategies. This period will be under observation and inspection by MSA. MSA will also require emergency procedures and contingency plans to be reviewed. MSA imposed these conditions at 7.30pm tonight, and they will be in place until MSA is satisfied that the conditions are met.
Corrosion Likely Cause of Pacific Sky’s Problems
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sky is undergoing repairs to its ducting system and will be ready to depart for its next cruise on March 23. According to reports, severe corrosion was to blame for a leak which forced the cruise ship back to Auckland with 1470 passengers and 600 crew. The vessel is now berthed at the Devonport Naval Base where it is undergoing repairs. Spokesman Russell Kilvington says their officials are now looking at the rest of the ship to determine whether this is an isolated problem or if there are other areas which will require repair. The MSA says Pacific Sky will not return to its cruise schedule until repairs are carried out to the agency's satisfaction.
