September 2024: Watchkeeping and collision prevention

Background

In 2022, a single crewed fishing vessel was drifting off Farewell Spit, Golden Bay Tasman. The strong currents around the area swept the vessel onto the spit, which is an environmentally sensitive and protected area and a physical barrier that vessels can run aground on. The skipper who was the sole occupant was unaware of the grounding until it was too late to take any action to avoid it.

The grounding resulted in damage to the vessel’s corking, hull structure, and deck fittings and water entered the vessel. Subsequently the bilge pumps failed and the vessel started to sink. Coastguard responded to the call for assistance and rescued the sole occupant. The damaged vessel was salvaged without damage to the environmentally sensitive area.

Investigation

The investigation found that the skipper had decided to let the vessel drift near the spit to enable him to rest. The skipper did not have another crew member, as was required for minimum crew levels.  There was watchkeeping equipment on board, but if these alarms were set they were not effective in alerting the skipper.

Failing to keep a proper watch is a constant theme in maritime incidents in New Zealand, especially in smaller operations. These failures pose a significant risk to people and the environment. In this case, the skipper was convicted under the Maritime Transport Act 1994, section 65 - for operating a ship in a manner which causes unnecessary danger or risk and section 67B - operating a ship without the prescribed number of seafarers or qualified personnel.

Reminder

All operators and vessel skippers are reminded of their responsibilities under Maritime Rule Part 22 – Collison Prevention and 22.5 – Look-out which is that:

• at all times when a vessel is underway a proper look-out is kept.
• a proper look-out is to maintain a continuous state of vigilance using sight, hearing and by all means available and appropriate for the circumstances and conditions
• a vessel underway includes while it is fishing or drifting. It does not include when it is at anchor, tied up to the shore or grounded, unless circumstances and weather means there will be a risk to the vessel or people
• vessels need to be adequately crewed to allow a continuous proper look-out
• if you cannot keep a proper look-out, consider anchoring in a safe spot instead in which case a continuous watch may not be needed.