Failure to keep a proper lookout by either vessel has been
identified as the immediate cause of the ninth collision in five
years between a fishing vessel and a ship off the Australian
coast.
In the early hours of 21 August 2003, the fishing vessel
Jenabar collided with the bulk carrier Lancelot
off Diamond Head on the New South Wales coast. The report on the
collision by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) also
identifies that over-reliance on board Lancelot on
information from the automatic radar plotting aid contributed to
the collision.
On this occasion nobody was hurt, though the fishing boat
sustained damage and had to return to Forster, where it arrived
safely.
The collision occurred while Jenabar, in company with
three other fishing vessels, was heading for fishing grounds to the
north of Forster. On board Jenabar, the deckhand on watch
was seated at a table in the wheelhouse.
The mate on the bulk carrier, which was southbound for
Newcastle, was using the automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA).
Despite indications from the ARPA that the fishing vessels were
passing clear, they were in fact on collision or near-collision
courses.
After the collision, the ship turned around to assist the
fishing vessel but, on learning that assistance was not required,
resumed its passage to Newcastle.
Since July 1999, the ATSB has released nine reports on similar
collisions. It has also released two safety bulletins for crews of
ships and fishing vessels with advice on the avoidance of
collisions. The reports and safety bulletins have emphasised the
need for a proper lookout and the limitations of radar and the
report on this latest collision concludes that:
- The mate on Lancelot did not check the compass bearings of the
approaching vessels to assess the risk of collision; - The moderate seas and the size and construction of Jenabar
would have had an adverse effect on its radar detectability;
and, - The deckhand on watch on Jenabar at the time of the collision
was not keeping an adequate or effective lookout.
The report's recommendations include the need for:
- Vessels to keep a proper lookout at all times;
- The National Marine Safety Committee (NMSC) and State and
Territory marine authorities to review the minimum qualifications
for watchkeepers on fishing vessels; - NMSC and State and Territory marine authorities to ensure that
guidance on procedures for watchkeeping and safety of navigation
applies to all vessels.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the website,
or obtained from the ATSB by telephoning (02) 6274 6478 or 1800 020
616.