Safety Issue
Water depths in parts of Newcastle anchorage make it difficult
for sufficient length of cable to be deployed to anchor a ship
safely. On 7-8 June 2007, the masters of a number of ships in the
anchorage had not deployed the Admiralty recommended minimum scope
of anchor cable and fewer still had deployed the minimum considered
to be acceptable by the International Association of Classification
Societies.
Safety Advisory Notice
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the owners,
operators and masters of ships should consider the safety
implications of this safety issue and take action when considered
appropriate.