Safety Issue
On 8 June 2007, a number of ships off Newcastle were
inappropriately ballasted for the forecast weather and some took
additional ballast after the onset of heavy weather. These ships
were exposed not only to the risk of manoeuvring difficulties but
also structural damage caused by the water ballast sloshing in
partly filled cargo holds while they were ballasting their holds in
the heavy weather.
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.