The ‘shallow water alert’ generated by the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service’s (REEFVTS) monitoring system did not provide adequate warning of Atlantic Blue entering shallow water because the boundary of the defined shallow water alert area was too close to dangers off Kirkcaldie Reef.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Fleet Management will adequately address the safety issue.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), joint competent authority of REEFVTS, has advised the ATSB that a review of shallow water areas had already been started in late 2008.
The review was conducted by REEFVTS staff from AMSA and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). The joint review resulted in a decision to extend shallow water areas so that their boundaries are at least 2.5 miles, where possible, from the nearest shallow water or danger adjacent to a shipping track. These changes were implemented in March 2009, following Atlantic Blue’s grounding, and included enlarging the shallow water area off Kirkcaldie Reef. A process to annually review shallow water areas was introduced after the grounding.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by REEFVTS adequately addresses the safety issue.
