The Australian Maritime Safety Authority had not inspected the packs of veneer to establish whether Ta Ann Tasmania was packaging the veneer in line with the recommendations contained in section 2.3 of Appendix A of the International Maritime Organization’s Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargo.
Noting this incident, AMSA has reviewed its port State control guidelines to ensure that, where relevant, checks are made regarding stowing and securing of deck cargoes. AMSA has also provided instructions to its Marine Surveyors to extend the cargo securing inspections to all deck cargoes, where aware of them.
The ATSB has been advised by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that, because Appendix A of the Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargo is not mandated in Australia, there was no obligation on AMSA to inspect the packaging arrangement of the veneer.
However, noting this incident, AMSA has reviewed its port State control guidelines to ensure that, where relevant, checks are made regarding stowing and securing of deck cargoes. AMSA has also provided instructions to its Marine Surveyors to extend the cargo securing inspections to all deck cargoes, where aware of them.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority adequately addresses this safety issue.
