The port operator had not implemented an effective planned inspection and maintenance program for the mooring system in Flying Fish Cove. Consequently, it had been 18 months since the underwater components of the cantilever line had been inspected.
This safety action taken will result in the replacement of the underwater components and an update to the planned maintenance system.
By way of enhancing its existing maintenance system, the port operator has introduced a system to fly in diving contractors to Christmas Island to complete the annual dive inspection and has commenced works to further enhance the mooring system, which include:
a) Introducing new mooring components to enhance the safety of the mooring arrangements, including adding 'Jew's Harps' to the floating stern line, the Makaan cliff chain and the Kampong Cliff Chain. This will allow the ship's mooring lines to be passed through the 'Jew's Harp' and then back to the vessel to be secured and ultimately allows the ship's crew to manage the lines better and to slip the lines themselves in the event of an emergency.
b) Replacing all four buoys (head buoy, stern buoy, south breast and north breast) including new anchors, dumpers, chains and shackles. The buoys all come complete with double quick release couplings (QRC) with the exception of the north breast which is single QRC only.
These works are scheduled to be completed in May 2013.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken adequately addresses this safety issue.
