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Weather related matters
Date issue released
Safety Issue Description

While the Fremantle vessel traffic service (VTS) operational procedures were aimed at having precautionary measures in place for adverse weather conditions, the triggers specified in the procedures only referred to BoM-issued severe weather and gale warnings. As no wind speed limits were specified, the gale force winds experienced at Fremantle throughout the early hours of 8 May did not trigger the VTS procedural responses until 0600 – after the receipt of BoM-issued warnings.

Issue number
MO-2014-003-SI-03
Transport Function
Marine: Shipboard operations
Issue Owner
Fremantle Port Authority (Fremantle Ports)
Mode of Transport
Marine
Issue Status Justification

The ATSB considers that the proactive safety action taken will adequately address this safety issue.

Proactive action
Action number
MO-2014-003-NSA-023
Organisation
Fremantle Port Authority (Fremantle Ports)
Action date
Action Status
Closed
Action description

Fremantle Ports advised the ATSB that it has taken the following safety action:

  • subscription to the Weatherzone weather program, specifically configured for Fremantle Ports, displaying real time weather data
  • weather, wind and lighting warning messages automatically sent to designated staff and pilots
  • VTS officers are trained in the use of the Weatherzone program and the interpretation of data to identify deteriorating weather conditions
  • a new weather station and upgraded VTS equipment with enhanced vessel plotting and monitoring systems has been installed at the VTS tower
  • amendments to VTS operational procedures instructing the VTS officers to contact the duty harbour master if there is any risk or concern, or if gale force winds are experienced.
  • six Shoretension Devices have been installed in the inner harbour, and six further such devices are to be installed.