Fremantle Pilots’ procedures did not include any contingency plans, including abort points, for risks identified for the pilotage.
The actions taken will ensure that pilotage into Fremantle has been adequately assessed and contingency procedures and manoeuvres have been planned and practised. Changes to pilotage passage procedures will mean that the safety margins will be increased.
Fremantle Pilots has advised the ATSB that it is reviewing and updating the company’s safety management system and associated procedures and guidelines, including emergency response procedures and job hazard analyses. As part of this, the company conducted ship simulator exercises to assess abort and emergency manoeuvre options. Pilots are also conducting monthly emergency response ship simulator exercises in conjunction with Fremantle Ports and Svitzer Australia. Formalised contingency plans are to be developed as part of this review.
Fremantle Pilots has also reviewed and updated its pilotage procedures with more clearly defined course requirements. The procedures also require the ‘recommended course from Deep Water Channel to be 180 (T)’ and that ‘the vessel is to be in line or nearly in line with the Inner Harbour entrance leads at least 7 cables from the Entrance Buoys’. The company further advised that ‘limits have been set on the Inner Harbour Passage Plan and the Bridge Team can challenge the Pilot if the vessel falls outside these limiting distances.’
