Although the online VisionMaster FT ECDIS type-specific familiarisation training included the relevant content, the training as undertaken by Australian Border Force deck officers was not effective in preparing ABFC Roebuck Bay's officers for the operational use of the ECDIS.
The ATSB notes that an element of the safety action originally proposed by the Australian Border Force (ABF) relating to the provision of improved ECDIS type-specific re-familiarisation training for ABF deck officers has not yet occurred. However, the ATSB acknowledges other safety action implemented by the ABF thus far including ECDIS training and information sessions, shipboard assessments of watchkeeper knowledge of ECDIS during compliance audits and shipboard annual ECDIS familiarisation training, which has served to adequately reduce the risk associated with this safety issue.
Safety action taken: The Australian Border Force (ABF) has advised the ATSB of the following safety action taken in relation to ECDIS training:
The ATSB acknowledges the safety action taken by the ABF to improve ECDIS knowledge within the fleet. The ATSB will monitor ABF progress on ongoing safety action related to the ECDIS type-specific familiarisation training and, once completed, will re-assess the safety issue.
On 12 January 2021, the Australian Border Force (ABF) advised the ATSB that the non-type-approved naval ECDIS software on board ABF vessels was being replaced by a commercial variant. The ABF advised that, as part of this change, all ECDIS-qualified officers would be provided with improved ECDIS re-familiarisation training.
While this re-familiarisation training was expected to occur in early 2021, on 30 July 2021 the ABF advised the ATSB that this was deferred due to budget and procurement issues. On 29 November 2021, the ABF advised the ATSB that the provision of the proposed ECDIS re-familiarisation training remained outstanding and had not been provided to ABF deck officers.
The ABF safety management system included existing requirements for all deck officers to undertake annual ECDIS and radar familiarisation. The annual familiarisation was self-led and supported by a peer-reviewed learning checklist with compliance verified during each vessel’s annual compliance audit through verbal assessment and direct observation by the compliance team.
On 29 July 2022, the ABF advised the ATSB that the provision of the proposed ECDIS re-familiarisation training remained outstanding and had not been provided to ABF deck officers. The SMS requirement for annual ECDIS and radar familiarisation continued to be conducted with compliance verified during internal vessel audits.
On 4 July 2023, the ABF advised that there were no further safety action updates regarding the progress of proposed ECDIS re-familiarisation training for deck officers.
