Following a collision involving a container ship in the Yarra River, the concerned shipping company is revising its steering guidance procedures across its fleet. An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found that ambiguous procedures contributed to the accident, reports Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Steering System Issues
On May 25, 2023, a container ship, while departing the Port of Melbourne under the guidance of a harbor pilot, contacted a navigational beacon. The incident occurred when the ship swung wide during a turn due to an erratic rudder response to helm orders. The ship was subsequently slowed down, returned to the middle of the channel, and stabilized with the assistance of tugs before being conducted to nearby Webb Dock.
While the ship sustained minor hull paint damage, the beacon was significantly impacted. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation revealed that the erratic steering was caused by a hydraulic bypass valve that had been inadvertently left open by the crew following an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) port state control inspection conducted the previous day.
Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasized that the manipulation of steering hydraulics for the inspection was unnecessary. The investigation highlighted that the ship’s responsible officers had an incomplete understanding of the steering gear’s operation, leading to incorrect configuration of the steering system hydraulics.
The ATSB identified that the risk of this incident was exacerbated by ambiguous language within the company’s fleetwide safety management system steering gear procedures. Specifically, the procedures only referred to “steering gear failure,” instead of using standardized industry terms such as “emergency steering” and “local steering.”
Safety Action Taken
Mr. Mitchell welcomed the safety action taken by the company, emphasizing its potential to prevent serious incidents and accidents not only in Australian ports but also internationally. He highlighted that any loss of steering can significantly jeopardize the safety of the ship and the lives of those at sea.
Mr. Mitchell stressed the importance of promptly correcting unclear or ambiguous operating instructions and terminology. The investigation also revealed that several officers on board were not adequately proficient in steering gear operation and change of control modes, as required by international regulations.
Mr. Mitchell emphasized that this incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring shipboard personnel have a thorough understanding and competence in the operation of the ship’s steering machinery and control systems. Mr. Mitchell also welcomed the safety action taken by Ports Victoria, which involved updating the harbor master’s directions for Melbourne to enhance towage requirements in the Yarra River.
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Source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau
