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South Port reviewed pilot's training after grounding incident in Bluff

South Port’s has reviewed its pilot training and proficiency requirements after the 'Alam Seri' ran aground in Bluff Harbour on Nov 28, 2018, causing minor damage to the ship and two tug boats, a Transport Accident Investigation Commission report, published on Oct 14, 2021, said. The bulk carrier was entering Bluff Harbour in a strong south-easterly wind, under the conduct of a harbour pilot. The strength of the wind caused the ship to blow slightly off course, the report says. During a turn to port, the pilot made successive helm orders and ordered engine speed to be reduced to slow ahead. To help with steering control, the pilot then ordered engine speed to increase to half ahead, and called for early assistance from two harbour tugs. Concerned about water depth, the pilot ordered engine speed full and asked the crew to deploy both anchors, but both failed to deploy in time and the ship came into contact with the seabed for a time. The ship was brought under control using astern engine power and with the assistance of the two tugs. The report noted paint to the below waterline hull of the 'Alam Seri' had worn off because of contact with the seabed, and the above waterline hull was damaged from contact with one of the tugs. Both tugs also had minor damage, but there were no injuries. The report concluded that the delayed deployment of the anchors likely resulted in the ship not stopping as soon as it could have, making contact with the seabed. “The ship’s bridge team lacked a shared grasp of how slower engine speed, and the relative wind speed and direction would affect the vessel’s steering. The bridge team’s situational awareness was lower than it could have been, particularly when trying to get back on course after the vessel touched the seabed. This was because the bridge had no electronic chart display and information system installed, and in this instance the pilot did not use a portable pilot unit.” The Commission recommended South Port ensures its safety management system develops measures to make sure the pilot’s training and proficiency requirements are being met as per the South Port Pilot and Tugmaster Training Manual as required by Maritime Rule. The report notes that South Port has accepted the recommendation and has reviewed its systems. “All training requirements are now recorded and managed in the company’s training management system “The Vault”. This system contains all training required in the approved Pilot and Tugmaster Training Manual, including annual internal check pilot reviews and the requirement for a four yearly external assessment.” An experienced pilot or assessor will be engaged to complete the four-yearly assessments in Bluff for all licenced pilots, South Port says.