MARICO Marine NZ Limited WELLINGTON HARBOUR PORT AND ...

Report No: 05NZ104 WELLINGTON HARBOUR
Issue: Issue 1.1 Operational Risk Assessment
However, MNZ is encouraged to consider making the setting of such criteria a
matter for Pilotage Directions as referenced in Section 13.5 Note 2. That would
remove the difficulty that is inherent in changing Maritime Rules. Pilotage
criteria in general should be reviewed every three years against the traffic
profile of the harbour. Pilotage Directions could also be used to require smaller
vessels (e.g. fishing craft) to undertake a simpler demonstration of knowledge
about the harbour navigational system – the aim being one of education.
13.5.2 Use of Delta as a Pilot Disembarkation Point
The reason to lead a vessel into Delta is fully understood by Authors and
recommendations have been made to improve the safety margin available
when doing this. However it is also relatively common for Pilots to
disembark at Delta on outbound vessels. Most vessels are disembarked
between the Pinnacles and the Entrance Buoy once the vessel is established
on the line of leads and the Master and bridge team are confident of their
position. This appears to be of little consequence in clear conditions,
although an outbound vessel is then likely to remain on the leads. However,
it needs to be regulated by better procedure and closer involvement of
Beacon Hill to ensure that the entrance is clear of inbound traffic in the
approaches. The recommended equipment upgrade and training of Beacon
Hill staff where appropriate will facilitate Pilots and Beacon Hill staff working
together to improve and tighten-up areas of procedural practice.
13.6 PASSAGE PLANNING AND RECOMMENDED TRACKS
Recommended Tracks are not embodied in any Bylaw provision or Direction,
with the exception that Bylaws direct vessels to join leads at a distance of at
least 2 miles off. Given the nature of Wellington with its large harbour
basin, recommended tracks are perhaps a prudent item! The term
“recommended” is used throughout the maritime world and those that avoid
“recommendations” can find the legal defence of commercial liability difficult
following a serious and expensive incident.
However, as they are not mandatory, recommended tracks are not marked
on NZ 4633/4634 either. They are though reproduced on the CentrePort
website [copy attached at Annex C] along with other navigational and port
services information. Visiting vessels are unlikely to have accessed this
information prior to entering harbour limits for the first time. Thus pilots
will board to liaise with Masters having created passage plans without the
benefit of this information. It hinders the master/pilot exchange and its
dissemination to vessels via agents would be beneficial.
Greater Wellington Regional Council /
CentrePort Ltd Page 95 of 102