MARICO Marine NZ Limited WELLINGTON HARBOUR PORT AND ...

Report No: 05NZ104 WELLINGTON HARBOUR
Issue: 1.1 Operational Risk Assessment
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1 WELLINGTON’S PINCHPOINTS
This annex explores further the potential causes of the risk profile by
considering the generic problems of the Harbour; this being related to
geographical layout and traffic profile.
1.1 OUTER PILOT BOARDING AREAS TO HARBOUR ENTRANCE
Ferries provide the most frequent movement through this area and potential
exists for collision between vessels proceeding with pilot in or outbound, or
vessels which have disembarked the pilot at the inner boarding area. The
potential is reduced by ferries and other Pilotage exempt vessels joining the
leads at two miles off, while the Outer Boarding Areas are nearly three miles
south of the entrance. Vessels embarking a pilot at position ‘Charlie’ to the
west of the leads however, are likely to pass through the ferry transit area
while gaining the leads after embarkation.
Risk mitigation is provided by Beacon Hill, which has both visual and radar
surveillance of the area.
1.2 STEEPLE ROCK BEACON
This is a course alteration point for vessels both in and outbound. The
channel is at its narrowest and at the 10 metre contour extends south of the
beacon and bulges somewhat into the channel, providing restriction for
deeper draught vessels (although those operating at minimum UKC are likely
to proceed down the line of the leads from this point and have the option to
navigate under privilege as a vessel ‘Constrained by Draught’).
The separation between the in and outbound tracks at this point is
approximately one cable. Vessels which are not deep draught and inbound
are able to navigate to the east of the leading line to increase this passing
distance. Small craft are also known to navigate to the west of Steeple
Beacon and in doing so keep clear of large vessels.
The presence of small vessels or leisure craft in this area, particularly sailing
craft tacking across the channel, can further restrict manoeuvring options or
add pressure to watch keepers of larger vessels. Small craft (in this case
generally runabouts and launches) are known to navigate to the west of
Steeple Beacon and in doing so keep clear of large vessels. Leisure craft are
permitted through Bylaw to keep to either side of the main shipping channel.
Greater Wellington Regional Council /
CentrePort Ltd Page D1 of D5