Pasha Bulker 243 - Independent investigation into the grounding of ...

APPENDIX E: SURVEY INFORMATION AND RESULTS
General information
During the investigation, the ATSB conducted a survey to obtain the views and
actions of the masters of ships anchored off Newcastle at the time of the incident.
For the survey, all the masters were asked the same questions. Their responses were
charted, including re-categorising where necessary, and compared to analyse the
incident with the aim of identifying relevant safety issues.
Pasha Bulker was excluded from the survey sample, as was a ship that berthed
during the night before the grounding. Therefore, the sample consisted of the
masters of the other 55 ships anchored off Newcastle on the afternoon of 7 June
2007.
Some of the masters declined to participate in the voluntary survey. A further two,
who took command after the incident, advised that they were unable to participate.
The survey was conducted through interviews, telephone interviews, fax and email.
The masters of 42 ships, or 76 per cent of the survey sample, provided responses to
survey questions.
Where relevant, survey questions were in the context of the incident. Responses to
the questions and some comparisons are presented. Pasha Bulker’s VDR audio data
was used to confirm responses, resolve ambiguities and compare responses.
Responses
The responses to survey questions take into account all 42 respondents. The bar
charts represent each response appropriately. Notes included with each response
provide a comparison with Pasha Bulker.
Question 1: How many years have you been master?
Response:
42
Years of experience as master
Less than 2 2 to 5 More than 5 Not provided
28
26
14 8
0
6
Number of masters in each category
2
Note: Pasha Bulker’s master had seven years experience as master.
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