Safety Issue

On 8 June 2007, a number of ships off Newcastle were inappropriately ballasted for the forecast weather and some took additional ballast after the onset of heavy weather. These ships were exposed not only to the risk of manoeuvring difficulties but also structural damage caused by the water ballast sloshing in partly filled cargo holds while they were ballasting their holds in the heavy weather.

Safety Advisory Notice

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the owners, operators and masters of ships should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and take action when considered appropriate.