Collision between AM Vella and Searoad Mersey

Summary

On the evening of 31 January 1994, the Port of Melbourne Authority's suction dredger A M Vella was operating at the eastern end of the South Channel, Port Phillip Bay. The cargo vessel Searoad Mersey, under the command of a "pilot exempt" master, entered Port Phillip Bay on its regular scheduled service. The vessel had received clearance to enter from Point Lonsdale Signal Station, which also advised of the A M Vella dredging operation.

The weather was fine, with good visibility, however, with the sun having set, the light was fading rapidly.

At 2150, while trying, to pass A M Vella "port to port", Searoad Mersey made contact with No. 15 beacon, on the south side of the channel, then at about 2151, collided with AM Vella, striking the dredger on its starboard side, immediately abaft the forecastle.

Both vessels sustained damage, but no-one was injured, and no pollution occurred as a result of the collision.

Conclusions

These conclusions identify the different factors contributing to the accident and should not be read as apportioning blame or liability to any particular organisation or industry.

It is considered that the collision was brought about by a series of factors:

1 . In the first instance, the Master of Searoad Mersey did not ascertain the actual position of A M Vella in the channel.

2. Having acquired A M Vella as a target on the ARPA, the Master conducted Searoad Mersey on an assumption based on the initial information from the ARPA and did not properly monitor A M Vella's movements.

3. In endeavouring to maintain a "port to port" passing., the Master. kept the ship on the southern boundary of the channel with the result that it made contact with No. 15 beacon.

4. When Searoad Mersey made contact with No.15 beacon, the Master lost his orientation, overreacted and applied excessive helm.

It is further considered that:

5. There was no momentary failure of Searoad Mersey's steering gear.

6. The apparent alteration of course to port by A M Vella, observed by the Master of Searoad Mersey; was a momentary swing to port, under port helm, as the dredge head was raised from the seabed.

7. Early VHF contact between Searoad Mersey and A M Vella would have been prudent.

8. The advice contained in the Port of Melbourne Authority's three Notices to Mariners was explicit, however, a chart delineating the three areas to be dredged would have been beneficial.

9. Advice passed to vessels by Point Lonsdale Signal Station should provide full, definitive information regarding any operations or changes in navigational aids.

10. Where a master holds a pilotage exemption, it is of the utmost importance that the officer of the watch fully understands his responsibilities and fully monitors all that is going on.