Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
Calliope was not required to carry a pilot during Sydney Harbour voyages because the yacht was considered to be a recreational vessel, even though the risks it posed to the port were the same as those posed by similarly sized commercially operated vessels. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | MO-2013-003-SI-03 |
| Issue owner | Sydney Ports Corporation |
| Transport function | Marine: Shipboard operations |
| Date issue released | 12/05/2014 |
| Issue status justification |
While no safety action has yet been taken, the Sydney Ports Corporation review of the application of the pilotage regulations has the potential to address this safety issue. |
Safety action
| Action type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Action number | MO-2013-003-SR-006 |
| Organisation | Sydney Ports Corporation |
| Action date | 12/05/2014 |
| Action description |
The ATSB recommends that Sydney Ports Corporation takes safety action to address the pilotage requirements that apply to privately operated yachts like Calliope. |
| Action status | Released |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sydney Ports Corporation |
| Action date | 12/05/2014 |
| Action description |
The Sydney Ports Corporation has advised that; The report and its recommendations are welcomed as a constructive input into the effort being made to continually improve safety in Sydney Harbour and elsewhere. In considering the issue of pilotage for recreational/charter vessels the Harbour Master Sydney has recognised that overseeing and enforcing pilotage regulations based upon the variable functions of a vessel is extremely difficult, whilst the actual risk posed to & by the vessel does not change. In promoting the need for a review of the application of the pilotage regulations the Harbour Master has highlighted the particular details of this incident as part of the review of the NSW Marine Safety Act. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB acknowledges Sydney Ports Corporations intention to review the Sydney Harbour pilotage requirements, but considers that further action is required to adequately address this safety issue. |
| Action status | Released |