Safety issue

Safety issue description

Tugs were to be available to escort the mini cape-size ships until they had entered the South Channel, where they were stood down. However, the tug masters had not been trained in the specifics of escort towage nor in emergency response.
Issue number MO-2017-010-SI-02
Issue owner Ports North
Transport function Marine: Shipboard operations
Issue status Closed – Adequately addressed
Date issue released 14/11/2019
Issue status justification

The action taken by training all pilots and tug masters in emergency response and escort towage adequately address the issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number MO-2017-010-NSA-02
Organisation Maritime Safety Queensland
Action date 14/11/2019
Action description

Safety action taken:

The Manager Pilotage Services advised the following proactive actions have been taken:

All Ports Norths pilots and Smit Lamnalco tug masters have completed together emergency response and escort towage training including:

  • emergency towage scenarios
  • positioning and use of tugs in an emergency
  • competency in standard escort tug manoeuvres and indirect towage.
  • Arrival and departure briefs developed for the Port of Weipa have been updated with:
  • safety settings for electronic chart display and information system
  • tidal information
  • weather conditions
  • wind limits and tug positions/line lengths.

All masters and ship bridge teams are briefed before arrivals and departures.
Action status Closed