Inadequate emergency steering procedures

The emergency steering section of Bass Strait Freight’s safety management system did not adequately explain the alternative non-follow-up control mode and instead emphasised the use of differential thrust for emergency steering. As a result, the master focused on controlling the ship using differential thrust, rather than changing over to a control mode, which would have restored rudder authority.

Response by Bass Strait Freight

Bass Strait Freight (BSF) has advised that it will review and amend the relevant safety management system procedures, which should address the safety issue.

ATSB comment

The ATSB acknowledges the advice by BSF of the intention to improve safety management system procedures. However, noting the limited detail, including any anticipated timeframe, the ATSB remains concerned that the safety issue will not be addressed. Consequently, the ATSB has issued the following safety recommendation to BSF. 

To be advised