WATCHOUT Stopping trouble before it starts

01 Jun 2018 The Navigator

In this series, we take a look at maritime accident reports and the lessons that can be learned. While we usually look at cases where things have gone wrong, this time we explore three times where timely intervention from ReefVTS, a coastal VTS that provides navigational assistance service in Australia, has stopped an ongoing incident where a vessel was heading for trouble.

The vessel failed to monitor its passage after altering course due to current, and was at risk of grounding on Stagg Patches. ReefVTS contacted the vessel to alert them to the danger. The vessel changed course and the grounding was averted.

The vessel intended to transit through a compulsory pilotage area without a Pilot – and using a passage not recommended for transit. The least charted depth on the passage is four metres, and the draught of the vessel was eight metres. Numerous attempts were made by ReefVTS to contact the vessel without success. Eventually, an aircraft was launched to attempt to draw the vessel’s attention and make contact. Only after the aircraft had been launched did the vessel respond to VTS and alter course.

Vessel attempted to enter compulsory pilotage area without a Pilot. ReefVTS was able to contact the ship, which then aborted the passage.

All charts and incidents appear with permission from AMSA


If you find our accident reports useful, check out The Nautical Institute’s Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme (MARS). A fully searchable database of incident reports and lessons, updated every month. Seen a problem yourself? Email the editor at Mariners’ Alerting and Reporting Scheme mars@nautinst.org and help others learn from your experience. All reports are confidential – we will never identify you or your ship.