This report, issued by the Marine Security Investigation Unit (MSIU), particulars a steering failure incident involving a container vessel within the Port of Melbourne on 25 Might 2023. The occasion led to contact with a navigational beacon and prompted a security investigation into steering system operation and crew proficiency.
What Occurred
Whereas departing the port underneath pilotage, the vessel skilled a lack of rudder response as velocity elevated. Regardless of helm orders, the rudder didn’t comply with instructions, inflicting the vessel to veer off observe. Makes an attempt to revive management failed, and the vessel’s stern contacted a navigational beacon, leading to injury to the beacon and superficial paint injury to the vessel. Tug help stabilized the state of affairs, and the vessel was safely berthed.
Why It Occurred
A hydraulic pump bypass valve had been left open following earlier testing. Whereas this situation allowed regular rudder checks at berth, it brought about hydraulic leakage and lack of stress underneath increased hundreds, resulting in erratic steering at sea velocity. A number of officers lacked full proficiency in steering gear operation and changeover procedures. Ambiguity in procedural terminology—particularly the inconsistent use of “emergency steering” versus “steering gear failure”—led to pointless and incorrect reconfiguration of steering hydraulics. Fleetwide security administration procedures didn’t clearly outline steering modes, rising the chance of misconfiguration throughout the corporate’s vessels.
Actions Taken
The operator circulated incident particulars fleetwide and reminded crews to comply with the steering gear failure process.
The fleetwide process was revised and retitled as “emergency steering process,” with clearer definitions and steerage for management switch to the steering gear room. Fleetwide implementation is scheduled for March 2025.
Ports Victoria up to date harbour grasp’s instructions to strengthen towage necessities for vessels transiting the Yarra River and issued further steerage for vessels experiencing steering or engine failures.
Classes Realized
At all times guarantee steering gear valves are returned to regular configuration after testing or drills.
Clear, unambiguous terminology in security procedures is crucial to forestall misinterpretation.
Common coaching and drills should emphasize sensible proficiency in steering system operation, together with changeover to native management.
Pre-departure checks shouldn’t solely verify rudder motion visually but in addition contemplate system configuration integrity.
Efficient communication between the bridge and engine room groups is important when troubleshooting steering anomalies.
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Supply: MSIU
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