NSW: Ferry report recommends charges be laid

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2001
NSW: Ferry report recommends charges be laid

SYDNEY, April 10 AAP - A ferrymaster will be prosecuted and two other crew face disciplinary
action after human error was blamed for the grounding of two Sydney ferries.

The Waterways Authority investigation found that the grounding of the Manly ferry Collaroy
and the SuperCat Susie O'Neill were both caused by human error.

New South Wales Transport Minister Carl Scully today told parliament that Waterways
indicated it would prosecute the master of the Collaroy for misconduct in failing to ensure
the safety of the vessel.

The investigation recommended Sydney Ferries take disciplinary action against the Susie
O'Neill's master and the Collaroy's helmsman.

Sydney Ferries has been plagued by a series of groundings and mechanical glitches since
the Collaroy ran aground at Manly Point on February 26.

Mr Scully ordered a review of Sydney Ferries following the mishaps.

"(Waterways chief Matthew Taylor) has concluded that the groundings were unrelated
and that the main cause in each case was human error," Mr Scully told parliament.

Mr Taylor said in his report repairs to the Collaroy could run to $2 million while
the damage bill for the Susie O'Neill is up to $130,000.

The final report will remain confidential until legal proceedings and disciplinary
action against staff are concluded.

The Collaroy ran aground after the master left the wheelhouse while underway and the
helmsman failed to steer a proper course, Mr Taylor found.

Mechanical systems of the vessel played no role in the incident.

The Susie O'Neill hit the Kirribilli shoreline on March 21.

Investigators found the ferry master failed to approach the wharf at an appropriate
speed and course to avoid a grounding.

Waterways made a series of recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the
government, Mr Scully said.

As a result of a series of recommendations, a training review is under way and a passenger
management and safety review has commenced.

All ferrymasters will be given refresher courses and the report recommended at least
two persons be in the wheelhouse at all times.

AAP sal/rp/cjh/br

KEYWORD: FERRY

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