Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)
A 7.5m punt (flat bottomed vessel) used for aquaculture operations contacted a marina at speed, injuring 4 people onboard.
The vessel was returning to the marina after aquaculture operations. The water was calm, visibility was good. There was a slight wind.
The vessel was making way at about 20 knots through a narrow open water channel. The master reduced speed as they approached the marina. The speed limit within the marina area was 4 knots.
The master lost control of the vessel as it approached the marina. The vessel aquaplaned when turning and contacted the marina at speed. The impact caused major damage to the vessel’s starboard side. All 4 people onboard sustained injuries that needed medical treatment.
The primary cause of the incident was the speed at which the vessel was being operated. The master’s lack of concentration and inexperience with the vessel may also have contributed to the incident. There were no known mechanical issues with the vessel controls.
The following factors may have also contributed to this incident:
Under the general safety duties for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs), owners and masters must take reasonable care for the safety of people who may be affected by their acts or omissions, and not unreasonably place the safety of another person at risk. They must also take reasonable care of their own safety.
Safety management systems ensure commercial vessels are maintained and operated safely. If you own or operate a DCV, you are required by law to implement and maintain a safety management system. At any time, safety management systems may be assessed by AMSA as part of the general safety duties.
Vessel owners must implement and maintain a safety management system that ensures the safety of the vessel and its operations. They must provide information, instruction, training or supervision to people on board the vessel to ensure their safety.
Masters must implement and comply with the safety management system for the vessel and its operations.