Aratere expected back on full duties

Sailing conditions imposed on the Aratere are expected to be lifted after a final inspection today, enabling the trouble-plagued Interislander ferry to resume passenger services from Monday, the Maritime Safety Authority said yesterday.

The Toll Shipping ferry had undergone a robust and systematic assessment since the passenger ban was imposed on February 10 after its steering failed on entry to Wellington harbour with 190 people on board, said the authority's acting director, Bruce Maroc.

"Sixteen specialists have been involved along with Toll Shipping staff, and considerable work has been carried out.

"We are satisfied Toll Shipping is taking significant and effective steps to minimise mechanical failures, and that there are long-term solutions and actions in place to enhance mechanical reliability."

A final check would be done by the makers of the ferry's control systems, Mr Maroc said.

"While the possibility of a mechanical failure in the future can never be ruled out - no more than it can be for any vessel - extensive testing and maintenance of the ferry's mechanical and electrical systems over the last four weeks has ensured the risks have been minimised," he said.

"And in the event of an incident, robust procedures are now in place ... to deal with it."

The authority commended Toll Shipping management and the Aratere's crew for commissioning "and embracing" expert advice, Mr Maroc said. But additional engineering staff would still be required to sail on the ferry after cargo-only conditions were lifted.

Interisland spokeswoman Jess Batchelor said yesterday that Toll Shipping was pleased the authority expected to lift the passenger ban. "It's really good news for us.

"We've worked really closely with the [authority] and we're pleased it's been a rigorous and robust process."

Conditions set had also included a requirement to undergo a technical risk assessment, have a Marine Safety Authority official on board to observe operations and review its emergency and contingency plans.

An audit of the company's navigation system was ordered after a near-grounding in Tory Channel on September 30, and a close-quarter incident with a freight ferry in Wellington harbour two days later.

The Aratere is called "faulty funnels" after being investigated 43 times since arriving in Wellington six years ago.

- NZPA