Cook Strait ferry safety slammed

A review of Cook Strait ferries in the wake of a fatal accident, multiple mechanical problems and several near misses has found practices "well short" of being the best in the world.

The report makes 24 recommendations on improving ferry operations, including random drug and alcohol testing of crew and limiting the use of autopilot systems.

Maritime New Zealand contracted international expert Captain Robin Plant to review Cook Strait ferries after incidents including the death of Timeless skipper Norman Macfarlane, 66.

Mr Macfarlane drowned after his launch crossed the bow of the Strait Shipping ferry Santa Regina in Queen Charlotte Sound in May 2005, smashing the smaller vessel in half.

Capt Plant in his report said given the potential impact of a serious accident, Cook Strait ferries' operational safety had "to be at least on a par with the best in the world".

However, he added: "The reality is well short of this in a number of respects."

His report also recommended systems to manage crew fatigue, changes to speed restrictions, and creating passages for smaller boats where ferries must keep away from.

Statistics in the report show there were nearly three times as many reported accidents and incidents in 2005 (47 incidents) than in either of the two previous years. There were 16 in the first six months of this year.

Most of the incidents were "close quarters", with 58 such incidents reported. The next most common reason was machinery failure, 39, ahead of collision/contact, 12.

Other incidents included lifeboat troubles, substance leaks, cargo damage, human error and fires.

Of mechanical trouble incidents, more than half were on the Aratere -- 22 of the 39 incidents, the committee's report says.

"While the reliability problems of this ship are well known, it is fair to add that such problems have been extremely rate in recent times, following extensive remedial analysis and actions by Interislander."

Maritime NZ said all Capt Plant's recommendations had either been implemented or were under action, and 11 conclusions had been drawn from the 24 recommendations in the report.

Maritime NZ director Russell Kilvington: "I am confident that we have a safer Cook Strait not only due to the many initiatives which all the parties have undertaken in the last 18 months, but also due to the new environment of more open, trusting and collaborative working that it has brought about."

Seven ferries ply Cook Strait -- Toll NZ operates four Interislander ferries, while Strait Shipping has three.

Toll NZ CEO David Jackson and Strait Shipping managing director Sheryl Ellison both said safety was their company's top priority and the report should give the public confidence.

- NZPA