KEY POINTS:
Safety concerns have prompted Defence Minister Phil Goff to ask for a review of the Navy's multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury.
He has asked the Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence to begin an independent review of the acquisition and introduction into service of the Canterbury.
In July the ship lost a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) at sea, and then on October 5 a 22-year-old seaman drowned when trapped under a capsized RHIB.
Mr Goff said a report, to be released today, of the Navy court of inquiry into the July 10 loss of the RHIB had highlighted a shortcoming in the design of the RHIB alcove and in operational issues.
"These have been taken up with shipbuilder Tenix as issues which need to be remedied. I understand that most of these issues, including securing the RHIB alcove, can be resolved relatively easily."
Mr Goff said he had instructed the Crown Law Office to review the court of inquiry report to assess whether there were any questions of liability that needed to be addressed.
A second court of inquiry is due to report in the New Year on the circumstances which led to the death of Able Seaman Byron Solomon.
"I am advised that the proximate cause was the failure of a quick release shackle and that the shackle is being replaced on all naval vessels," Mr Goff said. "This issue appears unrelated to the issues raised in the first court of inquiry.
"The second court of inquiry will, however, report on whether other design or procedural factors contributed to the accident."
Mr Goff said safety must always be the first priority.
"I have asked that all safety factors and concerns relevant to the operation of the ship be reviewed to provide certainty and confidence about its design and performance."
Mr Goff said he was assured by the Chief of Navy, the Maritime Component Commander and the ship's captain that they all had confidence in the ship and regarded it as a greatasset.
"The review has been agreed to and will be initiated by the Chief of Defence Force and the Secretary of Defence," he said.
"It will be conducted independently, possibly by experts from within the Royal Navy, and will work to terms of reference drawn up by CDF and the Secretary of Defence."
Details would be released today and it was expected that the review could be completed relatively quickly.
"I have asked that the terms of reference include decisions taken during the design and build phases of the ship's acquisition, the management regime for its introduction and any and all concerns about its operation."
- NZPA
