Sai-Fortune Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In response to the grounding of the bulk carrier 'Alam Seri' in Bluff Harbour on November 28, 2018, South Port has undertaken a comprehensive review of its pilot training and proficiency standards. According to a report from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission published on October 14, 2021, the incident occurred while the ship was entering the harbour under the guidance of a harbour pilot amidst strong south-easterly winds. The adverse weather caused the vessel's trajectory to shift slightly off-course. During the maneuver to navigate to port, the pilot issued a series of helm instructions and reduced the engine speed to slow ahead for better control. However, due to navigational challenges, the pilot later called for an increase to half ahead and requested the assistance of two harbour tugs early in the process. Concerned with varying water depths, the pilot then commanded the engine to go full ahead and instructed the crew to deploy both anchors—though this effort failed to execute in a timely manner, leading to the ship briefly making contact with the seabed. Fortunately, the vessel was regained control through astern engine power supplemented by tugboat assistance. The aftermath revealed that the hull of the 'Alam Seri' sustained paint damage below the waterline and incurred additional harm above the waterline from one of the tugboats. Both tugs also reported minor damage, but thankfully, there were no injuries reported. The findings underscored that the delay in anchor deployment likely contributed to the prolonged contact with the seabed. The report pointed out deficiencies in the ship's bridge team's situational awareness, particularly regarding the effects of reduced engine speed and wind conditions on steering abilities. Without access to an electronic chart display and information system, the pilot was hindered, as a portable pilot unit was not utilized during the operation. Following these revelations, the Commission advised South Port to enhance its safety management system to ensure adherence to pilot training and proficiency requirements in line with the South Port Pilot and Tugmaster Training Manual, as mandated by Maritime Rule. In response, South Port has embraced this recommendation and restructured its training protocols, now systematically documented in a training management system dubbed 'The Vault.' This system encompasses all obligatory training outlined in the approved manual, including annual internal check pilot reviews and mandates a four-yearly external assessment. To reinforce the quality of training, South Port has committed to engaging seasoned pilots or assessors to oversee these four-year assessments for all licensed pilots operating in Bluff.