A Schoeller Holdings company has been fined in Australia over a serious injury to a pilot on a heavylift multipurpose ship.
The 18,700-dwt AAL Dampier (built 2011) was leaving Fremantle, Western Australia on 24 August when the accident happened, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said.
The pilot disembarked via the pilot ladder, but the ropes parted. The unnamed worker fell about seven metres onto the deck of the pilot vessel, suffering serious injuries that required hospital treatment.
AMSA inspectors and specialist investigators boarded the vessel and seized a portion of the ropes, which were later found to be seriously defective and in a poor state.
“The shocking condition of the ropes was likely due to inappropriate storage and ineffective inspection maintenance procedures,” the authority said.
Deterrence
Shipowner AAL Dampier Navigation pleaded guilty to failing to ensure pilot transfer arrangements in place were in accordance with the relevant regulations and was fined A$30,500 ($20,200).
The master also admitted two offences of failing to ensure the disembarkation of a pilot was carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations, and taking an unseaworthy vessel to sea. The captain was fined A$5,500.
AMSA called the conviction in Perth Magistrates Court “a win for marine pilot safety”.
Its executive director of operations, Michael Drake, said he was pleased with the result and hoped a conviction would deter other vessels from compromising on pilot safety.
“Marine pilots have a critical and high-risk job, even in the best of conditions, and it is imperative that vessels meet safety standards to prevent serious injury,” he said.
“AMSA is a tough but fair regulator and we will not hesitate to take action to prevent danger to human life, whether it be a pilot or mariner.”
Schoeller declined to comment.
