Danger in Fog: Takitimu II, Grounding – Why Electronic Cross-Checking Saves Lives
TAIC NZ report MO-2024-207: Danger in the Fog: Why Electronic Cross-Checking Saves Lives | Pilot vessel Takitimu II, grounding, near Bluff, Southland, NZ, on 26 December 2024
What Happened
On December 26, 2024, the pilot vessel Takitimu II departed South Port, Bluff, NZ, to transfer a pilot to an arriving ship. Three people were on board: the master, a deckhand, and the pilot passenger. Fog patches severely reduced visibility in the area.
Even though the ship had fully working radar and GPS systems turned on, the master navigated mostly by looking for familiar visual marks. After passing Stirling Point, the master made a sharp turn to starboard while driving at a high speed of 18 to 20 knots. The deckhand noticed on the electronic screens that they were heading for the shore. He warned the master, but there was not enough time to turn. The Takitimu II crashed into the rocks. The master and deckhand suffered minor injuries, and the ship took moderate damage to its hull, rudders, and propellers. Investigators found no mechanical issues. The crash was caused by driving too fast for the conditions and failing to use electronic navigation tools when visibility dropped.
Immediate Operational Checks
Officers and Independent Mariners, you must do these checks on your next watch:
- Check Your Screens: Look at your radar and chart plotter to confirm what you see outside. Never rely only on your eyes. Especially when fog rolls in.
- Reduce Your Speed: Check your present speed. Are you moving too fast to fix a mistake if you lose your visual marks? Slow down to give yourself more time to react.
- Encourage Early Warnings: Tell your bridge team to speak up right away. If someone sees the ship going off course on the screens, they must warn the master instantly.
Many people who consider themselves ‘old-school’ professionals will be familiar with the often repeated phrase ‘Look out the window’. However, over-reliance on the mark one eyeball can be as dangerous as over-reliance on electronic equipment.
Overconfidence is the basic cause of many incidents. Remember that during periods of reduced visibility we must adapt our speed. Also, it is prudent to increase the passing distance from navigational hazards as far as practicable.
Look out and assessment of safe speed must be conducted using all available means. Not just the ones you prefer! It is the mark of professional seamanship to exercise the precautionary principle at all times.
Never assume. Always cross-check. Listen to your team when challenged or questioned.
Lessons Learned
- Change With the Weather: Always switch from visual navigation to electronic navigation when fog, heavy rain, or darkness blocks your view.
- Fight Bad Habits: Sailing the same route every day creates a false sense of safety. Never let routine local knowledge replace proper, careful navigation.
- Test Your Skills: Companies must hold regular, formal tests for all vessel masters to prove they are still using safe navigation methods.
- Set Clear Rules: Update your passage plans. Write down exact safe speeds and safe routes for bad weather in your standard operating procedures.
Tags
Pilot Vessel, Restricted Visibility, Electronic Navigation, Grounding, Bridge Resource Management
Official Report
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