Embargoed for release midday 23 August 2007

Interislander Confirms Review Of Heavy Weather Sailing

Interislander, who operate the Aratere has carried out a full review of all operations since the heavy weather incident involving the ship on March 3 last year.

To assist , Interislander called in their Captains and Chief Engineers They collectively represent the largest single pool of experts in heavy weather in the Cook Strait, with their expertise in modern ship handling and seamanship, handling characteristics of the Aratere and other Interislander ferries, and Interislander’s safety management system.

Interislander Group General Manager Seamus O’Sullivan says he is well aware that while there may be no safety issue going to sea in heavy weather, passenger comfort does need to be taken into consideration, when making the decision to sail.

“In many respects we are left in a no-win situation – taking people who wish to sail willingly accepting the possible discomfort, or leaving them stranded at the terminals whilst conditions are far from comfortable but without risk. In making these decisions, the safety of the ship, its passengers, crew and cargo is never compromised.

“With this in mind Interislander has carried out a full review of decision making in regard to heavy weather sailing and while there have always been strong systems in place it is important for the public to know what protocols now exist.

“Additional lashings are now attached to all rail and heavy road cargo once the significant wave height reaches or is expected to reach 4 metres. From this point the weather and ship performance is closely monitored by senior operational management, on-board and ashore, until conditions abate.

“Sailings will be suspended where the significant wave height reaches or is forecast to reach 6 metres. There are also strict criteria governing the conveyance of passengers in between the five and six metre thresholds. In all cases this criteria is based upon passenger comfort only, as ship, cargo or passenger safety will never be compromised.

“Interislander has established these criteria to define the Heavy Weather envelope within which their fleet may sail. At all times, within the Heavy Weather Criteria, the Captain has full discretion to suspend or change the status of the sailing at an earlier point. There may be circumstances when the wave height is less than the maximum whilst other contributing factors such as extreme winds or tides may make the journey less comfortable than otherwise expected.

“Interislander accepts that heavy rolls can be frightening to those on board and should be avoided and now has improved systems to forecast and avoid such events.

“There has also been a significant investment made in overhauling the Aratere, upgrading the Kaitaki and putting staff through courses such as the world class navigational control programmes operated by Star Cruises in Malaysia, recognised as one of the best facilities in the world

“Interislander undertakes well in excess of 7 thousand journeys a year across the Cook Strait, which equates to a million passengers, and Mr O’Sullivan says, we fully understand the need for the public to have full confidence in our operation, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.

Mr O’Sullivan says, “the Cook Strait being what it is, there are going to be times when travellers don’t travel in idyllic, calm waters. However it is important that the public have full confidence in our operation and have all the information they also need when making their decision to travel.

“With this in mind we have installed highly visible boards at both our Picton and Wellington terminals that indicate clearly to people whether it is likely to be an uncomfortable crossing,” says Mr O’Sullivan. “This way, passengers can decide for themselves whether they wish to travel or not, without incurring any loss for changed bookings.”

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