Failure of ships' structure and equipment is the most common cause of injury on commercial fishing vessels, accounting for 26 percent of fishing injuries in 2009/10. Several new requirements will mitigate the risks of fire and flooding, which can have serious consequences on fishing ships. While many changes update the rules to reflect common industry practices, substantial new structural requirements will be applicable to newly constructed fishing ships.
Other material changes to the rules include:
• updated collision bulkhead requirements that are more practical for existing and new ships
• more flexible hatch cover requirements for small ships • new specifications for equipment and fittings that limit the spread and impact of engine room fires
• updated design and construction standards to reduce the risk of flooding
• alternative guardrail and bulwark requirements applicable when navigation safety may be otherwise be impeded
• modified requirements regarding electrical system documentation
• new breathing apparatus requirements applicable to small ships with a heightened risk of gas leaks from refrigeration systems.
The amendments will also remove the need, and therefore the cost, of design approval for imported ships that already meet the Australian National Standard for Commercial Vessels.
QOL RULES CONSULTATION
Consultation on the maritime rules that put the Qualifications and Operational Limits (QOL) framework into effect will run from October 1, 2012 until November 9, 2012. The framework was developed with extensive industry input and published on Maritime New Zealand's website last year.
Rule Part 20 Operating Limits, and Rule Part 32 Ships' Personnel – Qualifications, have been revised to give effect to the framework. Maritime New Zealand welcomes feedback as to whether or not the revised rules will deliver on the policy.
Rule Part 31 a, b, and c, has also been updated to reflect the impact that the changes to Rule Part 20 and Rule Part 32, will have on crewing and watchkeeping requirements. This will also form part of the consultation.
An Invitation to Comment, draft advisory circulars, and other information will be available on Maritime New Zealand's website, maritimenz.govt.nz, along with an on-line submission form.
COASTGUARD REPORT: OTAPIRI RESCUE
A fishing vessel Otapiri, called Maritime Operations Centre to advise that they had run out of fuel for their main engine when about fifty miles east of Great Barrier Island. Her owners had not managed to negotiate a successful transfer of fuel so Maritime NZ management were advised, and it was decided that Rescue Coordinating Centre NZ would identify and task a suitable vessel to attend her and render assistance, with costs being rendered to Otapiri's owners. A tug and marine engineer with sufficient power and fuel of her own to tow it safely were dispatched from Auckland. Efforts to restart the boat's motor were unsuccessful and the decision was made to tow it to Whangarei. Both vessels arrived safely in Whangarei in the early hours of the morning of Wednesday June 13.
This vessel featured on pages 5 and 6 of the May/June 2012 edition of Professional Skipper magazine
September/October 2012 Professional Skipper 63
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