Following the grounding of one of its pilot transfer launches in Port Phillip Heads, Australia, a Port of Melbourne pilotage services provider has developed additional operational guidance on the use of launch
Following the grounding of one of its pilot transfer launches in Port Phillip Heads, Australia, a Port of Melbourne pilotage services provider has developed additional operational guidance on the use of launch equipment and crew resources.
On the evening of October 5, 2023, the pilot launch Corsair was returning through the entrance of Port Phillip after collecting a pilot from an outbound container ship, when it ran aground on Point Lonsdale Reef travelling at about 24 knots.
The coxswain, deckhand and pilot were able to abandon the disabled launch onto the flat-top reef and were later rescued by one of a number of attending rescue vessels. Corsair was wrecked during the night by the effect of the sea and the reef.
An investigation into the grounding was conducted by the Victoria state government’s Office of the Chief Investigator (OCI), on agreement with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood said the investigation found the coxswain of the pilot launch had misinterpreted the aids to navigation on Shortland Bluff and navigated to the west of their intended course through the entrance to Port Phillip.
“The incidence of human error can be reduced through effective use of available resources including
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