USCG issues Safety Alert 03-25 after a high-speed ferry collided with a pier in New York during docking, leading to safety recommendations.
The United States Coast Guard issued Safety Alert 03-25 following a significant marine incident in which a high-speed passenger ferry collided with a pier in New York during docking. The collision resulted in minor injuries to passengers and caused damages exceeding $500,000 to both the ferry and the pier.
A joint investigation by the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified several safety issues, particularly with the ferry’s maneuvering control systems. The ferry was equipped with three identical navigation bridge control stations (center, port, and starboard), each capable of controlling both propulsion systems. On the day of the incident, the captain attempted to transfer control from the center station to a bridgewing station to improve visibility during docking. However, the control transfer failed, and the crew’s efforts to slow the vessel were insufficient, leading to the collision.
Key Findings
The investigation revealed several design and operational shortcomings:
Control Panel Design Issues:
- The uniform appearance of pushbuttons caused confusion, especially during high-pressure situations. All buttons were the same color and size, with identical LED indicators, regardless of their functions or importance.
Technological Complexity:
- The ferry’s advanced control system required extensive crew training due to its identical control panels across three locations
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