(Gatineau, Quebec, April 5, 2005) - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) today releases its report (M03M0040) into the grounding, on May 3, 2003, of the Japanese fishing vessel Shinei Maru No. 85 in the approaches to Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. In the late evening of May 3, 2003, in clear conditions, the Shinei Maru No. 85 was outbound from Halifax when it ran aground near Portuguese Cove, within the harbour limits. The hull was breached and a considerable but undetermined amount of marine diesel oil was lost. After the removal of some of the fuel oil, the vessel was refloated and escorted to Halifax for repairs. No one was injured. After a thorough investigation, the TSB found that no crew monitored the progress of the vessel after the pilot disembarked, that safe bridge operating practices and procedures were not followed (including basic watchkeeping principles), and that the lack of command of the English language precluded effective communication. The investigation also revealed that the fishing master/acting captain lacked proper certification to have conduct of the Shinei Maru No. 85 and that he had consumed alcohol before the vessel's departure from Halifax. Significant safety action has resulted from the TSB investigation. Transport Canada has indicated that crew certification provisions contained in an International Maritime Organization convention will be addressed. Furthermore, the Atlantic Pilotage Authority has taken measures to clearly define the roles of the pilot and the ship master should a pilot embark or disembark at a position other than the pilot station. The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability. - 30 - For more information, contact: John Cottreau Media Relation Advisor Transportation Safety Board of Canada Tel: (819) 994-8053 Cell: (819) 292-4146
