P&HSC forum addresses risk assessment

Within case studies presented by representatives from Auckland, Nelson and Lyttelton ports was specific analysis of the preparations involved for both the 237-metre and 34,202-gross tonne Olivia Maersk as well as 347.1-metre and 168,666-gross tonne Ovation of the Seas.

Delegates learned of the various passage plans, channel reviews and pilotage considerations required, with an extensive summary provided of the “little or big things” that can start a disaster chain and that therefore need inclusion in formal risk assessment and simulation.

It was also emphasised that risk assessment is a collaborative process involving such parties as tug masters, pilots, line handlers, pollution response personnel, harbourmasters, shipping companies, port infrastructure managers, regional council staff, commissioners and others.

A key observation was: “Each person has skills and competence and is used in their role and to ask the ‘dumb questions’.”