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The master of an interisland ferry that smashed into a fishing boat in July was suffering from a sleep disorder aggravated by anti-depression medication, a report into the accident has found.
New rules for doctors treating seafarers are being introduced as a result of the findings.
The ferry Aratere was trying to
berth in Wellington Harbour in windy weather when it hit the moored San Domenico about 9pm on July 5 causing thousands of litres of diesel to pour into the sea.
A report by the Marine Transport Accident and Investigation Commission released today found that the ship's master was "most probably" experiencing the effects of chronic loss of sleep at the time of the accident. Anti-depressants which caused insomnia contributed to his condition, it said.
The incident occurred when the Aratere was trying to reberth after making room for another ferry. The Aratere tried to avoid colliding with the port's long arm after the ferry ahead had stopped, when it swung into the San Domenico at its moorings. Three crew from the boat scrambled ashore unhurt after the crash.
The collision smashed a hole in the San Domenico's starboard side and several holes opened on its port side as it was pushed into the wharf.
Given the adverse weather, the Aratere should have waited until the other ferry was well clear before trying to berth, the report said.
A sleep specialist called on by investigators found the man's insomnia was having an impact on his waking function, and he had only had three hours sleep in the past 24 hours.
"It is thus highly likely that the master was experiencing the cumulative effects of chronic sleep loss at the time of the accident."
The specialist, Professor Philippa Gander, suggested the man should never have been given the medication by the Maritime Safety Authority-approved doctor.
"... prescribing an older shift worker medication for depression that has insomnia as a common side-effect, and then treating that insomnia with hypnotics... does not seem appropriate. It seems particularly surprising, given the highly responsible, safety critical nature of the master's work."
She also criticised a lack of any reference to sleep disorders or shift work difficulties for ageing workers in the maritime rules.
As a result, the Maritime Safety Authority is adopting new rules for its doctors, employers and seafarers.
Approved doctors must be given training on the difficulties of shift work, sleep disorders, fatigue, prescribed medications and their impact on seafarers. They must also consider evidence of any sleep disorder when examining patients.
Employers and employees must also be given training on stress-related problems including fatigue, medical conditions and the impact of medication.
The Director of Maritime Safety said the recommendations would be implemented during 2004-2005.
The master has since been attending a sleep clinic.
The ferry company, Interisland Line Group, said today it welcomed findings from the investigation.
"While we are very concerned that the incident occurred, we are pleased that TAIC have acknowledged the safety initiatives instigated since by the Interisland Line," general manager Thomas Davis said in a statement.
The company had quickly set up a "multitude" of safety actions to prevent such an incident occurring again.
Mr Davis said the company was committed to the highest levels of safety performance, and would continue to pursue initiatives, "including addressing issues associated with fatigue management".
- NZPA
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