KEY POINTS:
Maritime NZ has copped another bout of criticism in a report on the accidental sinking of a barge last year.
The barge, Kimihia, was being towed by a tug when it capsized near the entrance to Wellington Harbour, losing its load of 300 tonnes of rocks.
The incident happened in the early hours of April 14 in heavy seas.
The tug was able to tow the upturned barge to Miramar Port, where it was righted a few days later.
A report by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission identified safety failings that the commission says should have been picked up.
The commission also issued a report yesterday criticising Maritime NZ over the sinking of the 14m Kotuku off Southland two years ago with the loss of six lives.
The report pointed to the "repeated failure" of Maritime New Zealand's ship safety inspection system to identify problems with the boat.
In regard to the barge, the commission said the qualifications of the master and crew of the tug didn't meet the levels required by maritime rules - something that arose out of poor understanding of complex and sometimes incompatible operating regulations.
It also said there had been inappropriate load lines to the barge.
- NZPA
