WITH TWO SERIOUS incidents involving New Zealand vessels, ro-pax Aratere and HMNZS Manawanui, attributed to misadventures with auto-pilots the US Coast Guard has issued a timely safety alert.

Over reliance on auto-pilot and poor comprehension of its efficiency and limitation has resulted in several accidents at sea, the USCG notes.

“The use of auto-pilot is not recommended when navigating in areas with high traffic density, narrow channels and traffic separation schemes and other restricted waters. The auto-pilot may not be efficient enough to turn the vessel spontaneously while navigating in such areas demanding swift alterations and manoeuvres to avoid collision or close quarter situations,” the body said.

Marine Safety Alert 10-16 highlights the US Code of Federal Regulations, 46 CFR, governing the use of auto-pilots and reads as follows:

Use of Auto-pilot – When the automatic pilot is used in areas of high traffic density, conditions of restricted visibility, or any other hazardous navigational situations, the master shall ensure that:

  • It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the vessel’s steering;
  • A competent person is always ready to take over steering control; and
  • The changeover from automatic to manual control of the vessel’s steering and the reverse is made by, or under the supervision of, the master or officer of the watch.

The USCG strongly recommends that vessel owners/ operators and masters ensure that:

  • The navigating staff is fully aware of “Use of Auto-Pilot” regulations found in the vessel’s respective subchapter in 46 Code of Federal Regulations.
  • Periodic training is conducted to ensure that crews are properly versed in the operations and limitations of the auto-pilot system.
  • Develop and prominently post written procedures on how to switch from auto-pilot to manual control in the vicinity of the auto-pilot system.
  • Review company policies and evaluate setting operational limitations on the use of auto-pilot with regard to areas of high traffic density, conditions of restricted visibility, or any other hazardous navigational situations.

Common findings in the interim reports into, respectively, the grounding of Aratere outside Picton and the grounding and subsequent loss of Manawanui off Samoa, relate to bridge crews’ inability to properly operate the ship’s auto-pilot, and/ or switch it off.