Preliminary report - 21 May 2015
The information contained in this Preliminary report is released in accordance with section 25 of the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003 and is derived from the ongoing investigation of the occurrence. Readers are cautioned that new evidence will become available as the investigation progresses that will enhance the ATSB's understanding of the accident as outlined in this Preliminary report. As such, no analysis or findings are included in this report.

What happened
During the morning of 28 February 2015, Maersk Garonne was under Fremantle marine pilot guidance on entry to the Port of Fremantle, Western Australia. At 0441 the pilot ordered port helm to bring the ship around to enter the port Inner Harbour entrance channel. During the turning manoeuvre, attempts to delay the ship’s arrival at the entrance beacons led to the ship passing south of the channel. At 0448 the ship grounded to the south of channel beacons number 1 and number 2. The ship was refloated at 0824 and taken to anchor.

What the ATSB has found so far
Based on preliminary information provided to the ATSB, it was apparent that the ship’s bridge crew had not been directly and actively engaged with the pilotage as it progressed, and were broadly unaware of the pilotage plan. Procedures had not been enacted and actions not taken to ensure the full bridge resources available to the pilot and master were utilised.

Investigation direction
The investigation is ongoing and will focus on:
    •    pilotage procedures, planning and practices, information exchange and contingency planning for Fremantle pilotage
    •    the existence, relevance, understanding and implementation of procedures by the pilotage company, port and ship to reduce the risk of grounding
    •    bridge team dynamics, resource management and personnel engagement during pilotage
    •    the implementation and effectiveness of bridge resource management training.

Source: www.atsb.gov.au