Port Gets Top Safety Approval

Maritime NZ has recently approved the Navigational Safety Management System (NSMS) for the Napier Pilotage Area, making the Port of Napier Ltd one of only four approved SMS ports in the country.

“This is a significant achievement, and both the port and Council staff deserve congratulations on working so well together to ensure that the port safety levels are at a premium,” said Cr Eileen von Dadelszen, Chair of the Council’s Environmental Management Committee. The approval was received at the Committee meeting today.

Regional Harbourmaster Charlie Rycroft informed the Committee that an approved safety management system is required to comply with the NZ Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code and Guidelines developed in 2004. Of the 21 ports and harbours that come under the code, only four have been approved – Napier, Auckland/Manukau, Gisborne and New Plymouth.

The SMS consists of a policy framework developed principally by the Regional Harbourmaster and the Port of Napier Ltd marine manager. It identifies risks to people the environment, stakeholders and property, and references existing policies and rules as well as standard operating procedures which are regularly reviewed.

The SMS covers the inner harbour and the pilotage area, which sets the boundary for inbound and outbound ships. The Napier Pilotage Area is identified as the area of highest shipping risk for Hawke’s Bay so a well-planned safety management system is essential to avoid accidents and near misses

“Safe piloting of commercial shipping is a key requirement to help prevent accidents, such as the Jody F. Millennium grounding at Gisborne, from occurring here,” said Captain Rycroft.

The approval of the SMS is valid for three years and subject to an interim audit by November this year. A formal presentation of the approval will be made by Maritime NZ in June.