Sea pilots in safety shake up

Jessica Benton
STATE Government has ordered a safety shake up of Queenscliff’s sea pilots.
The Government released the findings of a review of Victorian ship pilotage practices this week, calling for a “more comprehensive and integrated approach to safety”.
The review proposed actions including regular audits of Port Phillip Sea Pilots’ safety management systems.
The Independent reported last year that several close calls and a direct hit on a fishing boat in the past two years prompted the review. Some of the incidents were within sight of the pilot’s control station at Queenscliff.
The sea pilots help ships navigate the entrance to Port Phillip Bay and its shipping channels.
Ports Minister Tim Pallas this week revealed that 14 Marine Safety Victoria investigations into incidents involving ships included 11 “under pilotage”.
Mr Pallas said the Government ran the review to improve safety for “our environment, our ports and waterway users”.
“The safety of pilotage depends not only on the skill and safe practice of an individual marine pilot but also effective operation of the entire marine safety system,” he said.
Mr Pallas released the review after opposition ports spokesperson Denis Napthine questioned in last week’s Independent why the state was taking so long to release the findings.
The Government had announced the review “with much fanfare” over a year ago, Mr Napthine said.
The review was finished earlier this year.
Mr Napthine continued his attack in parliament the day before the Government released the review this week, accusing the state of a “a cover up” on the “secret” inquiry.
Port Philip Sea Pilots chairman captain Gerard Veldkamp refused to comment on the release of the review.