T&T: Grounding in NZ

[Mike Maurice]

This is the PDF report, also a tiny URL if needed to the same PDF.

http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/publications/accidents/reports/Southern%20Wind-043581.pdf

http://tinyurl.com/2ol7aa


This is a well presented report with good pictures.

The boat got into trouble in a nearly landlocked arm in NZ, while at 
anchor and started dragging.

There are several weaknesses in the report. You know how I like to 
critique critiques, so here goes.

I can not imagine turning off the GPS chartplotter for the night while 
at anchor. Never do it. If you are going into a poorly charted area like 
this then by all means have a second track recorded on another GPS in 
case you loose the first.

Charting, charting, charting. Add detail to your charts and make sure 
you can get out of any place you can get into. Always know what your 
exit strategy is going to be. In other words, do you own survey work 
before you settle down for even a night.

I would not anchor in an area containing nearby high ground with such a 
short scope as they were using.

I would use the engine(s) at idle to prevent dragging rather than 
attempt to exit an anchorage with such obstacles in the way, at night in 
high winds.

There are plenty of contributing mistakes, but the central one was 
attempting an exit using chart info that was based on incomplete and 
vague survey data.

I routinely anchor here on the US West coast in tricky places, but the 
survey data is really excellent and I know these areas very well. Take 
note of this deficiency and keep it in mind that many places in the 
world are NOT well surveyed.


Mike

+++++++++++++++
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(near Portland).