Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) has been criticised in a report detailing the accidental sinking of a barge in Wellington Harbour last year.
The barge, Kimihia was being towed by a tug when it capsized near the harbour's entrance, losing its load of 300 tonnes of rocks. The incident happened in the early hours of April 14, 2007, in heavy seas.
A report released by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (Taic) identified several safety failings.
It said the qualifications of the master and crew of the tug did not meet the levels required by maritime rules; there had been inappropriate load lines to the barge; there had been a minimal standard of stability knowledge required to gain an Inshore Launch Master certificate of competency; and the condition of the air pipe vents at Kimihia's last survey meant the barge was not fit to be operating.
Taic recommended that MNZ ensure all unmanned dumb barges used commercially for carrying cargo were brought within the safety framework of maritime rules and also ensure the appropriate people had sufficient training in vessel stability.
MNZ director Catherine Taylor said yesterday the safety recommendations had been adopted.