It's time Australia used pilots to guide container ships through the Barrier Reef. At least it would stop captains trying to take a shortcut via a dangerous channel in the reef. The Shen Neng 1 was a case in point. Experienced people involved with the reef have said this is indeed what the Shen Neng 1 was doing.
It was a case of incompetence, yes, but first and foremost it was an attempt to save money. The weather was good. It was daylight and visibility was good. The captain didn't just run the ship onto the reef. He was trying to negotiate a channel.
Unfortunately, putting pilots on board ships will not stop accidents happening. Before 2000 pilots were on board ships travelling on the inner route of the Barrier Reef. A pilot was on board six of the eight groundings that occurred. The question must be asked: Why are there so many groundings in an area of the world with good prevailing weather and good visibility? Apparently, the pilots were not to blame. It is claimed that crews are inexperienced. But, the Sheng Neng 1 was way off course and a pilot would have prevented that.
It was a case of incompetence, yes, but first and foremost it was an attempt to save money. The weather was good. It was daylight and visibility was good. The captain didn't just run the ship onto the reef. He was trying to negotiate a channel.
Unfortunately, putting pilots on board ships will not stop accidents happening. Before 2000 pilots were on board ships travelling on the inner route of the Barrier Reef. A pilot was on board six of the eight groundings that occurred. The question must be asked: Why are there so many groundings in an area of the world with good prevailing weather and good visibility? Apparently, the pilots were not to blame. It is claimed that crews are inexperienced. But, the Sheng Neng 1 was way off course and a pilot would have prevented that.
