Investigators publish final report on pilot boat grounding off Bluff, New Zealand

Following the accident, South Port reviewed its systems and has already made a series of changes. These include regular navigation competency assessments, updated operating procedures and passage plans, and refresher training in electronic navigation.

The commission considers that those actions address the safety issue identified in its inquiry.

TAIC said the lessons from the Bluff grounding are relevant to all operators of small, fast vessels in confined waters. Operating close to shore at speed in changeable visibility leaves very little margin for error. Using electronic navigation alongside visual navigation, and regularly checking proficiency, gives crews more time to recognise a problem and correct it before it becomes an accident.