The New Zealand Maritime Pilots’ Association (NZMPA) recently held its biannual conference in Christchurch. The event brought together industry experts to discuss critical topics and featured a series of networking opportunities and workshops.
Routine voyage data analysis
NZMPA members are working on the second draft of a national policy following a workshop on the ethical use of routine voyage data. The aim is for it to provide guidance to pilots, port companies and regional councils when conducting routine voyage data analysis. The hope is that the principles contained within the policy will be incorporated into the New Zealand Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code, which is currently under review.
Participants included pilots, harbour masters, marine managers, and representatives from Maritime New Zealand.
LPC Pilot Matthew Conyers, also the NZMPA Vice President, emphasised the importance of using voyage data for learning and risk profiling.
“This would mean that ports can make evidence-based decisions when managing operational risk and operational teams can monitor their own performance, but the information needs to be used ethically,” he said.
Matthew also highlighted the need for trust and transparency in data usage.
“We’re trying to get trust and transparency in what we’re doing so people understand why the information is being taken and used.”
“The insight from it is important because the raw data is quantitative, but we also want the qualitative information from the practitioner – the person who was there,” he explained.
Pilot transfer safety regulations
Following approximately 5 years of consultation with pilotage associations and flag states globally, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee will convene in November to review and adopt the proposed amendments to pilot transfer safety regulations.
Key changes include mandatory standards of manufacture and maintenance by approved suppliers, clarity on the correct provision and rigging of transfer arrangements and requirements for the training of ship’s crew. The amendments will also require vessels to carry spare-compliant ladders.