Closing ferry visor mid-sea ‘acceptable’
‘Visor does not affect ferry’s watertight bow’
Gozo Channel’s MV Gaudos leaving Mġarr harbour with its visor fully opened earlier this month.
Opening and closing a ferry’s visor while the vessel is on the move is acceptable to Gozo Channel and Transport Malta, even though this runs contrary to international practice.
On July 4, a Gozo Channel ferry left Mġarr Harbour with its visor open, closing it almost halfway through its voyage to Malta. The ferry was due to leave at 7 a.m. but was running nine minutes late.
The Times asked Gozo Channel and Transport Malta for an explanation and both said this procedure was acceptable.
Transport Malta said the watertight integrity of MV Gaudos did not depend on the visor.
“Hence, it is allowed, subject to the discretion of the captain, to open or close the visor while the vessel is not berthed.”
Gozo Channel agreed and said it was safe to close the visor with the vessel in motion after the ramp is closed, since the ramp door is the watertight bulkhead of the vessel. “Only when the bow door is closed can the vessel leave the berth. The bow visor will then be lowered as the vessel casts off and clears the berth. The bow visor does not contribute to the watertight integrity of the vessel.”
According to a resolution by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, before the vessel proceeds on any voyage, masters must note, in the log book, the time the doors were opened and closed.
A maritime industry source who spoke to The Times said leaving the harbour with the visor still open was “a big no-no”, even though the ramp is watertight and built to withstand even large waves for a longer journey.
The problem is that if an accident takes place with the visor open, the company could be legally exposed, even for insurance purposes.
Sources also said the visor is closed automatically once the ramp is shut, meaning there is a chance that the ramp was not fully shut by the time the boat set off on its voyage.
Gozo Channel failed to supply an official log sheet to explain in detail when the ramp and visors were closed, even when it was questioned on whether the ramp was really secure once the vessel had already departed.
One of the possible reasons for the visor being closed so late in the voyage is that the ferry was several minutes late in its departure.
Customers have been complaining about delays especially on the early morning trips.
On July 2, a trip was delayed by 11 minutes because a passenger “instilled fear and panic” among the crew and passengers because some of his family members were refused boarding so as not to delay the ship.
“The decision to reopen the ramp was taken as quickly as possible, engaging in practicality to avoid further delay and also in view that it was impossible to resort to police support without delaying further,” a spokesman for Gozo Channel said, adding that passengers were alerted about the delay on the PA system.
Asked whether criminal action was taken against the person concerned, the spokesman said: “Such behaviour from any passenger who puts passenger or crew safety at risk is considered a criminal act and the company has every right to report matter to police for further investigation.”
Although this one-off incident caused a substantial delay, it is the regular delays that are outraging passengers.
Gozo Channel said it tried to avoid delays of more than five minutes each trip, but things had become somewhat chaotic in recent weeks.
The most affected trips are currently those from Mġarr between 6.30 and 7.30 a.m. with delays of between nine and 12 minutes. The longest was a 35-minute delay, due to a ramp problem.
“We are frequently experiencing heavy traffic at both terminals. Road works at Ċirkewwa are slowing down unloading of vessels also in view that outgoing cars are presently taking the exit lane near the diving site with lanes having parked cars on both sides.”
The company said it was monitoring this situation closely to take whatever remedial measures possible.
Gozo Channel said there has been a six per cent increase in both passenger and vehicle activity from Mġarr since the summer timetable came into operation.
“This increase must be the result of consumer pattern. The fact that the company is now operating with two hoistable decks could have also increased customer confidence to travel more frequently.”
Gozo Channel added that it would continue to monitor this situation daily to improve efficiency and collaboration within its operations but was also keeping in touch with the relevant authorities to improve the flows of traffic at Ċirkewwa “which are no fault of its own”.
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Franco Farrugia
Jul 30th 2012, 21:16
If only each commenter underneath had to show his qualifications on the subject, I think that this thread would be more intersting.
FF - with no qualifications on the matter, other than that of common sense!
Jay Oatmon
Jul 30th 2012, 21:03
Obviously both Gozo Channel and Transport Malta are not competent as far as safety is concerned - what they say is plain rubbish, the visor is there to be closed before sailing.
This bungling needs to be corrected by employing a fully competent experienced safety officer with the authority and power to prevent any Gozo Channel vessel putting to sea if it is unsafe - despite what the Gozo Channel directors may say, Transport Malta, or any interfering minister etc!
We have seen in the past how the Gozo Channel directors choose to overrule a captain, and censure him for speaking out on safety - this 'we know best' attitude by non expert high ups cannot be allowed to continue.
Pule' Carmel
Jul 30th 2012, 18:06
**I am all for safety, but it is unnecessary safety applied at the wrong time and conditions that is slowing down the world these days.
I come from a boat building and a sailing family in Maltese traditional boats. The boats are all open boats and through history, I do not remember one traditional boat sinking. The reason is that their design fitted the sea and conditions they operated in. The Luzzu and the Kajjik and il-Firilla and the others were all open boats and they were equipped with Kurtuni which had scape holes or Burdnari so that if the a freak wave came in over the bow and was deflected by the canvas Kabus, some water went into the Kurtuni, refreshed the Lampuki( that was the reason for the Burdnari) stored in them and the extra water went out through the Burdnari.
I remember sailing to Gozo in the old Daghjjes tal Latini, and many times before they sailed from Valletta, il- Burdnari kienu mghadsa fl-ilma and il Kurtuni kienu mimlijja bl-ilma. They took any sea so well, with a good captain or Padrun!
Now the local stormy sea close to Malta produces a SHORT HIGH wave and not a long wave as in the English channel and other open seas. For this reason the typical Italian and Greek and Maltese fishing boats are designed differently from those in the North Sea. Now the LENGTH of any ship with respect to the wave motion is a prime factor to think about. If the ship is much longer than the wave it is operating in, the ship remains horizontal, If the wavelength approaches the length of the ship resonance can occur and this is trouble, big trouble as the ship will start digging its bow. If the wave is very much longer than the ship, provided this has enough reserve buoyancy, it could manage that situation as long as the wave is not abeam. Any captain would know what to do.
Ferry ship incidents with a bow door left open normally occur when the wavelength of the wave approximates the length of the ship and the bow digs in. With the bow door open this is fatal as the bow will in effect be scooping up water two times per wavelength, once when the wave approaches and once when the peak of the wave passes under and the ship hogs and ploughs down. The free water surface will cause havoc on the centre of gravity of the ship as it keeps moving. For a wave coming from behind the same thing happens all depending on the wavelength the ship is operating. It is difficult for a large ship to broach, but a rear wave is possibly more dangerous than a bow wave.
In Malta we had so many open ferries and not a single accident ever occurred . The Captains know what they were doing. In Malta if the wavelength is equal to the wave of the ship the service stops as engaging harbours would be so difficult. I WOULD NOT WORRY TOO MUCH ABOUT A GOZO FERRY OPERATING IN A STORMY SEA WITH WAVELENGTH APPROACHING THE LENGTH OF THE SHIP. The service would have been stopped . And the fact that short waves do not change into long waves within the hour, the possibility of such an incident in Malta is almost nil. I do not think that we need to waste unnecessary time and money, applying international safety standards to our conditions, provided the captain of the ferry accepts the ship’s limitation in a wavy sea.
Now, about the VISOR AND THE WATERTIGHT DOOR. They are of the wrong design and those bearings were not aligned properly and so they are always subjected to a heavy force because of their misalignment. The designed Fulcrum of the visor is such that too much forces on the bearings are produced and even the bow door is too heavy, much too heavy.
The Visor can be lifted by erecting two masts on either side and a wire rope slung forward would make a lower mechanical advantage with less stresses on the hinges.
About the design of the folding part, I think that it could have been made much lighter and those bearings and the hydraulic system would not face such an ordeal, and so much maintenance. I think I have said enough, but whatever I said when those ships were being built it all fell on deaf ears as others seemed to know better including not including the synchro converters, and the double decks and good job they used those hydraulic couplers on the main motor shafts
Victor Rodenas
Jul 30th 2012, 21:03
Ferilli ,kajjiki,luzzijiet and the Gozo boat were fitted with Kurtuni not because of the freak wave but because they are low in the water and when they tack, sometimes water entered in the Kurtuni but came out from the drain holes which are in the Kurtuni. Fish were put there also,but that is not the real reason why they make the Kurtuni.
Pule' Carmel
Jul 30th 2012, 22:47
If that was the case, they would have done better to increase the height of the kurtuni and DECK the side of the boat as any safe offshore sailor! There would have been more reserve buoyancy when tacking! But that would not keep the fish fresh!!
Victor Rodenas
Jul 31st 2012, 09:41
If they increased the height of the side of the boat then it would have been very difficult to lift up the heavy fishing nets with their bare hands,that is the main reason why these fishing boats were made low in the water.
Pule' Carmel
Jul 31st 2012, 14:55
This is becoming interesting,
As far as I know, the bardnell or "SKAZZA" in a Luzzu, Firilla, Kajjiek contained the vertical removal Makkarunetti for il Falki Vivi. These days Falki VIVI that could be removed in the past are replaced by Falki Morti which cannot be removed and so even if one assumes that all the Falki were taken off to haul in the net over the side , the net had to go over the SKAZZA or Bardnell which is much higher than the TRINKARINI which are the base of the KURTUNI, with the Pastiera on one side and the Tappiera on the other. Now the net went over the TAPPIERA over which were the SKAZZA .
So while hauling in the net this was not at the level of the trinkarini in the kurtun but much higher and then the fish caught dropped into the trinkarini. That I feel was the function of the Kurtuni.
If they decked from the SKAZZA OR Bardnelli the resultant height of the boat for hauling in the net would not have been any higher, but it would have been safer to tack!
I believe that Maltese boats paid more attention to the fishing part rather than sailing in high winds on a broad reach where the inclination is highest. I would say the size of Tarkijja on a Kajjiek and a firilla ensured that these were not over sailed, It was the Luzzu and the Daghjsa to Ghawdex which carried the largest sail and the load carried was enough saborra to hold the boat at an angle where both tack was safe and fish were kept fresh.
The correct answer is written on the ever changing surface of the sea which the wind and waves erases everything and we can only guess at the thinking of our forefathers when they performed their work.
Considering safety I never knew of an incident on a working Maltese boat. I know of a kajjiek which was carrying people near Hondoq ir Rummien which met with an incident, but I feel that this incident was not due to the design qualities of the Kajjiek, but because it was overloaded and the people in it panicked and started moving around, playing havoc with the centre of gravity of the small Kajjik. Il Padrun should have never overloaded his craft. At Vittoriosa I know of another American design made with Ply for a river which was used in Malta overloaded with people and one girl died. You just cannot get a river boat design and put it in Maltese water. Those Japanese fast river boat would not last long in Maltese waters.
I personally think that the Gozo ships have not enough draught and they rely on shear power to manoeuvre like they do. I preferred the old Mgarr and Cittadella for they had a beautiful hull design made of 15 mm steel while the new ones are made of 9 mm steel. In heavy seas, draught and weight can help and on long voyages it is better to have comfort than speed. But now we moved into a domain where risks are taken to achieve speed and believe me reaching 50 knots on a sailing boat has its engineering worries and I would rather not go into that.
Christopher Gaynor
Jul 30th 2012, 17:56
It is incumbent on those in charge of a vessel to mitigate against risks. This is a clear risk in breach of international regs and the captain and Gozo Channel should be charged appropriately. These ships can sink in no time once water begins running in through the open visor.
william cauchi
Jul 30th 2012, 16:52
@John Borg,
Experienced Captain Francesco Schettino was responsible and decided for Costa Concordia and where did it get the passengers and crew?
Playing with security, however small, can never be a storm in a tea cup.
Charles Mangion
Jul 30th 2012, 15:30
Ministry of Transport Advisors are a lot of rubbish as they are appoited on neputisim not on expertise he get bad advise same as he had on Arriva if an accident occurs while ramp is open I am sure investigating team will find Gozo Channel And Transport Minister guilty and after paying compensation the Goverment will be bankrupt and a lot of tears will be shed action should be taken before its to late the Captain should refuse to leave the jetty untill all doors and ramps are shut
Mr mario aquilina
Jul 30th 2012, 15:24
This reminds me of the Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster, which happened moments after leaving the Belgian port back in 1987, killing 197 people.
Dr Alex Bugeja
Jul 30th 2012, 16:22
Precisely what I was thinking...
j dough
Jul 30th 2012, 14:26
" this runs contrary to international practice."
imma ahna dejjem specjali...
John J Borg
Jul 30th 2012, 13:46
JIEN NIFTAKAR META L-AHHAR VAPUR LI JITLAQ MINN GHAWDEX KIEN FIL HAMSA..........
m. borg (slm)
Jul 30th 2012, 12:52
What a load of crap, every door from the deck downwards contributes to the watertight integrity of any vessel.
If this is normal practice then I pity those running service and those who make use of it.
bryan sullivan
Jul 30th 2012, 12:47
kemm ghandna esperti Malta , Alla jbierek! Kulhadd jifhem f'kollox! Bieb maghluq li 'l-ilma ma jstax jidhol, bahhar zejt, vapur ghadu gewwa il- port, .... ftit sens kommun! x'ini l-problema? ma kien hemm ebda periklu hlief ghal dawk li mohhom biss biex igorru.
Lee Micallef
Jul 30th 2012, 12:44
Cant believe people are complaining about being late 9 or 12 minutes! ......
Oh i just remembered these are maltese people so yes i can believe it coz they complain about anything ! Hope they dont fly as can u imagine the moaning when told of a 5hr delay !
Vincent Borg
Jul 30th 2012, 12:33
Leaving the ship visor open means lack of safety to all passengers and crew aboard
and as regards the captain poor competance.
S Muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 12:18
Qed naqbdu wisq mal Gozo channel dan l-ahhar. I wonder why!!!
John Borg
Jul 30th 2012, 12:18
We are so good at creating a storm in a tea cup. the captain of the vessel is responsible and they have a right to decide. the problem in Malta is that we have so many self appointed experts who know it all!
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 30th 2012, 17:17
As a retired master myself the 'right to decide' does not give a captain the right to over-ride safety rules and regulations. This is gambling with people's lives.
Stanley Vassallo
Jul 30th 2012, 12:12
Herald of Free Enterprise: http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/6/newsid_2515000/2515923.stm
No comment neded.
Jonathan Camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 14:01
Yes, let's take this with a pinch of salt (sarcastically), when people drown then, Gozo Channel will say that it is not its fault that there is an overpopulation of people and traffic in Malta. When questioned, people tend to become defensive and steer their sails clear of the trouble. Pun intended.
daniel muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 11:57
sakemm tigri tragedja. mbghad nitghalmu nimxu ma regoli. din terga tfakarni li qed nghix malta. kulhadd ihawwad kif jaqbilu
Andrew John Mercieca
Jul 30th 2012, 13:06
Imma Kif ikun hawn Li hlief imqadar lill maltin ma jghamilx? Dawn l issues jigru kullimkien. Mhux qed nghid jekk hux tajjeb Jew le ghaliex ma nifhimx fis suggett izda huwa hazin Li nmaqdru pajjizna, bhallikieku affarijiet Li jidhru morphine ma jigrux barra Minn Malta ukoll. Nahseb Li ghandna nkunu pjuttost grati u kburin bhala poplu u Mhux inmaqdru lilna
Stess. Jien niskanta Li bl ammont Ta tmaqdir ghalfejn ma jkunx hawn hafna iktar Li jemigraw ghal pajjizi ohra genna Ta l art. Ieqfu maqdru.
Carmel Grima
Jul 30th 2012, 11:57
A sea captain who decides to leave the ship visor fully open even for a fraction of a sea trip is not the person to continue in his profession.
Ing Carmel Grima.
daniel muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 12:16
i fully agree with you. he is irsoponsable. could result in a fatal accident
Matthias Farrugia
Jul 30th 2012, 13:11
Amen...Capt MF emirates
Matthias Farrugia
Jul 30th 2012, 13:14
First law.....Whatever happens it's the Captains Responsibility
j dough
Jul 30th 2012, 14:27
yes but if you've drowned it's too late.
patricia muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 11:34
The Gozo Channel Company has not learnt anything from other shipping company disasters The MS Herald Of Free Enterprise!!! We are lucky we missed the train on that day because otherwise we could have been amongst the missing. As for the comment made by Franco Farrugia, water does not distinguish between Maltese water and North Sea water, when water goes in, simply the boat sinks!! No matter what sea you are on!!
Patrick Muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 11:17
Jiena nahseb ahjar d drivers x hin jidhlu gol car deck, itelew l handbreak u jamlu l karozza on 1 st gear. Jitfu l karozza, jitfu l alarms u jitilew kulhadd fuq. Waqt t-trip had ma jista joqod fil garage, u dawn r regoli huma miktubin fuq sticker malli tidhol l vapur, imma n nies hadd ma jobdi dawn. Dawn qedin igibu ruhom fil periklu u l hajja ta hadd iehor fil periklu, ezempju l ahhar darba rajt tnjen waqt t trip bil karozza imqabda u bl ac mixewl fejn dan mhux supsot. u billi tadijom ta rashom jamlu. U haga ohra bikini u u malji huma projbiti ukoll, imma dawn an nies ma jimpurtax ax ikun emm t tfal. ghalxejn tajdilhom xorta jibqew hekk. Jien naf ax naqsam kuljum u nara min kollox.
Bhala service tal gozo channel kul ma jaddi huwa dejjem qed jitjib, u vera min igerger ma ikunx jaf x qed jghid, ax tigi c cirkewa u l imgar u taf li nofs sija ohra se ikun aw vapur ma nafx jn ala igergru. jien nahseb xejn ma irid ikun ax jekk ikun aw igergru u anke jekk ma ikunx aw serviz tajjeb.
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 30th 2012, 11:15
Much as I hate to say it, having had a 40 year career at sea, the concept of ferries between Malta and Gozo is past its sell-by date. The journey is simply too short and the traffic too heavy. Sweden and Denmark recognized this by building a bridge between them.
As for bow doors being left open, it doesn't take much water on the car deck, literally just a few inches deep to capsize the ferry. Anyone with any knowledge of ships will be aware of the 'free surface' effect on stability.
daniel muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 11:59
malta qedin. kulhadd ihawad kif jaqbilu. issa meta tigri tragedja nitghgalmu xi haga minha..... sfortunatament!
J. Vella
Jul 30th 2012, 11:13
On the 24th July whilst i was on Mv. ta Pinu which left Malta at 6.45pm another accident happened. AS soon as we arrived gozo and all cars on deck were unloaded , those who were on the ramp (like myself) had to wait for more then 15minutes in that hot temp. because the ramp had a problem and couldn't go down to unload the vehicles. Then a decision was taken and the ramp was lowered from the back, and one by one the cars started reversing. The process took at least another 12minutes to be completed. They even opened the back ramp of the ferry to facilitate the process so that the cars could reverse more easily!!!!! Incredible!
Mario Sammut
Jul 30th 2012, 11:20
Well i have found a solution for you.... Don't go to Gozo again if you dont know how to wait like a normal civilized human. Just stay home and watch telly
Andrew John Mercieca
Jul 30th 2012, 13:12
So, anyone has a vehicle, machine or whatever that does not breakdown? They should have not lowered the back ramp but waited till the engineer fixed the front ramp so that you wouldn t need to reverse.
Anthony Portelli
Jul 30th 2012, 11:03
All doors and other openings that would allow water in the bulkhead should be closed when the ferry leaves port, no matter what.
Our sea is calm but could be very stormy, and at times the waves can only be seen when out of the port, also freak waves do happen as they did lately. Any water rushing in and the ferry lists, cargo,cars follow suit and most ferries will overturn.
Il bahar zaqqu ratba u rasu iebsa..
M. G. Vella
Jul 30th 2012, 11:02
A disaster happened in 1987 involving the RoRo vessel Herald of Free Enterprise when 193 passengers lost their lives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Herald_of_Free_Enterprise
This disaster triggered a series of modifications on RoRo vessels to improve their safety, the major one being the compulsory introduction of water tight ramp doors behind the visor.
However, as also stated in the article above, closing the visor in open sea is not considered a safety practice.
BETTER ARRIVE LATE THAN NEVER
paul camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 10:58
I should think that MTA and the Gozo Channel should observe international and safety maritime rules, least we have another Herald of free enterprise disaster on our hands, just because a few passengers are late the vessel should depart on time and not wait around like some sort of sea taxi, time schedules are there to be kept!!! if a passenger is late then its their tough luck and wait for the next vessel.
Paul Camilleri Zebbug
F. Pisani
Jul 30th 2012, 10:56
Did the boat sink? No.
Did there were any casualties? No
Was the water rough? No
Was the Water tightness compromised in any way? No
Dose the water tightness depend on the Raisin Baw? NO!!!!
Was it the first time they took long to close the bow section? No
SO WHATS THE BIG DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HEALTH AND SAFETY IS ANOTHER MEANS TO SCARE PEOPLE OFF. BEWEAR!
S Muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 12:19
I agree with you
Philip Mizzi
Jul 30th 2012, 14:04
Isn't this a democracy? If so let people have their say. Dawk aljenati mil-politici ma jghidux l-opinjoni taghhom imma jghidu l-opinjoni tal''partit'!
Konrad Scicluna
Jul 30th 2012, 10:55
There is a difference between the bow door and the visor. It is illegal to leave port without the bow door closed (this was what in fact happen in the ferry disasters mentioned by some writers here). In fact Gozo Channel is stating that their ships CANNOT and will not leave their berthing with the Bow Doors open. This should be enough of an explanation as it is the bow doors that provide water tight security
The visor, on the other hand is another matter whatsoever. It is allowed to leave port and open / close visor at any time during the journey at the discretion of the Ship's Master. And contrary to the source that has been quoted in your article, the Visor doors on Gozo Channel’s Vessels are not shut automatically once bow doors are shut. (so the assumption that there was a possibility that bow doors were not shut properly on that particular journey that has been mentioned does not hold any weight) Not closing the ships Visor at Berth is neither illegal nor unsafe as can be verified by both Gozo Channel and Transport Malta.
As a frequent user of the ferries I can say that Gozo Channel has a very good record in keeping to its timetable. Ferries might leave the port a couple of minutes late but this time is often made up along the journey. After all, (although it is important not to leave early) it is not when a ferry departs that is most important but when it arrives at destination. One also has to note that with the advent of Ta’ Pinu's new Ramp the number of vehicles it is carrying has almost doubled and obviously this would result in a longer disembarking and boarding time. The chaos at Cirkewwa (which has been made much worse by whoeover gave permission to allow Cirkewwa to be used as an ARRIVA bus parking) is not helping matters either.
While nobody should hesitate to point out shortcomings in the company especially when these involve safety issues, it is important to give praise when this is due. Hence I take this opportunity to commend the Company on the installation of the Ta' Pinu's Ramp. I am sure that the money invested will benefit both the company and commuters.
M. G. Vella
Jul 30th 2012, 10:55
A disaster happened in 1987 involving the RoRo vessel Herald of Free Enterprise when 193 passengers lost their lives. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Herald_of_Free_Enterprise
This disaster triggered a series of modifications on RoRo vessels to improve their safety, the major one being the compulsory introduction of water tight ramp doors behind the visor.
However, as also stated in the article above, closing the visor in open sea is not considered a safety practice.
BETTER ARRIVE LATE THAN NEVER
Charles Mangion
Jul 30th 2012, 10:54
Those in charge of safety in gozo channel ferries and transport malta should resigned their posts or held responsible for future accidents and should b e reported to International Maritime Organazition
C Muscat
Jul 30th 2012, 10:49
I do not see one remark coming from a competent person. I am not conversant with laws and regulations governing such issues; and the journalists would be of service to get this knowledge from some competent source.
From some common sense, many factors come into the issue and I am sure that such knowledge will be based first and foremost on Health and Safety of the passengers.
If this practice is within the laws and regulations; naturally for that day and similar circumstances; so no wrongdoing.
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 30th 2012, 17:31
"If this practice is within the laws and regulations; naturally for that day and similar circumstances; so no wrongdoing."
The Titanic complied with all the regulations regarding lifeboats but there was not enough room for all the passengers. So that knocks your argument for six.
C Muscat
Jul 31st 2012, 22:04
Mr Tony Gatt The titanic was not up to standard and did not have the number of lifeboats to start with... then the captain was not abiding by the rules of speed according to the situation for another point and its long since I read about this but if one refreshes the issue there was too much negligence from many parts...
Anthony Camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 10:38
ONLY IN MALTA.com.mt.
As I always say these things happen only in country where its citizens have no rights.In this case what are our rights.Complaining to the Gozo Channel,or the Captain or else filing a Law Suit in court which results in long delays and hefty charges and fees.So for Transport Malta, a billboard ion our roads with the Prime minister face is defined as dangerous for drivers, and an open sea door while the ship is sailing, that is acceptable.
We need to grow up in our mentality and learn how to run a country so we can progress like developed countries in the E.U. It is not in what club you are a member but what the members do to be eligible as a members in that club.
Philip Mizzi
Jul 30th 2012, 10:35
In my opinion, this looks like a case of over confidence and of being complacent with the risks involved. It is similar to getting into the car, starting the engine and driving off without fastening the seatbelt first, instead of fastening the seatbelt first and then driving away. However where the lives and property of several persons are involved, this is obviously more serious than the simple safety belt of a single person.
Doing it several times a day (closing the visor once on the way) does not make it safe. It just is a risk not worth taking, especially when one considers that the consequences of such an act can result in a very serious accident. In my opinion, in this case, the fact that an accident never happened does not justify this unsafe behaviour. Therefore one should stick to a safe 'standard procedure' no matter how late, early, calm or rough the sea may be. Being complacent to risk will only encourage more risks to be taken, possibly even when seas are rough.
I do not doubt the skill and expertise of the Gozo channel ferryboats' captains, but in my opinion, the few minutes needed to be sacrificed to close the visor before a trip starts, weighed against the consequences that can result if this is not done, does not justify taking the risk and sailing off before closing the visor. This in my opinion is especially true when on considers the significant number of daily trips done by the Gozo ferryboats.
Patrick Zammit
Jul 30th 2012, 10:34
MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsized on the night of 6 March 1987 killing 193. The main reason why it sank was the fact that the car deck door was left open.
Jay Oatmon
Jul 30th 2012, 10:30
More bungling of safety procedures - because it is easier not because it is safest.
The HSE director (if there is one) needs to issue proper written instructions - if not it is really just bumbling through.
Paul Camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 10:30
Gozo Channel should also teach its employees some sort of education. Yesterday on the 1pm ferry leaving from Gozo I witnessed two separate cases of inappropriate behaviour from Gozo Channel employees. Swearing and using foul language with the customers is unacceptable. Perhaps it is acceptable for Gozo Channel since it is a monopoly.
carmel cassar
Jul 30th 2012, 10:27
It is like everything else in Malta, rules are there to be broken,----- why---- because we have a superior intelligence [or we think so] and we know better ways to do things, no?
Peter Murray
Jul 30th 2012, 10:26
FAO FRANCO FARRUGIA
The issue is about observing maritime law (and basic common-sense)and not about comparisons with sea's !FYI the sea at the time of the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster was thankfully like a milk-pond as, if not, many more lives would have been lostIt is lives we must save-not time!
t
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 30th 2012, 11:19
If that ferry had not capsized onto a shallow sandbank the loss of life would have been much worse. I was master on a cargo ship which called into Zeebrugge frequently and know the approaches.
Chris Green
Jul 30th 2012, 11:26
Not disagreeing with you Peter but intrigued by "milk-pond".
What is it and are they to be found at the base of a European butter mountain?
James Dewar
Jul 30th 2012, 10:25
I am no maritime expert (in fact I know little or nothing about seafaring) but this practice seems dubious at least and, notwithstanding what Gozo Channel say, potentially dangerous and common sense would say that it should not be permitted. Watertight intergrity apart are there not issues with balance and stability particularly if the waters are rough? Bottom line is that if it is meant to be closed then closed it should be , before sailing!
Anthony Camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 10:17
ONLY IN MALTA.com.mt.
As I always say these things happen only in country where its citizens have no rights.In this case what are our rights.Complaining to the Gozo Channel,or the Captain or else filing a Law Suit in court which results in long delays and hefty charges and fees.So for Transport Malta, a billboard in our roads with the Prime minister face is defined as dangerous for drivers, and an open sea door while the ship is sailing, that is acceptable.
We need to grow up in our mentality and learn how to run a country so we can progress like developed countries in the E.U. It is not in what club you are a member but what the members do to be eligible as a members in that club.
James McIntosh
Jul 30th 2012, 10:17
There is NO excuse that can be relevant to this issue of open bow door visor. It only takes approximately 15 seconds to close the visor. There is surely a HUGE visual impairment to the short vision envelope which endangers other craft in the harbour footprint. The responsible bridge officer on this occasion must be disciplined and a Standard Operating Practice put in place to have the visor closed before clearing the lines for sailing. In the time it takes to slip lines and wind them aboard the visor could easily be closed. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS PRACTICE OF LEAVING PORT WITH THE VISOR OPEN unless it is a mechanical failure and the boat has to sail for maintenance. In that instance there should be no passengers aboard. I will bet that the Insurance Company would NOT be happy to learn of this "acceptable" practice.
Paul Pisani
Jul 30th 2012, 10:16
There is little to say except that no matter what anyone says:
- safety comes first and foremost and may not be compromised;
- the visor is part of the ship's gear and is meant to be closed not open and this for the full duration of the sea passage; as stated by another contributor Gozo Channel would have gross problems with its insurers in case of incident;
- all frequent commuters to and from Gozo know how many times visors fail; what will happen if vessel leaves berth and visor fails to go down ?
- allowing this practice is dangerous because while departing with a the visor open in calm weather presents a limited risk, departing in rough weather is different; where will one have the critical dividing line ? so best to leave always with visor lowered. In the case of the 'Herald of Free Enterprise' the sea state was calm.
Seems we never learn !
C Cassar
Jul 30th 2012, 10:16
Gejjin xi 5 minuti ohra kuljum biex nistennew il-visor niezel... Tinsewx li l-visor li jdum ma jinghalaq ikun fuq wara tal-vapur u mhux quddiem. Apparti minn hekk din normalment (jekk ma jinsihiex miftuha l-kaptan...) tilhaq tinghalaq sakemm johrog mill-port.
Edward Camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 10:10
Its much better if Gozo channel, at least during the hot summer months, to open both ramps/visors when the vessel is berthed. Its too hot inside the garage. When drivers go down to their vehicles its unbearably hot.
Mark. Galea
Jul 30th 2012, 10:37
Agree with you 100%.
Most of the comments over here are from people who rarely travel using Gozo Channel - the usual armchair critics that ciritcise without knowing on what they are talking.
william cauchi
Jul 30th 2012, 10:51
Mark Galea, It's comments like yours that are the most dangerous.
So everything is OK after all and as Franco Farrugia said ''perhaps'' nothing will every happen. Perhaps?????
Mario Camilleri
Jul 30th 2012, 10:09
"Sources also said the visor is closed automatically once the ramp is shut, meaning there is a chance that the ramp was not fully shut by the time the boat set off on its voyage".
The visor is closed automatically when the ramp is shut, so I presume "fully shut" thereby providing a water tight seal all round.
What if the visor is left open due to non-functional sensors and this is noticed while halfway at sea and the vessel encounters large swells, what then?
Whatever the excuse, a passenger vessel while at sea cannot pull to the side of the road and stop to examine the faults!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/28/newsid_2542000/2542093.stm
Ron Cassar
Jul 30th 2012, 10:01
"MS Estonia" sinking
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Estonia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyqlkWZL0ZI&feature=related
When the visor failed it was seconds that water seeped through the watertight ramp entering through the length of vessel capsizing it.
The aviation industry is the safest mode of transport by no accident but by learning from previous accidents whereby procedures, modifications, training are constantly updated and implemented by the operators, manufactures and regulators.
One trusts that the maritime industry follows suit.
Peter Murray
Jul 30th 2012, 09:58
This tardy closing of the sea-door has caused numerous disasters none more so than the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster in the North Sea resulting in a huge loss of life
Franco Farrugia
Jul 30th 2012, 10:06
Perhaps the Gozo Channel (not the company) is not at a par as the North Sea when it comes to waves and storms. Perhaps.
william cauchi
Jul 30th 2012, 10:24
Franco Farrugia, you comment shows that you are no-way a seaman.
The word ''perhaps'' should never ever appear in a seaman's vocabulary, as ''perhaps'' has a tendency of happening.
Even the Costa Concordia's captain thought that ''perhaps'' he was far away from the rock. He wasn't.
Mr John Doneo
Jul 30th 2012, 09:57
'@ Mr Rodenas.
I think that you are talking about the Townsend Thorenson ferry that sunk when leaving Belgium and not Great Britain. Whichever I think it is wrong to keep the visor open. They are there for a reason, and that is to make the ship water tight, if as Gozo ferries say, that it is at the captains discretion, then why have them at all.
JD
william cauchi
Jul 30th 2012, 09:49
The inquiry after the Brugge Ferry disaster said that ''It found the sinking was caused by three main factors—Stanley's (the Captain) failure to close the bow doors, Sabel's failure to make sure the bow doors were closed, and leaving port without knowing the bow doors were not closed''
Please, please, Gozo Channel/Transport Malta tell us that it was a mistake and it won't happen again, and not that this is ''acceptable''. Otherwise this is verging on the criminal.
Bud Moureaux - Flanders (BE) & Xemxija, SPB (MT)
Jul 30th 2012, 09:44
Entering and leaving the harbour with open visor...
Gozo Channel and Transport Malta should always keep in mind two major disasters in which open visor - bow ramp played a significant role in causing the death of passengers and crew:
MV Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987 in Zeebrugge, Flanders, Belgium, and
MV Estonia in 1994 in the Baltic Sea just south of Utö Island.
Safety should always be the prevailing factor. The gain of a few minutes will never make up for the loss of one person's life.
Franco Farrugia
Jul 30th 2012, 10:06
I don't think that our Gozo Channel is the same as the North Sea.
Mr T Zahra
Jul 30th 2012, 10:18
Dear Mr. Moureaux,
How very correct you are...I would also like to comment about the passenger who instilled fear and panic” among the crew and passengers because some of his family members were refused boarding. Who is this Prima Donna who did this. The police should have been called to give the passenger a very warm welcome at the arriving destination and not allowed to carry on in a normal way. Gozo channel should explain to us why this person was not arrested at the end of the trip since they have explained why the person was not removed before departure. Which in my option is totally unacceptable
Peter Murray
Jul 30th 2012, 10:22
At Franco Farrugia,
Good God sir open your vision as it is not about comparisons but potential disasters caused by failing to observe maritime the law and trying to osave time-but not lives.When the Herald of Free Enterpise disaster occured the sea was thankfult like a milk-pond as if not more lives would have been lost.What is your point exactly?
anthony smith
Jul 30th 2012, 09:38
this is what happened on the" spirit of free enterprise" in Zeebrugge don't we ever learn?
Mr Tony Gatt
Jul 30th 2012, 10:08
It was the Herald of Free Enterprise, but yes, that was the cause of its capsize.
John Smith
Jul 30th 2012, 11:19
Do not forget the Estonia which sank in hte Baltic due to hte same reasons.
M Cachia
Jul 30th 2012, 09:35
Maybe TM and Gozo ferry need to be reminded of the disaster that caused the Dover to Calais ferry to sink while still leaving port a few years back that happened due to an open back door. I'm quite sure people would rather be ten minutes late than risk a sinking!
J Degabriele
Jul 30th 2012, 10:10
I remember that. For Heaven's sake let's not invite disasters! It's better to be a few minutes late and be alive to complain!
Lawrence Fenech
Jul 30th 2012, 09:35
Just imagine cars sliding out of the boat and people trying to stop them. It is a lack of reponsability and security. A serious captain was taken to court for being responsible for passangers on board.
Victor Rodenas
Jul 30th 2012, 09:25
Some years ago a ferry boat full of people and cars sunk after leaving Great Britain with its visor open.Well if it is accepted here in Malta..........I am sure that if something happens those responsable will take the responsability on their shoulders....... ;-)
Joe Morana
Jul 30th 2012, 10:27
Don't be so sure, Mr. Rodenas! The history of Maltese culture, where assumption of responsibility is concerned, is rife with happenings, events, incidents, accidents and such where the word 'accountability' in one's vocabulary is non-existant.
Gozo Channel could do with a good dose of discipline from the top down! I cite the various rules posted throughout the vessels regarding smoking, dress code, starting vehicle engines prematurely, etc., which are allowed to be flagrantly ignored on a daily basis.
roger gant
Jul 30th 2012, 09:20
if i was the insurance company involved there would be no cover if this happened.
the ferry company officials would leave themselves open to court action if an accident occurred,let us hope the captain follows the normal maritime rules for ferry operation.
roger gant
Peter Shaw
Jul 30th 2012, 09:12
The explanation given by Gozo Channel does not hold water (pun intended) !
Peter Murray
Jul 30th 2012, 09:59
neither will the ferry
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