STEERING gear failure on the small Bass Strait ro-ro Matthew Flinders III has led the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to issue safety recommendations to operator Bass Strait Freight.
The 298 GT ship trades mostly from Bridport in northeast Tasmania to the Furneaux Group of Islands, on a weekly service to Lady Barron on Flinders Island with general and wheeled cargo, and passengers.
On the evening of 23 July 2025 Matthew Flinders III was on just such a voyage when it lost steering. As the ship rolled heavily in moderate swell, the crew was unable to immediately diagnose the steering failure, the ATSB found.
They subsequently disconnected the steering gear from the rudder crossbar, centred the rudder manually, and made use of the main engines to regain some limited steering capacity, and keep the ship clear of the coast. They then started making their way back to Bridport.
About eight hours later, the ship’s engineer identified a loose linkage arm associated with the steering control system and re‑tightened it. Steering was then restored and the ship reverted to its original voyage, arriving at Lady Barron without further incident.
The ATSB investigation found the loose linkage arm caused a loss of rudder feedback to the autopilot system. This meant neither the autopilot nor the follow‑up manual steering modes were available. However, the ship was fitted with a non‑follow‑up, or ‘toggle steering’, backup control system which was not dependent on the failed feedback sensor.
“The toggle steering system was available throughout the occurrence, and was engaged by the engineer, but the master was unfamiliar with the toggle steering controls on the bridge, and was unable to regain steering,” ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
Image: ATSB
The ATSB found the operator’s induction training for new personnel did not adequately address the use of the backup control system, and that the ship’s safety management system did not include clear instructions on its use.
“Shipping companies are reminded of the importance of the availability of clear and simple instructions and procedures as part of their safety management systems,” Mr Mitchell said.
“This is especially important on ships with non‑standard design features, or unusual operational characteristics, and for operators who may have a high turnover of casual crew.”
The Bureau said Bass Strait Freight has improved its familiarisation and induction process to ensure its deck officers and engineers have a thorough understanding of the ship’s steering system.
The company has also developed and posted a simple procedure for switching between steering modes on the bridge, and in the engine room.
However, the ATSB has issued a safety recommendation that Bass Strait Freight take further action to improve its emergency steering procedures.
“The ATSB acknowledges the operator’s intention to improve its safety management system procedures but would like to see further details and an anticipated timeframe as to how that will be implemented,” Mr Mitchell concluded.