Close-quarters situation between pilot vessel Hampshire and passenger hovercraft Freedom 90

Location: South of Gilkicker Point off the south coast of England.

Completed PE Summary: Hampshire and Freedom 90

A short summary of the accident and action taken:

Merchant Vessel 1/Accident Details
Vessel Name Freedom 90
Registered Owner/Manager Hovercraft Ltd
Flag UK
Type Passenger ferry and hovercraft
Built 1990
Length Overall 25.4m
Gross Tonnage 102
Date/Time 08/02/05, 0852
Location of Incident Portsmouth Harbour
Incident Type Hazardous Incident
Injuries/Fatalities None
Damage/Pollution None
Merchant Vessel 2/Accident Details
Vessel Name Hampshire
Registered Owner/Manager ABP
Flag UK
Type Pilot boat
Built 2004
Length Overall 14.63m
Gross Tonnage 0.01
Date/Time 08/02/05, 0852
Location of Incident Portsmouth Harbour
Incident Type Hazardous Incident
Injuries/Fatalities None
Damage/Pollution None

Synopsis

The pilot vessel Hampshire and the hovercraft Freedom 90 were involved in a close quarters situation south of Gilkicker Point in the Solent . The incident happened in restricted visibility, and was within QHM Portsmouth area of jurisdiction

Action taken:

The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has made recommendations to Associated British Ports Southampton on the following:

  • Review operating procedures to ensure marine staff are aware of safe speed requirements, are familiar with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and are familiar with the radar equipment provided.

  • Review operating procedures to ensure marine staff understand the importance of maintaining a good VHF listening watch.

Recommendations were also made to QHM Portsmouth on the following:

  • Review procedures on VTS operator work load, to ensure operators can provide a comprehensive and accurate briefing to vessels requesting information.

  • Conduct an assessment for high speed passenger vessels which are not capable of being tracked by VTS radar, when operating at high speeds in areas of restricted visibility.

A recommendation was also made to Hovertravel Limited on the following:

  • As an interim measure before AIS is fitted, investigate methods of increasing radar cross sectional area to enlarge echo return for other vessels and VT

Updates to this page

Published 23 January 2015