025/11

The issue of serious harm resulting from the operation of watertight doors remains a safety issue that has not been resolved by the maritime industry worldwide, and some advice to mariners in its various forms, including that given by the International Maritime Organisation, could unintentionally exacerbate the issue.
The Commission therefore recommends that the Director of Maritime New Zealand forwards this report to the IMO, draws its attention to the issues discussed around rules, regulations and advice given to mariners for the operation of watertight doors, and invites the IMO to revisit the issue through other mechanisms that will address the human element, through watertight door design for example. (025/11)