TUG INQUIRY.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 September 1938, Page 3

TUG INQUIRY.

POSITION OF MOORING. No Instructions Given. LEFT TO MASTER’S DISCRETION OFFICIALS GIVE EVIDENCE. [By Telegraph.—Press Association]. AUCKLAND, Sept. 23. In furtherance of the tug inquiry to-day, Captain F. S. Wainhouse, deputy-harbourmaster aind a licensed pilot, said it was usual for the aft tug to moor in a position that was safe. He had seen Captain Probcrt berth a number of ships, and lie had done so to witness 7 satisfaction. To Mr. Foden, witness said the tugmaster had the final decision as to where he would moor, and no officer on the ship could order otherwise.

To Mr. W. R. McKean, S.M., witness said the tug should never be closer to the stern of another vessel than 140 ft or 150 ft. Anything less would be running a risk. There was a certain amount of responsibility on everyone, but the second officer of the Essex would be justified in assuming that the tug would maintain its position at right angles. All conditions were fairly favourable.

Captain W. U. Beswick, senior pilot to the Harbour Board, said he had never known instructions being given by the pilot to the tugmaster as to the position he should take up. lie had never known a tug to moor so far aft that it was under the propellers.

Accidents of this sort would never occur if tugmasters did their duty. Is that sol asked Mr. McKean.

Witness: That is so

Captain David Burgess, master of the William C. Daldy, said that unless instructed otherwise, the Daldv’s position was forward, though sometimes he had been told to go aft. He had never been given precise instructions a* What position lie should.make fast. The Te Awhina could have given all assistance necessary from a lead further forward. He was not required to slew. Captain Probert was a competent tugmaster.