Marine transportation safety investigation M14C0193
This investigation has been completed. The report was released 05 January 2016.
Table of contents
Incident involving the harbor tug "Vachon" & bulk carrier "Orient Crusader"
Tug Vachon and bulk carrier Orient Crusader
Port-Cartier, Quebec
The occurrence
On 12 September 2014, the harbor tug "Vachon", while manoeuvring to berth the bulk carrier "Orient Crusader", made contact with the breakwater in Port Cartier, QC. Damage was reported to the tug and breakwater.
Investigation information
Map showing the location of the occurrence
Investigator-in-charge
Captain Steven D. Neatt has been a senior marine investigator at the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) since 2013.
Prior to joining the TSB, Captain Neatt held various positions in the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). He has 15 years seagoing experience on CCG ships in the St. Lawrence River and extensive experience in the Arctic. As well, he worked ashore with the CCG in senior positions including 6 years as Icebreaking Program Superintendent.
Captain Neatt graduated from the Canadian Coast Guard College in 1989 and holds a Bachelor of Technology in Nautical Science from the University College of Cape Breton. He holds a Master Mariner's certificate.
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.