Marine transportation safety investigation M17P0400
The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 17 January 2019.
Table of contents
Striking of a dock
Roll-on/roll-off ferry Seaspan Swift
Tilbury Island, Delta, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 15 November 2017, the roll-on roll-off cargo vessel Seaspan Swift, with 10 people on board, reported striking the No. 2 ramp while docking at the Tilbury terminal, in Delta, British Columbia. Minor injuries were reported as well as major damage to the vessel and ramp.
Media materials
News release
Inadequate bridge resource management led to a 2017 striking occurrence at the Seaspan Ferries terminal, British Columbia
Read the news release
Investigation information
Map showing the location of the occurrence
Investigator-in-charge
Zillur Rahman began his career as an engineering cadet and currently holds a Transport Canada Class-1 (Motor) Certificate of Competency. In his 25 years of experience as an engineer, he has held several positions both sea-going and shore-based, with such companies and organizations as: Neptune Orient Lines (now American President Lines); Mediterranean Shipping Company; Barber Ship Management; and BC Ferries. His experience includes work with tankers, chemical tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and roll-on-roll-off passenger ferries.
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.