Ten year old training concerns raised at Tongan inquiry

PHOTO

MV Princess Ashika before it sunk in August 2009. The inquiry into the sinking has heard there were concerns over the training for crew members onboard the ferry. [NZ Defence Dept]

Campbell Cooney, Pacific Correspondent

Last Updated: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 16:02:00 +1100

The Tongan Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Princess Ashika has heard there were concerns over the past 10 years about the standard of training for Tongan seafarers.

The evidence was given by the manager of the Regional Maritime Program of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

The program's manager, Captain John Hogan told the commission, successive audits showed deficiencies in the training provided by Tonga's Maritime Institution, many of whose graduates were crew members on the Princess Ashika.

Captain Hogan also said its audits had raised concerns over the management of maritime issues by the government department responsible.

When asked if the UN agency responsible for maritime safety, the International Maritime Organisation, had been informed, Captain Hogan pointed out doing so is the responsibility of the Tongan Government.

Bur Captain Hogan agreed doing so would have meant a downgrade in the employability of Tongan trained seafarers.

The Princess Ashika sank in August last year, while enroute to Tonga's northern islands, killing 70 people.

The ferry sunk less than three months after it was purchased in Fiji.

The inquiry continues.