Shoe-Horning Big Tanker Into Gisborne Harbour is Intricate Task

Come Aboard Tor Operation Tanea

"Photo News" runs up the signal on this and the next six pages, calling all landlubbers to come aboard the Shell tanker Tanca to experience some of the thrills and anxieties which go with the job of bringing this big (3060 tons) and long (320ft) ship safely into port.

It's not an easy job. When we call the Tanea a big ship, the term is used in relation to the small size of Gisborne harbour. As the Tanca rounds the bend opposite the freezing works there are literally only inches to spare as the port side scrapes past, the piles. A minute or two later, Clearing the No.3 wharf as the ship enters the basin, the starboard bow is perilously close to the Wharf corner, Turning in the basin is a delicate manoeuvre, likewise the return trip down the Channel to the freezing works Wharf, whore the Tanea discharges its cargo Of gasoline and fuel oil.

It seemed to us something like taking an elephant into a smallish living room, turning it round and getting it Out again without disturbing the furniture, or the elephant.

×

 

• 

As ship approaches Gisborne, crew members begin preparation of towing ropes

Responsibility for the safety of the Tanea both at sea and in port rests primarily on her own captain. This responsibility is shared during piloting operations by the harbour master. Captain McKenzie Smart, and also by the master of the tug Takitimu, Mr Doug Chatfield. Their local knowledge and experience are invaluable to the ship's captain.

A mile or two out. Captain Smart transfers to the bigger ship. Depending on the ship and the state of the sea, this is often a difficult, and sometimes dangerous, business. Tanea, with her low deck amidships, about level with the Takitimu's deck, presented no great problems, requiring only a good sense of timing as the two boats came momentarily together in the moderately rough sea prevailing.

×

 

• 

As Takitimu pitches into swell outside breakwater, Tanea is only a speck in the distance.

×

 

• 

They are seen in the Takitimu's cabin as they head out to sea to meet the Tanea.

×

 

• 

As Captain Smart prepares to leap aboard Tanea, dramatic anxiety shows on faces of crew waiting to help him.