Engineering a Safe Voyage: Overcoming Mechanical Failures and Navigational Challenges Across Bass Strait

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Please view the PDF slides here or watch the video recording below:

Webinar details

At the end of January this year, Dr Peter Doe, EIT Academic Board member, bought a 39ft trawler style motorboat as part of his retirement plan. The boat, John B 2, named after the 1980’s Beach Boys song ‘The sloop John B’ was in a marina at Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. The plan was to motor the John B 2 to the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania’s marina in Sandy Bay, Hobart, so Peter could sleep overnight after band rehearsals to avoid driving at night to his new home at Dover, 72 km south of Hobart.

That was the plan. In preparation for the passage south the John B 2 was slipped, her hull cleaned and a fresh coat of anti-fouling applied. The two 120HP Ford Lehman diesel engines were serviced, new electronic navigation equipment was fitted, and a professional skipper and crew hired for the delivery voyage to Hobart, tracking down the NSW coast, across Bass Strait, past Flinders Island and down the East Coast of Tasmania; a distance of 483 Nautical Miles (895 km). At an average speed of 7.5 knots the voyage was expected to take 2 days and 18 hours.
Bass Strait, between Tasmania and the mainland of Australia is a notoriously dangerous waterway. It is relatively shallow – 100 to 200m deep – and in the path of the “Roaring 40’s winds”. Many ships and lives have been lost over the years. To cross Bass Strait safely you need a seaworthy boat, an experienced crew, and most importantly good weather.

This webinar recounts the journey of the John B 2 from Batemans Bay to Hobart arriving on 1 August 2024 after six months and two unsuccessful attempts. The first sailing was abandoned at the fishing port of Eden, only 80 NM down the NSW coast when one of the engines failed and had to be replaced. The second attempt was also abandoned when both engines choked on contaminated fuel after entering Bass Strait. In the webinar Dr Doe recounts how the engine and fuel problems were overcome. The successful outcome is a testament to his perseverance and expertise. It is also a cautionary tale for anyone planning on buying a boat.

• The webinar will be recorded and will be sent out to registered attendees afterwards.
• A certificate of attendance will be provided to attendees who request one near the end of the live webinar session.
• Please note: the time stated on this event is in UTC. You will need to convert this to your own time zone.

Key takeaways from this webinar

• Hidden Costs of Second-hand Purchases: Buying second-hand boats, like many used items, can come with unexpected challenges and hidden costs. The issues faced during the John B 2’s voyage underscore the importance of thorough inspections and preparation. As the Latin phrase goes, “Caveat Emptor” — let the buyer beware.
• Navigating Challenges: The journey from Batemans Bay to Hobart was marked by engine failures and fuel contamination, showing that even the best-laid plans can encounter setbacks. Success required perseverance, problem-solving, and the right expertise, highlighting the complexities of managing a seafaring vessel.
• “It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done”: Despite multiple setbacks and challenges, the eventual successful arrival of the John B 2 in Hobart demonstrates the truth of Nelson Mandela’s words. With determination, what seems impossible can eventually be achieved

Related courses

This webinar/topic relates to our school of Mechanical Engineering and is particularly found in the following courses:

• Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical)
• Graduate Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Online – Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering)
• Online – Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Dual Fuel Engines
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Onshore and Offshore Pipeline Systems

To learn more about tuition fees, please click here.

About the presenter

Professor Peter Doe, EIT Academic Board Member

Dr Peter Doe retired from his position as Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering in 2003 after having headed up the University of Tasmania’s School of Engineering in Launceston and for a year, also the Head of Architecture. Three years later he returned to full time work as Head of Engineering at the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK). As well as leading and teaching at the ACK, he was responsible for the design and establishment of an articulation pathway from the existing diplomas in civil, mechanical and electrical engineering to corresponding Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree courses. After returning to Hobart in 2009 he continued teaching part-time.

From 2012 to 2017 he managed the School’s international engineering articulation (2+2) program and delivered engineering units locally and in China. In 2016 he was appointed Project Manager of the Office of Learning and Teaching strategic grant titled “Engineering Pathways for Regional Australia: viable learning platforms built by knowledge partnering”. In 2019 Dr Doe joined the UTAS University College as a lecturer to deliver units in the Associate Degree in Applied Technologies courses. Since December 2022 he has been a member of the Academic Board of the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT). Dr Doe is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Australia. He has edited a book (on fish smoking and drying), written 13 chapters in books, and have published more than 80 journal and conference papers including 5 on engineering education.