Sea Smooth, which lacked a proper lookout, was traveling at an unsafe speed since it was not able to take proper action to prevent an accident, Pryke noted, adding there was insufficient use of radar and lack of a warning signal.

Summing up the incident as undoubtedly the product of human error, Pryke concluded it was due to poor navigation on the part of the Sea Smooth and contributory failings by the Lamma IV's crew which led to the collision.

"Neither were aware of each others' intentions," he testified on Thursday.

Pryke was also critical of the Lamma IV, saying the crew had not made a big enough course change to starboard, but noted the northbound vessel had little room to maneuver as there was a shoal to its right hand side.

"A bold alteration at speed would find the boat aground," he added.

He also chastized the Lamma IV's crew for moving to full speed prematurely when leaving the Lamma Island without taking into account traffic conditions nearby. "Simply put, the Lamma IV should not have put herself in that situation," Pryke said.

In his report to the commission, Pryke also wrote neither weather nor sea conditions had any material effect and that both vessels were fitted with radar.

He noted there was no rigid routine for lookout. "The evidence showed there were no other lookouts (except for the navigator)," he said.

Pryke said Lamma IV's crew's assertion that lights from three anchored vessels obstructed sighting of Sea Smooth was insufficient, saying the crew should have been making more use of their radar.

"When you're at the bridge with background lights, it is hard to see. That's why you use radar." Pryke said, adding that whoever was in charge of navigation should have been looking at his radar.

Pryke also criticized the classification of Lamma IV as a launch, saying any vessel capable of carrying 200 passengers should be considered a high risk ship and subjected to more stringent safety standards.

He also criticized the lack of a VHF radio for emergency calls on Lamma IV.

According radar data - the best forensic evidence available in Pryke's view, Sea Smooth was traveling south at just over 23 knots while the Lamma IV was moving at 10 to 15 knots northwards towards Central.

Pryke's testimony continues on Friday while survivor and witness testimonies will start next week.

(HK Edition 12/14/2012 page1)