A series of ship groundings off the Great Barrier Reef while marine pilots were aboard has sparked a high-level investigation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says there is enough evidence to suggest coastal pilotage might pose significant safety and environmental risks.

ATSB chief commissioner Martin Dolan says the investigation is the result of several Reef groundings and concerns raised by marine pilots.

In one incident in 2009, the tanker Atlantic Blue, close to fully laden with petrol, ran aground on Kirkcaldie Reef in the Torres Strait.

An investigation found the ship’s bridge team "had not effectively monitored" the progress of the vessel.

In another case in 2002, the Doric Chariot hit Piper Reef, off the east coast of Cape York, after the pilot fell asleep.

And in May 1999, the cargo ship New Reach, carrying a full cargo of sugar, ran aground on Heath Reef after leaving Cairns the same day.

The ATSB found that ship had strayed from where it should have been and the pilot’s navigation was based on insufficient information, faulty analysis and inexperience.

"The Atlantic Blue is the most recent of several groundings over a number of years involving vessels under pilotage," Mr Dolan said.

"This is about working out if there is a problem, and if there is, what to do about it."

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