A trial into the fatal sinking of the Queen of the North ferry in 2006 has resumed with testimony from a crew member on board that night.

Tyrell Derry, engine room assistant, tells the court he awoke in his cabin the night of March 22nd, 2006 to a room full of water.

He tells about how he helps people get into lifeboats, hearing other crew members write up headcounts on a pack of cigarettes and then abandoning the ship himself with his co-workers.

The officer in charge of navigating the ferry, Karl Lilgert, is on trial for criminal negligence causing the deaths of two passengers, after the boat missed a critical turn and hit an island. 

The jury has also heard Derry explained to the defence how he was scheduled to work on the deck, even though he didn't have a certificate to do so.

The defence is trying to prove the deadly crash was caused by poor training and equipment, and not Lilgert.