Working Boats Issue 19 May 2020
Issue 19 | May 2020
Working towards shared goals
Vital community link Mallacoota fires Solstad responds Marine Rescue Ulladulla Relief via water A call from a community Message from the CEO
Working Boats is published by the Message from the CEO Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Subscribe to Working Boats amsa.gov.au/subscribe While we all strive for individual success, it’s the communities we come The Australian Maritime Safety home to at the end of the day that give us vital support. Authority encourages the dissemination and exchange of information provided This edition of Working Boats celebrates those ties—whether they be in this publication. family and friends, your local co-op, or the wider community. Supportive networks help create resilient people and businesses to weather tough Except as otherwise specified, all times and grow when conditions are good. material presented in this publication is provided under Creative Commons We start off by speaking to Flora Warrior of Mabuig Island in the Torres Attribution 4.0 International licence. Strait, who last year won the People Development Award at the National This excludes: Seafood Industry Awards. Flora is the definition of a modern community • the Commonwealth Coat of Arms leader and her work to develop the seafood industry on Mabuig Island and • this department’s logo • content supplied by third parties. the prosperity of her people is truly inspiring.
The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 We also feature Mark Raff, who turned a personal battle with mental International Licence is a standard form health into a mission to connect with, and help others through his Life’s licence agreement that allows you to Good charity fundraising charter for Beyond Blue on the Gold Coast, copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this Queensland. publication provided that you attribute the work. The details of the version Woven into the fabric of our working boats communities are the industry 4.0 of the licence are available on the associations and co-operatives, which continue to offer support and Creative Commons website, as is the representation to their members out on the water. Dennis Sten from the full legal code for that licence. Northern Territory Guided Fishing Industry Association talks to Working Attribution Boats about their mission to keep members abreast of regulatory change AMSA’s preference is that you attribute and their passengers in safe hands. this publication (and any material sourced from it) using the following wording: They say that disaster brings out the best in community spirit and that Source: Australian Maritime Safety has certainly been the case in communities across Australia, impacted by Authority Working Boats May 2020. devastating events in recent months. Bushfires, floods and now COVID-19 are directly impacting the livelihoods of operators around the country. The More information persistence and resilience of these communities is remarkable. For enquiries regarding copyright, including requests to use material in We hear from some of the operators who came to the aid of their a way that is beyond the scope of the communities when fires ripped through the Mallacoota township and terms of use that apply to it, please surrounding areas over the New Year. We also feature abalone operators contact us at AMSA Connect on who are rebuilding their local industry after losing their factory and co-op 1800 627 484. in the fires, and now face market pressures as a result of COVID-19.
Recovery will take time and the value of strong, resilient and supportive Editor Sarah Cameron communities cannot be understated. This edition of Working Boats is Designer Jacqui Pond dedicated to the people and organisations who unite us in tough times; Contributors who make us safer and stronger. Ron Aggs Becca Posterino Mick Bishop Peter Strachan Desiree Caira Lauren Smit Simon Enticknap Mick Kinley Front cover illustration Scott Kimber Chief Executive Officer Working Boats May 2020 Contents
Safety Safely from sea to sashimi Australia Tuna Fisheries’ 19 top five operational risks.
8 15 23 25
Bushfire support on Managing sharks in Marine Rescue Trap to treasure land and sea the workplace Ulladulla Indigenous Rangers transforming Shared response in Mallacoota. It’s not what you think... Vital community link. ghost nets to art.
COVID-19 and the Australian commercial vessel 1 Life rafts—correct installation 29 industry Trawlers uphold oldest seafaring tradition 31 A warrior for Mabuiag 6 Chartering a course to mental wellbeing 33 Bushfire support on land and sea 8 MIAL future leaders program 36 Teaming up with the community 13 Northern Territory Guided Fishing Industry 37 Managing sharks in the workplace 15 Association Environmental conditions: waves 17 What are we hearing from you? 40 Safely from sea to sashimi 19 Mersey Bluff Lighthouse 41 Marine Rescue Ulladulla: vital community link 23 What’s the one piece of safety advice you would 43 Float-free EPIRBs on their way 24 pass on to the next generation? Trap to treasure 25 Community events 44 Health
COVID-19 and the Australian commercial vessel industry As our understanding of COVID-19 builds with continuing research and experience, so do the strategies and tactics we use to prevent its spread. What’s the advice for Australia’s commercial vessel industry?
By Mick Bishop
Domestic commercial vessel COVID-19 measures in the workplace consider cancelling non-essential (DCV) operations vary widely meetings The Department of Health’s social across Australia, so the impact distancing and hygiene requirements put off large meetings to a later date of COVID-19 and advice will differ for workplaces apply to DCVs. between different operations hold essential meetings outside in the and in different regions. For one- Steps for social distancing in the open air if possible. workplace include: person, short-trip operations These requirements are being enforced like some inshore crab and net don’t shake hands to greet others by state and territory authorities. fishing, COVID-19 may present a minor risk. But operations promote good hand, sneeze and Managing the risks involving multiple crew will have cough hygiene Our advice to operators and crew is new COVID-19 risks to manage— provide alcohol-based hand rub for particularly with extended trips. to take a risk assessment approach, all crew implementing control measures suitable for your operation while taking if possible, eat meals in a separate into consideration state and federal area from others Check port access in your state government health advice. regularly clean and disinfect surfaces Owners and operators should be aware Review the risk register for your vessel’s that many people touch of what restrictions apply to port safety management system in light of access in their state and or territory. open windows or adjust air COVID-19. This will help to weigh up Some states and territory governments conditioning for more ventilation potential risks and—where needed— are also restricting access to vessels modify procedures for the vessel’s from other regions. Some restrictions limit food handling and sharing of operation (i.e., induction procedures, apply for travel within a region such as food on board vessels meetings, mealtime planning – using to remote indigenous communities. health advice to develop COVID-19 avoid non-essential travel procedures on your vessel). These regulations and directions are continuously changing as governments promote strict hygiene among food As an example, for a large vessel on a adapt strategies to best deal with preparation (canteen) staff and their day trip in calm weather, it might be COVID-19. close contacts possible to maximise the 1.5-metre
1 Working Boats May 2020 social distancing rule by spreading Cleaning your vessel into Australian ports. However, we crew apart. But factors such as suggest you continue to monitor state extended trips, rough weather and As well as through direct personal and or territory port entry requirements. fishing techniques may make such an contact, COVID-19 can also spread by people touching shared work objects or approach impractical and unsafe. Interactions with other vessels surfaces (such as handles or railings) contaminated from a cough or sneeze Pre-departure measures In some sectors including some by someone infected with COVID-19, fisheries, it is common practice for COVID-19 procedures should be and then touching their mouth or face. vessels on extended voyages to have social contact with other vessels a key part of vessel induction and The Department of Health has pre-departure briefings to crew and anchored in the same location. These developed useful detailed guidance on passengers. Include the following interactions should be avoided or cleaning and disinfection (see link to elements. the side). Cleaning reduces the amount conducted with appropriate COVID-19 precautions in place (ie bringing a Assess people before boarding to of dirt and organic matter on surfaces, tender alongside without boarding). make sure they have no COVID-19 which reduces the effectiveness of symptoms and are well disinfectants. For this reason cleaning surfaces is recommended before Short port visits Reinforce the importance of following disinfecting. the Australian, state and territory When a vessel makes a short port measures to reduce exposure to visit during a voyage to offload catch Voyages of 14 days and longer COVID-19 or take aboard stores, the vessel crew If a vessel has been at sea for 14 days, should try to avoid or minimise contact Reinforce the importance of hand had no contact with other people, and with other people to reduce the risk of washing and respiratory hygiene (ie no crew member has shown COVID-19 spread of COVID-19 and return to the when coughing and sneezing) symptoms, the crew is considered vessel immediately after completing the task. Make sure you have enough soap, clear of COVID-19 infection. The hand sanitiser and tissues available COVID-19 procedures can be relaxed on the vessel prior to departure. until their next encounter with others.
Follow appropriate waste disposal The same 14-day protocol is used for procedures. crew on international vessels coming
Working Boats May 2020 2 Health
If a crew or passenger displays You can also phone the National 1. How do I get a replacement for one COVID-19 symptoms Coronavirus Helpline for advice. of my vessel’s certificates?
If a crew or passenger displays The person should be allocated their To replace or obtain an additional COVID-19 symptoms, isolate that own linen, plates, cutlery etc. Keep copy of a vessel’s certificate, submit person and keep contact to a minimum. their washing separate from the rest the AMSA 758 ‘miscellaneous’ form, of the crew. available on our website. On the form, Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore simply state: throat, fatigue and shortness of breath. Surgical masks and gloves should be worn by the person displaying you are applying for a copy of a The Health Direct COVID-19 Symptom symptoms and carer when in the certificate Checker (see below) helps you to same room. the certificate type (ie certificate of decide whether you need a doctor and survey, certificate of operation) what to do next. vessel name and identifying number
certificate number and expiry/issue AMSA resources Beyond Blue dates (if known). beyondblue.org.au Information for owners, operators, Once you have completed the form, masters and crew of domestic Stay Afloat T( asmania) submit to: commercial vessels tsic.org.au/stayafloat [email protected] amsa.gov.au/covid-19 Smiling Mind There is currently a fee of $37 smilingmind.com.au associated with obtaining a Australian Government replacement copy of a vessel’s COVID-19 resources Sustainable Fishing Families certificate. AMSA will contact you to Managing Stress for Fishing arrange payment once the application National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 Businesses Handbook has been received. 020 080 womeninseafood.org.au > Resources > Sustainable fishing families Health Direct COVID-19 Symptom 2. Can AMSA assess my sea service Checker before I enrol in a course for a Near healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker Dive operations Coastal certificate of competency? Department of Health—social We are unable to undertake stand- distancing for coronavirus (COVID-19) The Australian Dive Accreditation Scheme recommends the following alone sea service assessments for health.gov.au > News > Health alerts > resources. near coastal certificates of competency Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert > (CoC). However, training organisations How to protect yourself and others Association of Diving Contractors do not require you to have already from coronavirus International advice on COVID-19 completed the sea service for the and sanitization of commercial AMSA certificate, before you enrol Mental health and diving life support equipment in the course. Once you meet all of wellbeing underwatermagazine.com the requirements for a CoC, your sea service will be assessed as part of your It is important that crew supported International Marine Contractors complete application. during the current crisis. Association COVID-19 guidance for ROUK? diving contractors ruok.org.au imca-int.com
3 Working Boats May 2020 Health
Your questions answered
3. Are there any exemptions available 4. I am unable to undertake surveys 5. Do I need to keep my vessel’s to help me if I can’t operate as or get my vessel surveyed due to equipment serviced if I am not normal due to COVID-19? social distancing, travel restrictions operating due to COVID-19? and financial impacts. What will For operators and seafarers that find happen to the vessel? Your vessel’s equipment should be themselves unable to comply with checked, serviced, and maintained the national law due to COVID-19, At this stage, if a survey cannot in line with national standards and the following exemptions may be of be completed due to the current the manufacturer’s requirements. assistance. restrictions or financial hardship and However if this is not possible due to the certificate of survey (CoS) will lapse COVID-19 you may obtain a permit Temporary crewing permits—these as a consequence, you can lodge an under Exemption 06 (Periodic survey, allow you to operate temporarily Exemption application for temporary equipment certification and compass below the minimum crewing operations (AMSA 777 form). AMSA will adjustment) to keep operating while requirements that apply to the vessel assess these applications on a case-by- waiting for the equipment to be if you experience crewing disruptions case basis. serviced. due to COVID-19. Periodic surveys (those not occurring AMSA has provided a temporary at the expiry of the CoS) can be 6. I am unable to obtain a valid First six-month extension for renewal of completed within the three months Aid certificate due to COVID-19, in CoC for certificates expiring between before or after the date listed for the order to revalidate my near coastal 26 March and 1 October 2020. If survey on a vessel’s survey schedule. certificate. What can I do? your CoC expires in this period, it is If you are unable to complete your effectively extended by six months, periodic survey within this timeframe, We understand that during this time, and you can continue to operate you can lodge an Application to there may be disruption to businesses in line with the conditions of the operate beyond survey due date or involved in certification for DCVs and certificate. equipment due date (AMSA 776 form), near coastal certificates of competency (CoC). Exemption 7 – Marine Safety also available on the AMSA website. (temporary operations)—enables If the reason for not being able to Due to the restrictions, we are owners of domestic commercial undertake the survey is COVID-19 providing a temporary six-month vessels to operate temporarily related, you will need to confirm the extension for the renewal of CoC for without having the required condition of the vessel, its structure, certificates expiring between 26 March certificates. See also the following equipment, fittings, management and and 1 October 2020. If your CoC questions for further information. operation are satisfactory for the issue expires in this period, it is effectively extended by six months, and you can Exemption 8 – Marine Safety of a temporary operating exemption. continue to operate in line with the (temporary service)—enables conditions of the certificate. masters and crew to temporarily perform functions and duties on If your certificate expired before this a domestic commercial vessel period and you were unable to renew without the required certificate due to COVID-19, please contact AMSA of competency, in specific Connect on 1800 627 484 or email circumstances such as COVID-19. [email protected] Find more detailed information about these exemptions on amsa.gov.au/covid-19-exemptions
Working Boats May 2020 4 CHOOSE TO WEAR A LIFEJACKET OR CHOOSE TO RISK IT ALL
VISIT LIFEJACKETWEARIT.COM.AU
TNSWWN0024_Lifejackets_A4P_V1.indd 1 25/2/20 5:15 pm Profile 2019 winner: Flora Warrior received the National Seafood Industry People development award. Pictured with Johnny Kris.
A warrior for Mabuiag Flora Warrior is determined to open doors for the local community on Mabuiag Island in the Torres Strait. Armed with an MBA and life experience, Flora’s focus has been to create a sustainable fishing industry for a stronger economy on Mabuiag Island.
By Becca Posterino
Mabuiag Island is home to the The community on Mabuiag Island product that could potentially sell for Goemulgal people, who have fished traditionally functions on social $160 a kilo,’ Flora said. the local tropical rock lobster as far capital—networks of people working together to get things done—rather ‘Now we are looking at developing a back as they can remember on a more profitable fishing industry on our than currency. subsistence level. Today the tropical island by creating a direct-export supply rock lobster is commercially fished ‘The MBA was a way to develop the chain, and putting the money into the and local community advocates local economy back home through community to create employment and such as Flora are exploring direct self-sustaining enterprises that ensured a more sustainable sector,’ she said. the dollars remained in the community,’ export options to boost the Flora also founded a local community- Flora said. economy of Mabuiag Island and run microfinance program to enable ensure that fishing dollars remain ‘I also saw the MBA as a tool to explore low income families on Mabuiag to locally. our value system in economic terms,’ purchase basic household assets such Flora explained. as whitegoods. This program uses the Before Flora took on a Master of Good Shepherd ‘No Interest Loans’ Business Administration (MBA) at In Flora’s last semester, she returned to (NILS) framework—based on good-faith James Cook University, she already had Mabuiag to do her final project, which loan repayments. extensive experience in the government looked into the direct export of locally sector and a degree in linguistics. caught rock lobster to foreign markets. Today, eligible fishers can also use Her work experience had given her the program to purchase fishing and management expertise and an insight ‘The fishermen do a dangerous job but boat equipment as well as safety into systems and structures that could are at the poor end of the supply chain. items needed to comply with laws for support her local community. They might be getting $20 a kilo for a commercial boat safety.
Working Boats May 2020 6 Profile
‘Through my studies and my own experience as a small business owner, I found that Indigenous business start-ups faced tremendous challenges, many of which were centred around being isolated from services and capital,’ Flora said.
Alternative finance through microfinance is one way of purchasing small capital items, not just for community members, but for those who are in small business as well— such as fishers who are sole traders. Recognition: Flora recieving her People Development award from Dr Michelle Grech, at Seafood Flora has also taken steps to Directions in Melbourne – Image by Damian Brierty create pathways for local fishers to access much-needed training and development, and she also helps by Now we are looking at developing interpreting forms and information and explaining relevant changes in the a more profitable fishing industry broader fishing sector. on our island by creating a direct- ‘The locals know what is going on in export supply chain, and putting their own backyard because they yarn the money into the community to to each other, but not more broadly or even regionally,’ she said. create employment and a more
The Mabuiag community has a history sustainable sector. — Flora Warrior of poor connectivity with external communities. Flora shares her I’m grateful for their activism, wisdom commercial fishing. Like other Mabuiag story from her veranda on Mabuiag and insight. They taught me that having Islanders, Flora also sees environmental Island thanks to the repeater on vision, passion and determination can stewardship as an important aspect of her roof, which was installed with lead to great outcomes,’ Flora said. funding received for her community fishing, and part of everyday life. microfinance project. Her landline is Last year, Flora was recognised for her Flora continues her work and is looking also an asset Flora willingly shares with volunteer advocacy work with local at taking her people to see what the her village community. fishers when she won the National broader fishing industry looks like on People Development Award at Seafood Flora’s story has both a personal and the mainland so that Mabuiag can Directions 2019, the National Seafood broader dimension—the networks aspire to provide a world-class service. Industry Awards. AMSA had the she established in her career and her pleasure of sponsoring this award. ‘What we try to do is use the social ability to navigate complex government capital that we have, to bring people structures on her community’s behalf, The People Development Award is together. We recognise that we have were skills she built as a working mum. the tip of the iceberg for Flora—her the skills but we need to organise Flora discovered early on that people community leadership, advocacy and networks were the key to success. She practical initiatives to support and ourselves better … our aspiration is for also acknowledges her journey with empower the Mabuiag community 100 per cent community ownership of the people she met while working in are all part of her personal ethos. For our local businesses,’ she said. Indigenous Health—especially those in Flora, social capital is part of everyday And to that end, Flora’s role as a hub the Aboriginal Medical Sector (AMS). life on Mabuiag but when harnessed in her community network will ensure effectively, can lead to even greater she can continue to develop practical ‘I was inspired by the AMS sector, outcomes. the idea Indigenous people could business solutions, as well as honour independently run their health services. The rising concern for local fishers environmental stewardship to build I was also lucky enough to meet some and the community today is striking a vibrant and sustainable seafood original founders of the AMS sector and a balance between sustainability and industry on Mabuiag Island.
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Bushfire support on land and sea
When a devastating bushfire struck the Victorian town of Mallacoota on New Year’s Eve, local commercial marine operators and maritime agencies played a vital role in providing relief for those affected.
By Simon Enticknap and Sarah Cameron
Code red: Dense smoke surrounds the people taking refuge in Peter York’s boats – Image supplied by Peter York
Working Boats May 2020 8 Community
One of the enduring symbols of ‘Residents and a number of visitors this year’s horror bushfire season in the town heeded that advice until was the sight of hundreds of there came a point where the road had people being evacuated from to be closed because it had become compromised by the fire. Those that Mallacoota by HMAS Choules. hadn’t left before that point were in The ship is specially designed for Mallacoota for the ride.’ use in humanitarian crises but perhaps nobody expected it to Darryl described that particularly be used for the task of rescuing busy time for the incident response Australians trapped by bushfire. team, focused on fighting a fire and protecting life and property to the best In this role it provided a valuable of its ability. lifeline to the East Gippsland town when land access was cut-off in ‘We were also coordinating the relief the wake of the huge fire there. response with the Australian Defence Force to get people out and food While the Royal Australian Navy was in, while keeping the town watered, one of the more dramatic examples sewerage treatment plants working, of the bushfire response, many keeping power and comms on and government agencies and commercial managing medical-related incidents.’ vessel operators were involved in providing support where it was needed. Darryl said that in an emergency like the fires, people will do what they can One of the first vessels to arrive at the to help themselves and others, but he town was the off-shore supply vessel always encourages people to act safely Far Saracen (read more on page 13). and—even if he can see people are acting with the best intentions—he will Other agencies providing support strongly advise people against actions during the bushfire emergency and as that will put lives at risk. part of the recovery effort included: Parks Victoria; the Country Fire ‘I briefed the community and asked Authority; Victorian Fisheries Authority; them to do particular things and stay Gippsland Water Police; East Gippsland away from certain areas. We had power Catchment Management Authority; lines down and trees on fire falling the Department of Environment, Land, around the place,’ he said. Water and Planning Gippsland; as well as volunteer coastguards and marine Local commercial boat operators at rescue. Mallacoota were actively involved in helping the community in the face of Darryl Burns, a Divisional Commander the approaching fires. for Forrest Fire Management Victoria who lives in Mallacoota, was part of Those that were unable to evacuate the incident control team working to gathered on the lake foreshore and protect lives and properties as fire jetties, prepared if necessary, to shelter charged through the area. in the water.
‘All those in Mallacoota were Peter York, who runs Buckland’s Jetty encouraged to leave and go north Boat Hire just out of Mallacoota, moved before the fire hit. The town has a several of his boats into the town permanent population of just over a and tied them up at a jetty to provide thousand people and in peak season shelter for dozens of people with that extends to about ten thousand nowhere else to go. As smoke filled people,’ he said. the air and the sky turned dark red,
9 Working Boats May 2020 CommunityProfile
As smoke filled the air and the sky turned dark red, the boats provided a temporary refuge and—if worse came to worse—a possible escape route.
Clockwise from above: Peter prepares to save the boatshed; waiting out the fire on the pier– Images supplied by Peter York; sheltering from the fire at Malua Bay NSW – Image by Eliza Baker
Working Boats May 2020 10 InnovationCommunity
Remote coastline: Tamboon Inlet and Point Hicks – Image supplied by Parks Victoria
In the immediate aftermath of the fire, many local fishermen, abalone divers and coastguards made their boats available for running supplies or helping to evacuate people. the boats provided a temporary refuge In the immediate aftermath of the room for bulk goods. and—if worse came to worse—a fire, many local fishermen, abalone possible escape route. divers and coastguards made their The fire destroyed about 150 homes in boats available for running supplies or the town and the surrounding region. In the end everybody was able to sit helping to evacuate people. Abalone Afterwards the town was isolated with no power for several weeks and limited out the fire at the jetty, which was diver Jason York evacuated his family road access. Recovery will take months fortunate given that several other boats to Merimbula in New South Wales, but if not years, but Darryl said the fires which Peter had positioned out of then returned via sea, bringing in a could have been worse. harm’s way on the lake dragged their doctor and local tradespeople to help out with the relief effort. anchors and drifted off. Another got ‘There was significant risk with the destroyed by the fire. ‘When a natural disaster like this fires that hit Mallacoota and the happens, everyone does what they outcome could have been very different, His house survived though, and even can,’ said Jason. ‘It brings people but no one was hurt or worse. I’m more remarkably, the historic wooden together short-term and hopefully really thankful about that. I’ve been boathouse—home to the boat-hire that’s maintained. We’re a pretty determined all the way through,’ he said. business and one of the oldest resilient community to start with.’ buildings in the town. Locals are hopeful that after COVID-19 The local abalone processing plant tourism will return and give a much- ‘We were very lucky for that to survive,’ was gutted by the fire but, even so, needed boost to the local economy. he said. ‘As soon as we got the any equipment which survived was Plans are also underway to rebuild the opportunity, we made our way back put to good use. With power cut off, abalone processing plant. to the shed by water—we couldn’t get the plant’s generator was used to run there by road—as there was still fire the town’s bakery, a forklift was used ‘We hope to have a complete new encroaching on it. We then spent a to unload supply vessels at the boat factory, and come out of this bigger couple of hours bucketing water to put ramp, and the refrigerated trucks and better and stronger than ever with it out.’ became a temporary cold storage added processes,’ said Jason.
11 Working Boats May 2020 Report maritime 1. Alert AMSA* as soon as practicable when a serious incident has occured incidents directly Serious marine incidents include: • death or serious injury to a person to AMSA in two • loss of a person overboard • loss of, or significant damage to, a vessel. simple steps * You can submit an incident alert by phone, email or online.
2. Submit an incident report – within 72 hours This gives us detailed information about the incident and mitigation measures. Form 19 – Incident report Other types of marine incidents you need to report: • fire • loss of stability • fouling of a vessel • a close quarters situation • any event that could impact the safety of a vessel, those on board or nearby.
Submit forms at amsa.gov.au or email completed forms to [email protected]
Visit amsa.gov.au/ incident-reporting Call AMSA CONNECT 1800 627 484 Community
Teaming up with the community
A bushfire emergency call at 9.30 in the morning diverted Solstad Offshore ASA vessel Far Saracen at full steam from moving and mooring a Bass Strait oil rig to help the Mallacoota community. By the time Far Saracen arrived, its crew had only that day to mentally compose themselves and physically prepare the ships facilities.
By Ron Aggs
Emergency response: Far Saracen arrived in Mallacoota to help with the bushfire emergency– Image supplied by Solstad Offshore ASA
13 Working Boats May 2020 Community
Help when needed: Lowering supplies to be taken ashore; Dave Phillipson and Steve Young on the bridge – Images supplied by Solstad Offshore ASA
In the following days, they provided With cases of water and three 200-litre gained respite and the most vital food, fire-fighting resources, medical drums of diesel, they arrived on the wharf commodity—clean air. and started introducing themselves. help, moral support and some Several paramedics came aboard to respite from the debilitating smoke. We got the drums off and hand pumped attend to the sick. ‘Through an extensive brief on the way them into containers to fill the fire trucks,’ Steve said. ‘On the busiest night, mattresses in to Mallacoota, we talked about how we the hallways and all over the place, would handle the trauma when we got ‘We transferred fuel and food via the accommodated fifty evacuees,’ Steve there,’ said Steve Young, Far Saracen’s fishing vessel and others,’ said Chief said. Master. Officer Dave Phillipson. Crew members were most affected by The 87-metre, 6107-metric-tonne Steve said the whole time all hands seeing distressed children, including vessel arrived at five o’clock, the first were on deck. a baby girl who came aboard blue commercial vessel to get to Mallacoota. with asthma, but thanks to the ship’s Later the Royal Australian Navy would ‘We had electrical technical officers capacity to recirculate clean air, she also anchor off the beach to provide driving fast rescue craft, cooks recovered within a few hours. passage for thousands of holidaymakers operating winches and mates folding and some residents fleeing the town. sheets,’ he said. Well prepared by their vessel’s routine safety briefs and drills, their greatest With poor visibility caused by the On 4 January a sister ship—Far challenge was managing the air fire, Far Saracen was unable to reach Senator—arrived and transferred thirty conditioning to recirculate every eight the shore, so the crew turned all ship Foodbank pallets to Far Saracen. lights on to notify people they were to 12 hours to neutralise rising carbon there. After making contact with the Locals with fishing boats helped ferry dioxide. Mallacoota township and doing a the goods ashore where it was hand In a final community-spirited act before couple of runs with their fast rescue carried to the local hall for distribution departing on 6 January, the crew craft, a local charter fishing boat to families. passed around the hat and delivered started coming alongside regularly. The smaller tenders also enabled $1900 to local wildlife rescuers, In the first delivery, the cook made 100 two-way traffic to the ship’s inundated with suffering animals. toasted sandwiches for crew members makeshift hospital, where highest-risk to take ashore. evacuees, the elderly and the young, solstad.com
Working Boats May 2020 14 Safety
MANAGING SHARKS IN THE WORKPLACE Abalone diving has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous occupations on land or sea. The reality, however, is very different says John Minehan, an abalone diver and leading advocate for safer working practices in the industry.
By Simon Enticknap
Another day at the office: Mallacoota diver Wade Bowerman removing sea urchins – Photograph by Holly Baird
Commercial fishing in open John harvests abalone in Victoria’s to look after one another so we do check waters to collect abalone has eastern fishery for about six months of in with each other regularly,’ said John. many inherent dangers. Often the year between April and November. He operates out of Mallacoota, NSW While emergency drills are the the divers work alone underwater along with several other abalone divers responsibility of the individual divers with a single deckhand on board who collectively run AFCOL Australia as part of their safety management a support vessel. Diving in dense Limited (previously known as the systems, the industry also runs first kelp forests in cold water, the Abalone Fishermen’s Co-operative). aid courses with local paramedics and emergency services to give divers and work is physically and mentally Managed by a strict quota system, their deckhands the skills needed to demanding. The divers are at risk abalone caught in the East Gippsland respond to an emergency situation. of exhaustion and disorientation waters are processed in Mallacoota underwater as well as the very at the AFCOL Australia plant, with the John said safety awareness among divers is as much a habit as it is a list real threat of shark encounters. majority of product being exported to Asia. of do’s and don’ts. Regular inspection However, John Minehan said that routines help to make safety second compared to other high-risk workplace According to John, a key risk that nature, always checking and double- activities, abalone diving should be abalone divers have to manage is the checking to ensure equipment is remoteness of their operations. working properly. seen as a low-risk occupation. John and the other local abalone Boat construction has also contributed ‘Most operators would regard their job operators manage this in a number of to improved safety in recent years, as relatively low-risk,’ he said. different ways. Before heading out, all with all boats now having to meet ‘The reason for that is we have an divers must log their destination with commercial survey specifications and exceptional safety record. There has the processing plant and sign off again be inspected every five years. been very little serious injury or death on their return. They also share their locations with other divers and, if more Weather forecasting has advanced in the abalone industry, particularly than one is operating in the same area, immeasurably with information in Eastern Victoria. It compares very they maintain contact with each other available through the official Bureau favourably with the risks you might while on the water. of Meteorology channels or a range of face, for example, working on a weather apps providing real-time data construction site.’ ‘We’re all aware that as a group we have about conditions.
15 Working Boats May 2020 Safety
We’re all aware that as a group we have to look after one another so we do check in with each other regularly.
— John Minehan
Destroyed by fire: AFCOL abalone processing plant before and after the fire – Image supplied
There are also protocols for handling to do so, the diver can then surface and and that’s helped to develop the what, for many people, is perhaps be quickly extracted from the water. organisational culture and the glue that the most alarming aspect of abalone holds it together,’ said John. ‘It provides diving—coming face-to-face with a Divers also use electronic shark that informal forum for the sharing of shark. deterrents which are designed to information about dive practices.’ cause discomfort to the sharks without ‘We’ve been fortunate in Eastern harming them. It’s been a tough few months for the Victoria in that we’ve not had a shark Mallacoota abalone divers. The bushfire attack since the early 1960s when Alongside safety, environmental which tore through the town over diving first started, despite some awareness is an important aspect New Year (page 8) destroyed most encounters,’ said John. ‘So the risk is of the divers’ activities. Ensuring of the processing plant, the town’s very, very low.’ the ongoing health of the abalone’s largest single employer. Road closures eco-system is vital for the long-term impacted on deliveries and then—just ‘Having said that, the number of survival of the fishery. Quotas play a as recovery efforts were starting to get sightings does seem to be increasing key role in managing sustainability underway—the outbreak of COVID-19 and if there were an attack, the but the divers also undertake other effectively closed down the region’s outcome would likely be fatal, so it is conservation measures. biggest export markets for abalone. something we take seriously.’ In recent years, the Victorian kelp John Minehan acknowledges it’s going The safety protocols vary according to forests, which are home to the abalone, to be a long road back for the local where the shark is encountered (on the have seen a massive decline partly due industry to return to anything like bottom, mid-water or on the surface) to over-grazing by sea urchins, which business as usual. and where the diver is in relation to the can reduce a healthy reef to a barren surface vessel. wasteland. ‘It means a lot of hard work for the industry to find a way forward,’ he Maintaining good communication As a result, divers have been teaming said. ‘It’s just a matter of us working between the diver and the surface up to carry out sea urchin eradication together to do the legwork.’ vessel is important in all cases. For programs in a bid to restore the reefs instance, when the shark is near the to full health. bottom, the diver can take cover on the reef and signal for the boat to be ‘It’s been a collaborative effort with AFCOL Australia Ltd positioned above him. When it is safe pairs of divers working together https://ex1191.com.au
Working Boats May 2020 16 Environment
Environmental conditions:
wavesWaves are an inherent part of work on the water. But while you and your crew may have good sea legs, it’s still important to keep an eye on wave and weather forecasts and be prepared for the possibility of finding yourself in bigger waves than you bargained for.
The National Standard for reduced stability. Checking weather Wave terms Domestic Commercial Vessels forecasts before you head out is the (NSCV) outlines the environmental most effective way of avoiding unsafe Sea waves—also known as ‘wind conditions. waves’ or ‘chop’—are determined conditions that vessels working in by the speed, duration and fetch different operational areas must The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)— of the wind blowing at the time. be able to withstand, including Australia’s official weather source types of weather, wave height —provides forecasts for sea waves Swell waves have travelled into the area after being generated by and wind speed. For example, and swell waves, and they provide some recommendations to make the previous winds in other areas. smooth-water operations (vessels most of these forecasts to safely plan Total wave height also referred to operating in service category E) your trip. must be designed to operate in as ‘significant wave height’—is wave heights of up to 0.6 metres, The first thing to remember is to the combined height of the sea waves and swell waves. but extended offshore operations expect waves twice the height than the forecast height. This is because wave (service category B extended) heights in forecasts and warnings are must be built to operate in wave averages, based on the average height heights of over six metres. of the highest one-third of waves. The Bureau also provides forecasts for total In addition to these design and wave height, which is the combined Read more about the operational construction requirements, all height of the sea and swell waves. restrictions associated with different operators must address the risks environmental conditions for each service associated with encountering bigger In addition, forecasts and warnings category in the NSCV Part B—General waves than normal in their safety cover a broad area of the coast, but requirements, p 11. management system. Common local coastal orientation, sandbars, ways of being prepared in unusually and headlands can make local wave Read more about waves and big waves include wearing suitable conditions better or worse, so it’s still terminology used by the Bureau of lifejackets, and securing equipment important to continually assess the Meteorology to explain waves to stop it from moving around and conditions and act accordingly to keep bom.gov.au/marine/knowledge-centre/ causing damage, injury or resulting in the people aboard and the vessel safe. reference/waves
17 Working Boats May 2020 Environment
Waves: Knowing how to operate in different wave states maintains vessel stability– Image by iStock.com/Jon Blomfield
Wave length is the average 45 degrees apart, coming from Rogue waves (or king waves) are distance between crests (or different directions, causing very large waves—greater than troughs) of waves. uncomfortable or unpredictable twice the average wave height— wave motion. caused by complex interactions Wave period or swell period are between multiple waves. It’s the average time between crests Opposing currents is a result of normal for these waves to occur (or troughs) of waves. The larger fast-flowing currents opposing the three-to-four times a day at any the time difference, the greater dominant wave direction, causing given place. the amount of energy associated waves to become steeper, and with the waves or swells. conditions rougher.
Cross seas (also referred to as a confused sea state) are caused by waves that are more than Profile
Safely from sea to sashimi Southern bluefin tuna caught in the waters of the Great Australian Bight typically ends up as sashimi in some of Japan’s most renowned sushi restaurants, but catching and harvesting the tuna poses some unique safety challenges for the Port Lincoln fishing fleet. Ben Belling talks to Working Boats about how they manage the top five risks. By Simon Enticknap and Sarah Cameron Photography by Robert Lang Profile
Between December and February each year, the fishing vessels of the Port Lincoln tuna fleet head out into the Bight to intercept the migrating schools of tuna. The tuna spawn in the ocean off Western Australia and then head south through the Bight. Finding the schools is a challenge in itself but, once located, it’s not just a matter of hauling them out.
Chumming boats release bait in the water to lure the tuna into a tightly packed shoal on the surface, where they are driven into a purse seine net and then transferred to travelling cages. Moving at very slow speeds—typically about one knot— operators tow the cages all the way back to more sheltered waters in South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, where they herd the tuna into holding pens.
Over the next few months, the fish grow on a diet of sardines and high-protein seafood until they reach optimum size and condition. Then, from May through to August, the fish are harvested and either transported immediately to the destination market as fresh fish—the highest quality tuna sell for thousands of dollars at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo—or frozen at minus 60 degrees Celsius.
The various stages, from capture to dispatch, call for a diverse approach to operational safety. Marine Operations Manager at Australian Tuna Fisheries, Ben Belling, said everything the workers do—from stepping onto the vessel, loading and unloading, tying up the vessel—is all covered in the safety management system, and practiced through safety protocols, crew inductions, drills, maintenance, qualifications and training.
Working Boats May 2020 20 Profile
1 – Slips, trips and falls 2 – Heavy lifting 3 – Tender vessel safety
Ben said that in particular, vessels that Tuna ranching also involves a lot of Tender vessels are used for numerous are tied up alongside the pens to feed heavy lifting using hydraulic cranes—a tasks in the operation, such as or harvest tuna, pose a significant risk high-risk activity at the best of times, deploying nets or working on the pens. of slips leading to injury. but even more so on a moving These smaller vessels are high risk, platform at sea. particularly when they are out at sea ‘If someone were to fall overboard here, they could potentially get caught up ‘In the peak season we’ll be offloading where the weather can be a factor. 50 tonnes of feed a day, which has against the side of the pen and sustain ‘We always keep the vessels in line of crush injuries,’ Ben explained. to be loaded onto the vessels from a sight and all of them are fitted with a supply vessel and then offloaded into VHF radio, and safety equipment,’ he When it comes to the process of the pens,’ Ben said. feeding and harvesting the tuna, the said. industry has adopted new systems to Ben explained that if the gears are Several years ago somebody fell make the process safer. incorrectly hooked up or if the safety catches aren’t in place, cables can out of a tender and was injured, Previously, the catchers would stand break, causing loads to fall, posing prompting the company to introduce on a floating platform in the pen to serious risk to surrounding workers. a requirement to wear a self-inflating catch the fish, putting them at risk of personal flotation device (PFD) when slipping or getting caught up against ‘We are very strict about things being working in the tenders. the side of the pen. Now, most vessels lifted correctly. The crane operators are use metal slides with conveyor belts all qualified and experienced doggers ‘Now every time someone is in a that deliver the fish straight onto the and riggers ensure the loads are lifted tender vessel—even if it’s just in the boat. safely,’ he said. marina—a PFD is mandatory,’ Ben said. ‘As well as increasing safety, it also Factoring in the movement of the makes it faster and simpler, increasing boat comes down to experience and productivity,’ Ben said. training.
21 Working Boats May 2020 IndustryProfile
4 – Diver safety 5 – Vessel maintenance
Commercial divers also play an Managing the risk of mechanical important role in ranching operations. failure—from vessels to the equipment They are used to monitor the size and used in the operation—is also high on condition of the tuna in the pens and the list of safety priorities. carry out repairs on the nets which come under attack from hungry sharks ‘We wouldn’t want a breakdown at looking for a free feed. The divers can any time, especially when we are even be called upon to remove sharks, conducting a purse seine operation and which get tangled in the nets or make towing tuna back to the pens,’ Ben said. Those new to the task it into the pens. go through a rigorous ‘We keep the five vessels up to survey,’ As required for all commercial dive he said, ‘and we have daily logs prior to training and assessment operations, the dives are strictly start up and at the change of shifts.’ alongside the controlled to manage the possibility of ‘We go through checklists to look for experienced operators. divers getting the bends, or entangled things like leaks anywhere on the belt, in the net, for example. They are slowly and that everything in the engine room is up to scratch—in fact the engine introduced until we are ‘We conduct recces [sic] using an ROV prior to sending divers down, so that rooms get checked 24/7. confident they know we can plan properly for what needs to The operation also relies on a range what they are doing. be done,’ he said. of other equipment, from cranes to conveyor belts, which Ben said — Ben Belling ‘All the divers must be fully-trained and accredited. Dive times and depths are they maintain through scheduled carefully monitored, and every dive is maintenance and regular checks. overseen by a dive supervisor,’ Ben said.
‘Rescue divers are also on hand ready to intervene if required and every vessel carries a trained diver medic on board.’ stehrgroup.net
Working Boats May 2020 22 Profile
Marine Rescue Ulladulla: vital community link
Marine rescue Ulladulla: helping locals in need – Image supplied
Often the first to be called on, Marine Rescue (MR) organisations in municipalities around Australia form a vital safety network along our coastlines. This story about the actions of Marine Rescue Ulladulla during the widespread fires, is just one example of their versatility.
Originally published in Marine Rescue NSW Soundings magazine.
As the fierce Currowan fire bore He said the children—three younger Navigational skill and situational down on the coastline around girls and two older boys—were awareness is needed when the smoke the New South Wales villages of between six and 14 years of age. is heavy enough to cut visibility on the open water to this extent.’ Bawley Point and Kioloa on After the crew unloaded the supplies 5 December, a volunteer crew from for the firefighters, the children were Barely a month later on 2 January, Marine Rescue Ulladulla navigated taken on board, fitted with lifejackets Unit Commander Hall and Training choking smoke and poor visibility and placed in the cabin for the return Officer David Lindley joined relief on the water to evacuate five journey to UIladulla. The mother of efforts to support the isolated village children whose families had taken four—who was also the aunt of the of Lake Conjola, ferrying essential food, refuge at the beach. fifth—made the trip with the children. water and baby supplies donated by Shoalhaven group Tread Lightly, to the MR Ulladulla Unit Commander David When they arrived at Ulladulla, NSW devastated community. Hall and Allan Brook were on their way Ambulance checked the group’s to deliver water and medical supplies condition before they headed for a local About two dozen people had assembled to NSW Rural Fire Service firefighters at evacuation centre. on Conjola Beach to meet the Marine Bawley Point when they were alerted to Rescue vessel Ulladulla 20, with a jet ski Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey the five children. and a conga line of people ferrying the applauded the crew’s actions to take supplies to shore through the surf. Unit Commander Hall said the smoke the children to safety from the stressful made it difficult to breathe and environment at Bawley Point. Unit Commander Hall said the Ulladulla significantly limited their visibility on volunteers stood ready to help the water as rescue vessel, Ulladulla 20 ‘Our crew members, along with radio communities in any way they could. headed south. operator Deb Talty in the MR Ulladulla radio base, deserve our thanks for their ‘We were only half a mile off Bawley swift and professional response to Point and we couldn’t see land,’ he said. assist people who needed help quickly. marinerescuensw.com.au
23 Working Boats May 2020 Regulation Float-free EPIRBs on their way A reminder that from 1 January 2021, float-free emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) will be mandatory on certain types of domestic commercial vessels. By Desiree Caira
This change to safety Fitting of float-free EPIRBs Don’t bin your EPIRB requirements has come about in A float-free EPIRB is fitted in a bracket When you upgrade to a float-free EPIRB, response to tragic incidents where with a hydrostatic release unit and a don’t get rid of your old EPIRB if it still commercial vessels have sunk too water-activated switch. has battery life. Keep it as an additional quickly for the master and crew safety device in your grab bag, in your to deploy their EPIRB in time. It automatically activates and floats free life-raft or tender vessel. to the water’s surface when a vessel After consultation with industry If your EPIRB has expired, properly in early 2019, it was agreed that capsizes to a depth of between one and dispose of it by following the these new requirements would four metres. manufacturer’s instructions to be introduced with a two-year Float-free EPIRBs can also be removed disconnect the battery and then dispose of it appropriately. transition period. from the bracket and manually activated without being submerged in water. Each year accidental EPIRB activations The new requirements cost our search and rescue agencies The EPIRB bracket must be fixed to your a lot of time and money, including Class 1, 2 and 3 vessels must have a vessel where it has less risk of getting searching rubbish tips for EPIRBs float-free EPIRB if they are: caught up in rigging or other parts of that have been thrown in the garbage your vessel when it floats free. equal to, or greater than 12 metres and incorrectly. operating beyond two nautical miles It’s important that you follow the from land, or manufacturer’s instructions when fitting your float-free EPIRB. An incorrectly less than 12 metres and operating in B fitted device can accidently activate if Learn more about the new float-free or C waters without level flotation. EPIRB requirements the EPIRB and bracket aren’t properly amsa.gov.au/float-free Class 4 vessels must have a float-free aligned and mounted. EPIRB if they are: You can easily update your registration Make sure you register your details or add trip details at any time. equal to or greater than 12 metres and EPIRB Registration is free. operating in C waters To register your beacon or update your All EPIRBs and personal locator beacons less than 12 metres and operating in C details call 1800 406 406 or (PLBs) must be registered with AMSA waters without level flotation. visit beacons.amsa.gov.au every two years. If your vessel is less than 7.5 metres Keep your registration details current. If long (all classes) and does not have level you activate your emergency beacon the Purchase your float-free EPIRB flotation, you can carry a GPS-equipped, AMSA Response Centre (ARC) will refer sooner rather than later manual, or water-activated EPIRB in a to your registration details to find out manual bracket, instead of carrying a • Don’t leave it to the last minute what kind of vessel they are looking for float-free EPIRB. However, this option to purchase your float-free EPIRB, and who may be on board. They will also is only valid if everyone on board is as your local stockist may have to call your emergency contacts to verify wearing a lifejacket or PFD. order it in. whether the activation is inadvertent or These new requirements don’t affect a real emergency. The more information • You must have the right EPIRB those required to carry an EPIRB in their the ARC has in a search and rescue on board come 1 January 2021. manually activated life raft. situation, the better.
Working Boats May 2020 24 Culture
25 Working Boats May 2020 Culture
Cultural treasures: (clockwise opposite page) Ghost net turtle on display at the Australian Museum; Crocodile sorceror by Elliot Koonutta; (above) Ghost net art by Sid, Bruce, Joe and Mundna – Images supplied by the Australian Museum Trap to treasure
Ghost nets found by Indigenous rangers are being recycled into beautiful works of art. Some of these intricately designed works are now the focus of museum exhibits, drawing attention to the extensive damage they cause in their original form when left to drift in our oceans.
By Peter Strachan
The nets—some more than six operating in the Arafura Sea and parts started putting them to a far better kilometres long when abandoned of south-east Asia. Some of the nets use—developing the nets into art or lost at sea—are known to trap recovered are consistent with those forms and useful household items with and kill marine animals and birds. generally used on large commercial a message about this growing problem Those collected by rangers in the vessels and others from small in our oceans. subsistence fishers. Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait Spearheading this effort are creative and on beaches, frequently require The nets frequently drift for thousands groups like the one at Darnley Island heavy lifting equipment to move of kilometres on tides and currents Arts Centre, in Torres Strait. them. and are most prevalent onshore after a monsoon. Artists at this and other centres now While some may come from Australian use the old nets and fittings, not only to fishing boats, most of the ghost nets Initially, the destructive nets brought create their trademark sculptures, but discovered in our northern waters are or washed ashore were dumped or colourful bags, hair clips, baskets and believed to originate from trawlers burned, until Indigenous communities jewellery.
Working Boats May 2020 26 Culture
Inspired artists: Darnley Islanders making ghost net art – Images supplied by the Australian Museum
Not only is it an arresting way of drawing attention to a major environmental issue, but the work is truly beautiful. — Diccon Loxton
Some of this work is funded through The museum acquired its first ghost the Patricia Porritt Bequest at the net artwork from Darnley Island in Australian Museum Foundation, where a 2012 and has steadily added to its few of the most outstanding examples collection since. so far produced are on permanent Mr Loxton said the community is now display, in William St, Sydney. just one of a growing number turning Australian Museum Foundation these destructive materials into Chairman Diccon Loxton, said the stunning works of art, reflecting each exhibits played a vital role in drawing community’s struggle to protect its visitors’ attention to the challenge marine environment. faced in protecting marine ecosystems.
‘We are delighted to be supporting this project. It celebrates and records Torres Strait Islander culture as it continues to thrive and develop in the current world,’ Mr Loxton said.
‘Not only is it an arresting way of drawing attention to a major environmental issue, but the work is truly beautiful.’ On display: Ghost net art at the Australian Museum – Images supplied by the Australian Museum australianmuseum.net.au/learn/cultures/atsi-collection/ghost-net-art
27 Working Boats May 2020 Are you complying with Sulphur 2020?
All vessels must use fuel with a sulphur content of no more than 0.50 per cent. This requirement started on 1 January 2020. To help reinforce this requirement, since 1 March 2020, vessels have also been prohibited from carrying fuel with a sulphur content of more than 0.50 per cent. The prohibition does not apply to fuel carried as cargo. Most diesel and petrol sold in Australia as marine fuel already contains less than 0.50 per cent sulphur.
Why has the sulphur content of marine How do I check the sulphur content of fuel been reduced? my fuel? Sulphur oxides are released when fuel containing If you are uncertain about the sulphur content of your sulphur is burnt. In high concentrations, sulphur oxides fuel, you should check with your supplier. can result in serious conditions, such as respiratory and If your vessel is 400 gross tonnage or above, your fuel cardiovascular disease. supplier must give you a bunker delivery note with each Sulphur oxides can also lead to acid rain—causing fuel delivery that includes the sulphur content of the fuel damage to crops, forests and buildings and acidification supplied. AMSA maintains a national register of fuel oil of soil and freshwater aquatic environments. suppliers that you can use to find contact details of your local supplier. The new sulphur limit will help improve air quality, particularly in coastal areas, and help to protect human health and the environment.
Image source: iStock.com/EAGiven P200322
For more information visit amsa.gov.au/air-pollution Phone 1800 627 484 Safety
Life rafts correct installation
If the hydrostatic release unit (HRU) securing your life raft is not installed correctly, it will not activate properly. Your life raft may be your means of survival if your vessel sinks—make sure it is installed correctly.
By Sarah Cameron
AMSA accredited surveyors and Float-free and automatic inflation Manual release marine inspectors continue to find Life raft canisters are buoyant and Manual release occurs where life raft HRUs incorrectly installed. designed to float. If the canister passengers and crew are required submerges, the HRU enables the life to abandon the vessel in a more Whatever mounting system your life raft’s securing mechanism to break controlled manner. raft uses, there are a few things you free. When the life raft submerges to a need to know. depth of about four metres, the water The strap securing the life raft must be capable of being released quickly and HRUs are purchased separately to your pressure acts on the HRU’s diaphragm, easily—for example, by a senhouse life raft. When installing the new HRU, releasing a spring-loaded knife or chisel slip or pelican hook. follow the instructions provided with to cut through the rope and release the life raft. If there are no obstacles the the HRU and the life raft. Someone must then physically throw life raft canister will float free to the the life raft over the side and pull the As part of your planned maintenance surface (similar to the mechanism in painter line to inflate the life raft. schedule, visually check that the HRU is float-free EPIRBs). in date and in sound condition at least The life raft canister floats to the For this system to work, the painter every 12 months, or as recommended surface, pulling out the painter, which must be fastened to a strong point and by manufacturer’s instructions. remains connected by a weak link to the person manually inflating the raft Most HRUs have an expiry date, the vessel. must have a knife to cut the painter and must be periodically replaced to release the life raft from the vessel When the painter is pulled to the (usually every two years). There are once everyone is on board. end, the gas cylinder in the life raft is also serviceable types, which must be activated and inflates the life raft. serviced and recertified by an approved service agent. At this point, the buoyancy of the inflated life raft is enough to break the During crew training explain the HRU’s weak link connecting the painter line to operation and how to carry out a the vessel, allowing the life raft to float controlled abandon-ship procedure. to the surface, fully inflated and ready Document these procedures in your for boarding. safety management system and put them into practice through regular drills.
29 Working Boats May 2020 Safety
Hydrostatic release unit fitted to a life raft capsule
Senhouse slip It is recommended that lashing arrangements are checked to Ensure strapping is tight ensure the manual quick release otherwise chisel in HRU arrangement can be easily may not cut rope released
HRU
Painter
Strong point When immersed, chisel cuts rope and releases lashing
Correct installation: ensure the HRU is installed correctly for emergency deployment – Illustration by Scott Kimber
Working Boats May 2020 30 Search and rescue
Trawlers uphold oldest seafaring tradition
On a wild and windy January night, ten nautical miles southeast of Cape Moreton, Queensland, the skipper of prawn trawler Amanda Jane answered a call from an unknown number.
By Lauren Smit
Cameron Courtman had spent the Queensland Water Police, AMSA’s Cameron said, adding that he knew he last 30 years of his life on boats, Challenger jet, Redcliffe Coast Guard, could always rely on the other trawler witnessing the beauty and at Bribie Island Volunteer Marine Rescue crews for help in tough times, just like times, brutality, of the ocean. But and two helicopters were tasked that fateful January night. with searching an area near Flinders all his years out on the water did Reef, northeast of Cape Moreton. All ‘You’ve got no-one else out here, we not prepare him for that call. available data indicated the plane had always rely on each other,’ he said. On the other end of the line was gone down there. ‘Once I had a crew member fall off Nathan Johnson, a Senior Search and More help was needed and the clock the board sled and into the water. I Rescue Officer at the AMSA Response was ticking. A monster storm that had got on the radio straight away and Centre (ARC), based in Canberra. just lashed Brisbane City was making all my mates who were around came its way towards the search area as steaming. We got him back.’ Nathan relayed the situation to Cameron. well. The swell was picking up and last Side by side with the other trawlers, A light plane with two people on board, light was fading. Cameron and his crew of two a husband and wife, had reported a ‘I was sitting in the wheelhouse getting deckhands searched into the night. At mayday around sunset as they flew ready for the night’s work when I got about 8 pm, they began to spot debris. over Moreton Island on a sightseeing the call,’ Cameron recalled. The plane had impacted the water, tour from Caloundra that afternoon. there was no doubt about it. ‘I got the anchor up straight away and Attempts to contact the husband—the started steaming toward the search While their hearts sank at the tragic pilot for this journey—by Brisbane Air area while I was still on the phone.’ outcome of the plane crash, search and Traffic Control and AMSA had failed, rescue crews became single-minded with nothing but radio silence from the Amanda Jane was one of seven in their efforts to locate the wreckage light plane. trawlers that answered the call for help of the plane and hopefully recover the from AMSA that night, upholding the bodies of the couple. While it wouldn’t Flight tracking technology revealed oldest seafaring tradition—coming to bring them back, it would at least give the plane had plummeted moments the aid of those in need. closure to their family. before it disappeared from radar. AMSA launched a search and rescue ‘I was tracking the other boats on Search operations for the couple operation. automatic identification system,’ continued until the following afternoon.
31 Working Boats May 2020 Search and rescue
Moreton Bay: where the incident occurred; Amanda Jane Trawler operators received recognition for their assistance from AMSA – Images supplied
‘These trawler crews know those waters like the back of their hands. They know their vessels, they work that area and they were invaluable during the search and rescue.’ — Nathan Johnson
The sheer amount of debris recovered ‘There was a large weather system helped that night,’ Nathan said. by the trawlers and by search and coming through the area that was ‘It’s the unwritten rules of the sea that rescue parties along Moreton Island left going to severely limit our ability to also speaks so clearly to our culture no doubt in anyone’s mind. The crash search with aircraft safely. We needed more assets that could weather the of mateship here in Australia. You help was not survivable. those in need, no questions asked.’ storm,’ he said. Several days later, police located the ‘We turn up to work for the many ‘These trawler crews know those wreckage of the plane, resting on the thousands of people who are boating waters like the back of their hands. seafloor 36 metres under the surface, or flying around the country every day. They know their vessels, they work that near Flinders Reef. We turn up to work for their families, area and they were invaluable during so they can be reunited with their the search and rescue.’ Back in the ARC and months later, loved ones or at the very least, so that Nathan reflects on that night and Despite the tragic outcome of the they might have some closure after a the willingness of the trawler fleet to plane crash, Nathan said it was terrible tragedy.’ respond to the emergency. heartening to see all the search and ‘We take our strength from the good rescue crews—from the volunteer ‘They didn’t hesitate to put aside days and that carries us through the marine rescue and coastguard boats, their night’s work—their income—to bad ones,’ he said. to the police, helicopters and trawler help with the search. Cameron even men—uniting for a common purpose. Special thanks also to the fishing provided us with the contact details trawlers Ali-Star, Jo-Anne, KCD, Lady of the other trawlers in the area to ‘We do this job to help people and Beatrice, Miss Anita and Proteus. maximise resources out on the water,’ that motivation was mirrored in the Nathan said. willingness of the many crews who
Working Boats May 2020 32 Health
Chartering a course to mental wellbeing Gold Coast skipper and cruise-boat operator Mark Raff is a local ambassador for mental health and wellbeing. Mark started a free monthly Sunset Charity Cruise on the Gold Coast in 2018 to raise awareness and money for a number of organisations including Beyond Blue. For Mark, helping others and sharing his story was a turning point for his own mental health—but it wasn’t easy.
By Becca Posterino
Mark’s story came to a head fifteen experience for Mark and his anxiety judgement and prejudice. But his years ago. At the time he had intensified to a new level. anxiety became debilitating—he came very little awareness of his anxiety ‘At the age of 45 when I became to understand a pounding heart and disorder. Returning to university aware of my mental illness and sweaty palms were symptoms of a in his 30s to study marketing and other conditions—although I had panic attack that would often leave him management and then to become a always struggled—the diagnosis was shaking, fearful and breathless. certified financial planner, he found shattering,’ he said. ‘I constantly felt overwhelmed and himself juggling study, raising a Mark explained he had often found life almost immobilised,’ he said. young family and working full-time tough but always soldiered on with a Eventually Mark agreed to get in his financial-planning company. positive mindset, winning hearts with professional help, which set his ‘It was when his business partner a strong work ethic and well-honed course back to health. He connected started noticing errors that Mark people skills. with a psychologist, who helped discovered he had undiagnosed When he was diagnosed, Mark confided him recognise and respond to each dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity in his wife at the time, but chose not experience with awareness. Mark’s disorder (ADHD) and an anxiety to tell his children or anyone else. He life transformed and what was once disorder. It was a confronting feared others would meet him with a source of confusion, became his
33 Working Boats May 2020 Health
Dr Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Advisor for Beyond Blue
Dr Grant Blashki, Lead Clinical Advisor for Beyond Blue and Melbourne-based GP, believes the workplace has a critical role to play when it comes to fostering mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. ‘Beyond Blue is very passionate about helping workplaces become mentally healthy—this is good for workers and their business, even from a purely economical perspective,’ Dr Blashki said. Straight sailing: Mark Raff at the helm of Life’s Good – Image supplied A 2014 report by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) revealed that mental health issues end up costing Australian businesses around $10.9 billion dollars a year in lost productivity. PwC also discovered that on average, for every one dollar resolute mission to connect with suffering from anxiety and depression. invested in mental health initiatives, others. He was very driven and was They created a space for a couple of there is a return of $2.30—even certainly not going to allow this to get hours once a month for passengers to greater in some industries. in the way of his lifelong ambitions. enjoy the Gold Coast waterways and How do we promote mental share their stories as they chose. health and wellbeing in Australia Transforming a passion into a pursuit ‘When I started to do the sunset cruise workplaces? towards the end of 2018, it was at this A couple of years after the diagnosis, Dr Blashki said positive leadership point that I told the world about my is essential. Mental health first-aid Mark sold his financial planning experience with anxiety, and learning business and joined the Gold Coast training for senior management is an and behavioural difficulties. As a result Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) effective measure to build a culture of of sharing my personal history, I was Queensland to keep active and support and awareness. able to invite others to share their maintain his pride. What began as an Inviting prominent speakers to share stories,’ Mark said. act of reconnection became the source personal stories with staff can help to of inspiration for a new business. Mark’s purpose in the world was normalise mental illness and creates After a couple of years volunteering rediscovered on the water and he opportunities for staff to access support as needed. with VMR, combined with seeing a is ever grateful for his time with the psychologist, Mark purchased his VMR. Mark’s experience with mental Many other factors also contribute to charter boat Life’s Good. Mark’s illness has been a long and challenging mental health and wellbeing, including psychologist recognised the positive personal journey, but with support he work-life balance. effect of owning his own business has managed to discover that life really Dr Blashki explains this is particularly is good. Mental health and wellbeing again, and the effect the water was relevant in the maritime industry rather than mental illness, is now his having on Mark, so he suggested where seafarers are often vulnerable driving force. Mark start a cruise experience with a because of shift work, isolation focus on mental health and wellbeing. and loneliness. He explained that Mark started offering his monthly these factors are all part of the sunset charity cruise, with all the job, but having access to a reliable proceeds going to Beyond Blue and the internet connection and promoting Australian Anti-Ice Campaign. cruisegc.com self-managed mental wellbeing can Mark also partnered with his beyondblue.com.au promote mental health. psychologist to offer cruises for people australianantiicecampaign.org.au
Working Boats May 2020 34 NEW STOW IT, DON’T THROW IT STICKER NOW AVAILABLE
All waste is particularly harmful in the marine environment. You can help by sorting and separating all types of waste on board your boat, so that each type of waste can be recycled or disposed of appropriately.
Contact your local marina, boat harbour, port or terminal office to find out what waste collection and disposal facilities are available.
Don’t forget to report any marine pollution incident to help minimise damage to the environment. If you witness a vessel or seafarer polluting, or see pollution in the marine environment that you think might be from a vessel, you can make a general marine pollution report.
Call 1800 641 792 or visit amsa.gov.au/marine-pollution
Order your free sticker online amsa.gov.au/publications-order-form or visit an AMSA shopfront near you Professional development NEW STOW IT, DON’T THROW IT STICKER NOW AVAILABLE
All waste is particularly harmful in the marine environment. You can help by sorting and separating all types of waste on board your boat, so that each type of waste can be recycled or disposed of appropriately.
MIAL Future Leaders Program
Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL) has commenced an inaugural program to develop Contact your local leadership potential in young professionals ashore. marina, boat harbour, port or terminal office Pictured at Parliament House, Canberra are the 2020 MIAL Future Leaders: (from L to R Front row), Brendan Curtis, Katherine Langworthy, Tayissa Popowicz, Rachel Horne, Ewen McCarroll. (from L to R Back Row), Emilie Donovan, Laura Allen and Mike Merrutia – Image supplied to find out what waste collection and disposal facilities are available. The first MIAL Future Leaders One of the first eight participants who It provided an invaluable Don’t forget to report any Program started in January 2020 works for the Australian Maritime College—Emilie Donovan—found that opportunity to share my marine pollution incident to and will run until August 2020, offering a mix of experiential the parliament experience offered more experiences and thoughts help minimise damage to the training, residential workshops and than the opportunity to learn about about the importance of environment. If you witness networking opportunities designed government processes and protocols a vessel or seafarer polluting, to enhance industry knowledge. and how to identify issues that impact the maritime industry in the maritime industry. Australia with senators. or see pollution in the marine Anyone working in the maritime ‘It provided an invaluable opportunity environment that you think industry can be nominated by their — Emilie Donovan to share my experiences and thoughts might be from a vessel, you manager to be considered for the program. about the importance of the maritime can make a general marine industry in Australia with senators,’ she The first eight participants—from pollution report. said. Program participant, MMA Offshore’s vastly different backgrounds—will Mike Merrutia, said that in addition to the receive exposure to aspects of the The program came about after a invaluable experience gained, another Call 1800 641 792 or visit industry that they wouldn’t otherwise seafaring skills census that MIAL huge benefit of the program is the amsa.gov.au/marine-pollution experience in their day-to-day roles. conducted in 2019 revealed a possible leadership void in the future. lasting business relationships formed. In March, all the participants enjoyed Nominations for the 2021 MIAL Future their first immersive experience The census gathered responses from with three days in Canberra visiting many different Australian maritime Leaders Program will open in October Parliament House, meeting with industries operating at sea and ashore. 2020. senators, watching question time and It highlighted that if a shortage of learning about government process. seafarers does eventuate, it will Order your free sticker online And those who have never been on a impact vessels operating in Australia, Register your interest amsa.gov.au/publications-order-form working ship, will experience a 3–5 day and critical shore-side infrastructure, mial.com.au sea rider experience. projects and services. 03 9647 6000 or visit an AMSA shopfront near you
Working Boats May 2020 36 Safety
Northern Territory Guided Fishing Industry Association
The Northern Territory Guided Fishing Industry Association (NTGFIA) represents a significant number of the Territory’s fishing tour operators—a hefty $34 million industry. The association’s Vice-Chair Dennis Sten spoke with Becca Posterino about some of the challenges faced by the sector.
By Becca Posterino and Sarah Cameron
The Northern Territory’s selling they are safe and compliant while remote highway,’ Dennis explained. points are iconic—Barramundi, offering a top-rate service. Another concern for operators is crocs, sunsets, a laid-back attitude When the association and AMSA passengers who underestimate the and plenty of fish to be caught Liaison Officer Steve Whitesmith met potential dangers in and on the water. from coastal fishing lodges, with operators across the Territory to As Dennis explained, operators provide to billabongs, rivers and reefs. identify what information and guidance clear safety briefings before tours Bringing customers safely up close the sector required, operators openly start so passengers are aware of the discussed issues they faced. with this natural beauty involves a risks, rules and safety requirements. fair amount of safety planning. Of particular concern for operators is Despite this, passengers forget or underestimate the risk, so operators Dennis’ active work to promote safety the location of boat ramps open to the take other precautionary measures and compliance practices in the guided sea. to reduce the chance of passengers fishing sector has seen the NTGFIA ‘Some vessel operators have to travel coming into direct contact with membership grow rapidly into a large 150 kilometres per day just to go crocodiles. and loyal network. fishing, which gives rise to other risks,’ Currently there’s a move across the He explained that many of the Dennis said. Northern Territory to install pontoons association members are family The obvious issue for operators doing with safety railing at all boat ramps operators who—when not conducting this day after day is fatigue. to remove any risk of people coming remote fishing tours—are busy doing into contact with crocodiles when their paperwork and getting ready for ‘For example, Darwin to Shady Camp embarking and disembarking vessels. the next day’s activities. He sees his is just over a two-hour drive each way. role as assisting members to find out Add to that, eight hours of fishing— Dennis also told us that when he ran what regulations and requirements that’s a long day considering four of his own operation, after dark he would apply to them so they can make sure those hours are spent traveling on a take the tour group near the water, and
37 Working Boats May 2020 Safety
Crocodile caution: sharing waters with prehistoric creatures; guided fishing operators disembarking; Careflight exercise in Darwin Harbour – Images supplied
However iconic, laid back, and beautiful the Northern Territory may be, local guided fishing operators understand well that they can’t afford to take a laid-back attitude to safety.
point big search lights at the crocodiles ‘Often passengers don’t disclose their a patient off the back of a mothership. to emphasise the clear and present medical issues—their motivation to danger of these prehistoric reptiles. do the tour often trumps the safety ‘We set up a dingy from the back of the and logic of disclosing important mothership and CareFlight observed ‘The looming red eyes would glow in medical information that could mean how effective it would be to remove the the night and I would warn them “no the difference between life and death in patient from the dinghy in an actual swimming tonight fellas”,’ he said. certain situations,’ he said. rescue operation,’ he explained.
The process of fileting fish off the Under the general safety duties, ‘We found that for the patient to be back of the boat is also risky. Safety operators are required to make sure successfully winched up, the dinghy measures are implemented to ensure their vessel and the people on board had to be in a specific position in the back of the boat is secure so the are safe. They do this by assessing relation to the mothership, so now we passengers can’t access or exit the and preparing for all the possible risks know exactly what manoeuvres to do back of the boat where they could associated with the operation in their in an emergency.’ come face to face with the feeding safety management system. However iconic, laid back, and beautiful reptiles. the Northern Territory may be, local Risk assessment means being aware guided fishing operators understand ‘Passengers can watch from a safe of what procedures are to be followed well that they can’t afford to take a distance, but we don’t allow them in the event of a medical emergency. laid-back attitude to safety. The anywhere near the back of the boat Typically, measures would include first Territory may feel like the last frontier, where the crocs might sneak up to aid training, reliable communication but its multi-million dollar guided feed off the parts entering the water,’ equipment, medical supplies, and care fishing industry has it covered. Dennis said. flight plans.
Dennis explained another key risk for In October 2017, fishing tour operators operators, is clients who don’t disclose took part in a CareFlight exercise in their medical history. Darwin Harbour, to practice extracting ntgfia.com.au
Working Boats May 2020 38 0\%RDW RQOLQHV\VWHP
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0\%RDW What are we hearing from you? RQOLQHV\VWHP Your questions help us to provide better information about meeting safety requirements and how to access our services. Here are some of the questions received at industry events and (QWHUGHWDLOVDERXW\RXUERDWWRȴQGRXWZKDWVDIHW\UHTXLUHPHQWV through AMSA Connect over the last few months. OHJLVODWLRQDQGVWDQGDUGV\RXKDYHWRFRPSO\ZLWK
8VHIXOIRUYHVVHOGHVLJQHUVEXLOGHUVVXUYH\RUVRZQHUVDQGRSHUDWRUV 1. H ow often do I need to have my 2. How do I document my near coastal form (AMSA 778), available on the vessel surveyed? sea service? AMSA website. When you submit your application to the email address on You can maintain a personal record There are three survey frequency the form, include a copy of the receipt of the time you spend on vessels categories for vessels with a from your renewal application. To avoid however you choose, but when you certificate of survey (CoS)—low, needing to apply for an exemption, provide evidence of sea service for an medium, and high. This category apply to renew your CoC early (30–60 application with AMSA, you will need determines how often the vessel must days before your CoC expiry date). be surveyed and is shown on your either a Record of sea service CoS. (AMSA 771) form, signed by your Read more at amsa.gov.au/forms/ supervisor, or sea-service letters from application-temporary-service Vessels with a load-line certificate your employer. should also be surveyed in line with the survey schedule as shown on the If you are unable to obtain sea-service 4. I have a safety concern involving a vessel’s load-line certificate. This will letters or have your Record of sea commercial vessel. Can I report it to be the same frequency as the CoS. service form signed by a supervisor due AMSA? to circumstances out of your control, Vessels with a Class C restricted contact AMSA Connect (1800 627 484) If you observe a commercial vessel with operation (exemption 40) approval to discuss any available alternate substandard build conditions, unsafe should be reinspected five years from options for providing evidence. working conditions, or operating in a the date mentioned on the approval, way that could endanger the safety of and every five years thereafter. You Read more at amsa.gov.au/qualifying- other vessels or people, report this to near-coastal-sea-service will receive a reminder letter ahead AMSA using the online Report of marine of any surveys shown on these safety concern form (AMSA 355). certificates. 3. I’m worried I won’t get my renewed Once you have submitted the form, If your vessel holds a CoS but you certificate of competency in time to AMSA will follow up and determine have not received a CoS issued by keep operating. What can I do? whether further action is required. AMSA, please notify us by emailing [email protected] as the If you need to operate when applying to In an emergency involving a commercial survey frequency shown on a state- renew your certificate of competency or recreational vessel, call triple zero. issued certificate of survey will not (CoC), and you are concerned your application will not be approved before reflect your current requirements Read more at amsa.gov.au/report- your previous certificate expires, you under the national system. You can marine-safety-concern can apply for a temporary service also use this email address to contact exemption using Exemption 8. A 5. Where can I find information about AMSA if you believe the frequency temporary service exemption approval COVID-19 in relation to the DCV shown on your AMSA-issued allows you to operate for up to 30 days certificate of survey is not correct. without a valid certificate, provided industry? AMSA determines you are competent to Read more at amsa.gov.au/ We are regularly updating our advice perform the relevant duties. ΖWȇVHDV\WRGR certificates-survey for the maritime industry as information To apply for this exemption complete about the novel coronavirus becomes 6LPSO\YLVLWDPVDJRYDXP\ERDW the Application for temporary service available. Go to amsa.gov.au/covid-19
Working Boats May 2020 40 Navigation
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse
Iconic: In 1915, the Commonwealth assumed responsibility for the lighthouse under the Commonwealth Lighthouse Act. – Image by Greg Close
Far from the usual remoteness characterised by lighthouses, the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse at the mouth of the Mersey River, Devonport, Tasmania, has a history ingrained in the development of the local Mersey District.
By Peter Strachan
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse Perhaps related to the fact that the acetylene gas from a Colt seven-day replaced a succession of far less lighthouse was designed by prominent generator in 1910 and then to a effective beacons and obelisks architectural and engineering firm DC-electric unit in 1920—the year earlier erected on and near the Huckson and Hutchison of Hobart, the the light went into remote operation. bluff as a navigational aid for lighthouse features a balcony of white In 1978 the light was connected to vessels heading towards the busy sandstone quarried from Bellerive— Devonport’s mains power. now a Hobart suburb. port. Now the white brick tower While the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse has with four red vertical stripes make In 1901, after the twin settlements of strong links with the development of this lighthouse one of the most Torquay and Formby had amalgamated Devonport and the Mersey District easily recognised in Australia into the estuary town of Devonport, during the late nineteenth century as and a common focal point for the lighthouse was connected to town a river port, the site and its surrounds passengers on the ferry traversing water. Connection to town amenities is also home to many significant sites Bass Strait. is an unusual feature in lighthouses, of the Tasmanian Aboriginals, from which are usually self-sustaining middens, to tea-tree living grounds. Completed in 1889, the Mersey Bluff structures erected in remote areas. Lighthouse was constructed of locally A series of petroglyphs—images made bricks mounted on a plinth of The lighthouse’s original kerosene- created by carving into a rock solid basalt. fuelled lamp was converted to surface—also adorn the rocks around
41 Working Boats May 2020 Navigation
the bluff and are thought to have held cultural significance for people in the past. The petroglyphs, which continue to draw visitors, include carvings of abalone, crayfish, periwinkles, an emu and a seal.
The site’s popularity as a tourist attraction is also due to other natural drawcards including an extensive range of wildlife, Indigenous plant foods and weaving materials, beaches and the attractions of the impressive Mersey River.
Apology: Working Boats Issue 10, January 2020, p 32 Mersey Bluff Lighthouse: Bert and Albert Robinson – Image supplied by Devonport Image credit: Photograph by Paul Van Den Boom Regional Gallery, Robinson Collection
A S R A NO INATE NOW
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Australian Search and Rescue Awards.
Help us recognise outstanding contributions to search and rescue in Australia.
N
N Community
Peter York, Jason York, Dennis Sten, Dave Phillipson, Mallacoota, VIC Mallacoota, VIC Darwin Waterfront, NT South Island, NZ
‘Use common sense ‘Maintain your boats. ‘Be safe and respect others ‘Electronic aids are well and and obey the rules.’ Oil and grease are cheap— on the water. Remember if good, but remember that engines and boats are not.’ you can’t save yourself, your best navigational tool you can’t save others.’ is your Mark 1 eyeball!’
What’s the one piece of safety advice you would pass on to the next generation?
We asked some of the people we interviewed in this edition what key piece of safety advice they would share to the younger generation. Here’s what they said…
Darryl Burns, Ben Belling, Mark Raff, John Minehan, Mallacoota, VIC Port Lincoln, SA Southport, QLD Mallacoota, VIC
‘Maintain your situational ‘Be aware of your ‘Being a responsible person ‘Avoid complacency. In this awareness, have an surroundings, pay attention on a boat starts with the industry, the moment you appreciation of what’s and don’t be complacent. skipper and crew, who must think nothing is going to going on in the landscape That applies to every be across all regulations. happen, you really need to be and the risks.’ industry.’ Once the safety boundaries vigilant and always strive for have been communicated, improvement in the way you everyone can be responsible operate and the systems you for upholding them.’ use. That’s part and parcel of what we’re trying to do— continually improve the way we do things.’
43 Working Boats May 2020 Community
Community events
This summer, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, we went to Tunarama in South Australia, the Hawkesbury River festival in New South Wales and a host of other locations across Queensland, offering safety management system workshops.
With events cancelled or postponed over the next few months, we will be relying on our virtual communities through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
We look forward to getting back on the event trail to continue meeting our valuable stakeholders in person.
Working Boats May 2020 44 Are you ready to head out on the water