Maritime incident response experts to test their skills with on-water training scenario this week

[mrsswordfisherman]

23 SEPTEMBER 2019

 

Maritime incident response experts to test their skills with on-water training scenario this week

 

NSW Maritime marine incident response experts from around the State will gather tomorrow and Wednesday for a marine pollution training exercise at Greenwell Point, Nowra.

 NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said NSW Maritime staff would hone their specialist skills during an on-water fictional exercise which would include the use and deployment of specialist equipment.

 “The first day of the course will take place at the NSW Maritime office in Nowra, followed by a practical exercise on Wednesday from 11am to 3pm which will involve a scenario at Greenwell Point, and include the use of two types of oil spill containment booms, skimmers and storage tanks,” Mr Hutchings said.

 “The course will focus on NSW Maritime’s responsibilities as a combat agency. 

 “The training will provide the opportunity for experts to rehearse what could happen in real life, and respond quickly in the event of a marine pollution incident in NSW waters.

 “Spills involving marine oil and chemicals can occur at any time along the NSW coast and in ports or estuaries, and it is important for staff to have the confidence to know what to do and which equipment to deploy without hesitation.

“When it comes to a real-life marine pollution scenario, staff need to have the ability to work together with other stakeholders and get the job done as quickly as possible.

“It will test equipment and operational procedures in deployment, operation and recovery of marine pollution response equipment and the deployment of a first-strike response plan,” Mr Hutchings said.

 It will also include Emergency Management Arrangements and the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies.

 For pollution which appears to be coming from marine oil and chemical spills, contact should be made with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

 To report oil and chemical spills in inland waters contact Fire and Rescue NSW.