Dept of Consumer & Employment Protection

Media Statement

Westcentre 1260 Hay Street West Perth WA P.O. Box 294 West Perth WA 6872

Telephone: (08) 9327 8777 Facsimile: (08) 9321 8973 (TTY): (08) 9327 8838

E-mail: safety@worksafe.wa.gov.au Internet: www.safetyline.wa.gov.au

November 17 2003

CYCLONE CONTINGENCY PLANS A MUST

WorkSafe has warned fishing vessel owners and operators to ensure they have contingency plans established and in operation for the cyclone season.

WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Nina Lyhne said today that although the WA coast had not been threatened by a cyclone so far this season, owners and operators must be prepared now.

“It is absolutely essential that all persons involved with vessels know what to do when there is a cyclone in the area,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Under WA’s occupational safety and health laws, owners of commercial vessels are required to have adequate plans to protect crews in the event of a cyclone.

“Owners and skippers must provide adequate plans and training for their crews in order to avoid a repeat of the tragic deaths of seven people during Cyclone Bobby back in 1995.”

Following Cyclone Bobby, WorkSafe and the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) embarked on an education and enforcement program to prevent boating tragedies during cyclones.

WAFIC developed a contingency plan which can be used by owners and skippers to develop their own individual plans.

In addition, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has implemented cyclone contingency plans for its regional boat harbours at Point Samson (Johns Creek), Onslow (Beadon Creek), Exmouth and Carnarvon.

Harbour users are given a summary of the area’s contingency plan which includes maps showing the locations of mooring points, contact telephone numbers for key local authorities, radio frequencies and call signs, tidal surge information, cyclone guidelines and an overview of the full local cyclone plan for the facility.

The summaries – which are designed to be displayed in a prominent position on the vessel – are available free of charge from the Department’s offices at Carnarvon, Exmouth, Karratha and Broome, or on the Department for Planning and Infrastructure’s website at www.dpi.wa.gov.au.

WorkSafe recommends that a cyclone plan cover such areas as:

Technical information on cyclone classifications, warning terminology, marine forecasts and how warnings and forecasts are delivered;
A list of sheltered anchorages and information on how to use them;
Specific action for the vessel, depending on the distance from the cyclone and safe havens;
Details on contact with the shore; and
Crew training in cyclone procedures.

Owners must ensure that all vessels have a copy of the cyclone plan, that skippers are aware of the procedures and that all crew are trained in the plan.

Skippers have a responsibility to ensure all instruments are maintained, all radio broadcasts are monitored and that someone else on the vessel is also able to follow the requirements of the plan.

Crew must also ensure that they are familiar with the plan and follow all instructions given by the skipper when a cyclone is in the vicinity.

A cyclone plan must be activated as soon as a cyclone warning is issued, with the vessel seeking anchorage or shelter at least 24 hours before the impact of the cyclone, and staying at least 200 nautical miles from the eye of the cyclone.

“Owners and skippers should not leave anything to chance when a cyclone is threatening,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Everyone involved – owners, skippers and crew – must make sure safe work practices are in place well before a cyclone is in their vicinity.

“It is entirely possible that a tropical low could right now be developing into a cyclone with the potential to do tremendous damage, both on the land and to vessels at sea.”

Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney on 9327 8744 or 0408 927563.