How to prepare a marine disaster plan
How to prepare a marine disaster plan
The possible disaster scenarios are so variable and numerous, that it would be impossible to devise an exact response plan for every conceivable disaster incident.
Therefore, a disaster plan should not dictate the response as such, but ensure that correct and comprehensive information is available for the vessels master, and the local Search and Rescue authorities.
A disaster plan for inshore shipping includes:
- a comprehensive description of a vessel
- what the vessels is
- what her capabilities are
- how many persons she is carrying
- a full communication list for the vessel herself
- details of the owners or operators ashore.
In addition the plan itemises what resources are available and how they can be contacted in the event they are required to assist the vessel, should a disaster occur.
An appendix usually also explains Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), who they are and what their responsibilities are.
Who needs a disaster plan?
Every vessel needs one and some vessels are required by law to have them.
In mid-1999 Maritime New Zealand issued a rule requiring every commercial vessel capable of carrying 50 or more passengers to develop and keep a disaster plan.
A sensible requirement for those legally required to have them was to develop the plan in consultation with the Police and Maritime New Zealand.
Who is responsible for a maritime disaster response?
The one person who has the ultimate legal responsibility for the initial response and preparedness is the vessels own master/skipper.
This responsibility should not be treated or taken lightly.
The master/skipper of a vessel, any vessel, of any size, and regardless of whether or not it is for recreational or commercial purposes has the lives of his passengers, and often many other persons, in their hands.
Any action or inaction by a master/skipper which results in the injury or death of any person may well result in criminal charges - even manslaughter.
The master/skipper of the vessel is responsible for ensuring that the vessel is prepared adequately and appropriately for any and every voyage.
The owner bears a similar and parallel responsibility and can also be held to account their actions or lack of action.
Marine disasters are no accident. Almost invariably they are the consequence of a chain of events. The removal of any one link will prevent the disaster occurring or at least mitigate the outcome. A well prepared good disaster plan will be the very last link in that chain and the only chance to ensure that a bad day [your disaster] does not get worse simply because of a lack of planning.
Remember this plan should be a living document:
- Don't just prepare it and put it away.
- Keep updating the information to ensure that it is always current.
- Remember Murphy's Law - the worst possible thing will always occur at the worst possible time when you are least prepared for it.
- Keep copies both on the vessel and ashore.
Search and Rescue operations are classified as follows:
|
Class 1 search |
A SAR operation carried out efficiently and effectively by New Zealand Police alone. |
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Class 2 search |
A SAR operation in which the New Zealand Police obtain assistance from other organisations or persons, but in which the control of and responsibility for, the operation remains at all times with New Zealand Police. |
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Class 3 search |
Means searches other than class 1 or class 2 searches, being: All searches associated with activated emergency location transmitters and, All searches associated with missing or distressed aircraft, and Search and rescue operations, including those for missing or distressed surface vessels or aircraft. Requiring the use of all national and international civil and/or military resources. Or co-ordination with other states, controlled from Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), and Search and Rescue operations began as Class 1 or Class 2 and reclassified. |
Close inshore rescues
Maritime New Zealand and New Zealand Police are assisted by local organised groups throughout New Zealand to provide voluntary, advisory, and operational assistance.
Rescue Coordination Center New Zealand (RCCNZ)
The 24 hour emergency telephone number for Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand is 0508 472 269.
RCCNZ is staffed by a team of Search and Rescue Officers who provide coverage 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
RCCNZ is responsible for initiating, co-ordinating and terminating Class 3 search and rescue operations around New Zealand. Its area of responsibility stretches from the mid-Tasman sea to halfway to Chile, and from Antarctica almost to the Equator, and includes Niue, Tonga, Samoa, Tokelau and the Cook Islands.
Search and Rescue Officers determine the area to be searched and then plan the search strategy, alongside and in consultation with specialist Police, aviation, defence force, marine and land search and rescue advisors.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) is located in Avalon, Lower Hutt, Wellington and is managed by Maritime New Zealand.
