A multi incident management team consisting of staff members from NSW Roads and Maritime Services, Port Authority of NSW and NSW Police came together in Eden for a hands-on maritime pollution training exercise this week.
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The statewide multi agency response team meets once a year along the coast line for a fictional training exercise. The scenarios are mainly related to marine, oil and chemical incidents.
NSW Roads and Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said this type of regular testing of potential scenarios "is key to maintaining and improving skills in preparation for any significant pollution event in NSW waters".
The scenario for this year's meeting was a fictional oil spill off the coast at Twofold Bay. The team were given 42-72 hours to respond.
NSW Maritime senior emergency planning officer Alex Hamilton said although the incident was of low probability, exercises such as these ensure the expert team are prepared in any case.
"We have a responsibility to be prepared. An incident of this kind has a high consequence. There are many stake-holders involved including environment, community, commercial and corporate. It's vital to ensure a well co-ordinated streamlined response."
The first part of the training was the desk top component held at the Eden Fisherman's Club on Tuesday, May 8. Team members were introduced to new incident management software.
"The generic software is used and recognised by a number of agencies. Through this part of the training we are building up familiarity with the system and ensuring the team is able to use the equipment effectively," Officer Hamilton said.
Part two of the training was the field deployment exercise. Teams were sent out along the coastline as far as Wonboyn prioritising the protection of water ways and creeks.
"As well as the cleaning of beaches a priority would be to determine how to stop the oil going into creeks, there are a large number of creeks between Eden and the Cape Howe Wilderness area," Officer Hamilton said.
Team members from Eden include Eden Water Police Sergeant Steven Judd, Marine Area Command Officer Steven Winslow, NSW Roads and Maritime Services Adam Russell and NSW Port Authority Harbour Master Paul Webster.
To report pollution from a vessel on the water, contact Roads and Maritime on 13 12 36 with as many details as possible including vessel name, registration number, time and place of the incident and the kind of pollution to help with the investigation.
For pollution which appears to be coming from a marina or land-based facilities, contact should be made with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) or local council.
