One week after an emergency marine event unfolded off the coast, south of Sydney, a multiagency training exercise occurred on Friday, 15 July in Port Kembla involving the State’s leading marine emergency responders.
Port Authority of NSW CEO Captain Philip Holliday said the annual training exercise, led by Port Authority and NSW Ports, was an essential part of ensuring all agencies are prepared to respond when needed, to protect people and the marine environment in the event of an incident.
“All the key players who are integral to ensuring the best possible outcomes when an incident occurs on or near our waters participate in this annual exercise,” Captain Holliday said.
“NSW Ports, Port Kembla Coal Terminal, NSW Fire & Rescue (HAZMAT), NSW Ambulance, NSW Police, EPA and Port Authority of NSW will all take part with other agencies and stakeholders present as observers – so there will be lots of action in and around Port Kembla today, but there’s no need for alarm.
“The successful multiagency response to MV Portland Bay’s call for assistance is testament to the value of these training days for all agencies – it just really allows all involved to work through the complexities of difficult and dangerous emergency responses.”
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said recent events had demonstrated the value and importance of a strong, coordinated maritime response to emergency incidents.
“This exercise provides an opportunity to work alongside our maritime and emergency service colleagues to test operational responses,” she said.
“It’s critical that these simulations are carried out regularly and comprise different scenarios to best ensure our systems and processes remain fit for purpose.”
Captain Holliday said training exercises were conducted in each or Port Authority’s major ports annually. They commence at 8.30am and are completed by 1.30pm.
