Welcome to the latest edition of AMSA Aboard !

Re – election to International Maritime Organization

Australia has retained its seat on the governing body of the international organisation charged with lifting safety standards in the shipping industry and protecting the world’s oceans from marine pollution.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) met for their biennium Assembly in London this past week, 23 – 27 November. At this meeting its 169 member states elected the Council that will lead the organisation for the next two years. Australia again secured enough support to be re-elected to retain its seat on the Council.

AMSA Chief Executive Officer Mr Graham Peachey, the head of the Australian delegation, said Australia continues to show strong leadership needed to contribute to the Council.

Mr Peachey again praised Australia’s various maritime agencies and industry for their willingness and cooperative approach to meeting Australia’s international obligations to the IMO.

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Chairman's Message

On behalf of the AMSA Board of Directors, I wish to thank each of you for your passion and dedication towards achieving the goals of AMSA during 2009.

This has been a challenging year on many fronts and in every case your professionalism and commitment has shown through.

The Board has been preparing a long term strategic plan for AMSA with the assistance of the senior executive team.  Our 2015 Strategic Plan and our 15 Year Strategic Vision will help ensure AMSA not only has a clear direction and focus, but that is also has the resources to successfully fulfill its charter.

The Board looks forward to working with you as our organization grows in strength and stature.

May you have a very happy and holy Christmas and every best wish for 2010

 

Leo Zussino
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Message from the CEO

It has been an extremely busy few months across the whole of AMSA since the last edition of Aboard. Firstly, as most of you will be aware, we have been involved in coordinating the clean-up response to the leak from the Montara well head platform in the Timor Sea since it occurred on 21 August. During the operation a significant number of assets and people from across industry and government have contributed to this complex and protracted operation under sometimes extreme conditions. Our work has drawn international attention, as a clean-up operation of this kind utilising containment and recovery techniques so far off-shore is highly unusual.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from industry and government who has and is continuing to work on this incident.  The commitment and support to the clean-up response has been exceptional. There are a number of outcomes to be learned from such a large scale incident and in the coming months an incident analysis will be conducted and a report generated.  AMSA will also contribute to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism’s Commission of Inquiry, recently announced by Minister Ferguson.

Since our last edition of AMSA Aboard, AMSA has also relocated its head office to a new building in Canberra. The building meets eco green standards with a rating of a 4.5 star Australian Greenhouse Building Rating, and provides sufficient space for all Canberra-based staff to be located within the one building.

It is with great regret we also say goodbye to Deputy CEO-Maritime Standards Division, Gary Prosser just before Christmas as he heads off to become the new Secretary-General of IALA in Paris. Gary will be greatly missed at AMSA, however, we wish him every success in his new role.

We are completing an incredibly busy year on a high note with Australia’s re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council on 27 November. I led the Australian Delegation to the 26th Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 23 November to 2 December. 

Australia was once again successfully elected to the 40 member governing Council representing the interests of the 169 member States of the IMO.  This election was tightly contested – and likely to get more competitive in future years. It is evident that we will need to continue to implement a comprehensive strategy to maintain support from all Member States. 

With much of the work to develop the regulatory regime for greenhouse gas emissions from shipping likely to be carried out by the IMO – our continued participation and profile is critical.  Our representation of not only Australia’s interests, but also common interests of our Pacific neighbours is also important.

Fortunately Australia enjoys a very good reputation in the IMO – largely as a result of our participation in all the major committees and sub-committees of the IMO.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all AMSA officers who regularly attend those meetings – where the real technical work of the organisation is carried out – for their professional, personable and highly respected manner in which they represent Australia’s interests.  Our good standing is built on each of their efforts.

Minister Albanese and Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner addressed the Assembly and were both well received.

The respect with which we are held in this forum was reflected in the Assembly’s nomination of me to Chair one of the two committees which debates the issues and resolutions before being endorsed by Assembly.  Chairing a meeting which included representatives from all 169 Member States as well as around 70 non-governmental and intergovernmental organisations – particularly when discussing contentious issues such as increases to the 2010-11 budget – is a daunting task. 

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find considerable satisfaction in facilitating consensus among members with diverse and often conflicting interests.  The rest of the Australian team has warned me not to get too used to the formal address, acclamation and speeches of thanks from the Assembly for my role – although ringing the presidential ships bell at the end of each session was a highlight. 

Our Australian team made several interventions on major issues before the Assembly including supporting the institutionalisation of the Voluntary Member State Audit Scheme, supporting the budget enabling additional work of the IMO under its strategic plan, and increased focus on the IMO’s Technical Cooperation work in the Pacific Region.  We also held several meetings in the margins regarding closer coordination with the Technical Cooperation fund and APHoMSA, which is showing great promise to support the momentum of the outcomes of the June meeting.

Finally I would like to wish all of you a very safe and happy holiday season.  A busy year has seen AMSA rise to challenges and continue to move forward as an organisation. I thank both stakeholders and staff for their efforts this year. We look forward to 2010, where we hope to share many more stories with you all.




Graham Peachey
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Montara Well Head Platform Incident

On 21 August, AMSA was advised that the Montara well head platform, located 250km from the West Australian coastline had been evacuated due to an uncontrolled oil leak.  Within 15 minutes of notification, AMSA had mobilised people and equipment to assist in any necessary response.  The National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances was activated and so began a period of intense activity for AMSA, coordinating the clean-up response to an unprecedented incident. AMSA’s priority for the clean-up was to keep the majority of the oil within the vicinity of the platform to mitigate risk to the environment by preventing the oil from impacting shorelines and marine parks. This has been a cooperative effort by Federal, State and Territory Governments and industry and has highlighted the ability of agencies to work together under extreme duress.

The approach to the clean-up coordinated by AMSA was that the response would always be proportionate to the incident.   Daily observation flights with trained observers on board informed response operations and forward planning. Initially the use of dispersant applied by aircraft was the best way to combat the type of fresh oil being released from the platform. Once the initial slick was manageable, surface vessels were used to apply dispersant in a more targeted manner. This approach was then supplemented by the use of containment and recovery vessels to recover patches of heavy oil using booms and skimmers. The mostly benign weather and a calm sea state allowed the use of this method in an offshore location, something that has not been done previously.  

While work continued from the incident control room in Darwin, so did daily inter-departmental meetings between AMSA, the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Prime Minister and Cabinet. These meetings allowed for a whole of government approach, providing input for strategic, tactical and operational planning.

Over the duration of the incident:

  • Some 17 vessels and 9 aircraft have been utilised;
  • There has been over 300 people working off-shore in the area of operations and at support bases at Truscott in WA and Darwin in NT;
  • Some 845,000 litres of product (oil/water mix) were recovered during the containment operations of which an estimated 493,000 litres is oil; and
  • Some 162,000 litres of dispersant were used.
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AMSA sponsors inaugural Seafarer Welfare Award

At the 14th Annual Lloyd’s List DCN Australian and Shipping Awards Dinner 2009 held at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel in Sydney on Thursday 26th November, Paul MacGillivray from Maritime Operations Division presented the Seafarer Welfare Award to Sydney Bethel Union. 

AMSA sponsored the inaugural Seafarer Welfare Award this year and guests on the AMSA table included former Federal Transport Minister, the Hon. Peter Morris and Reverend Ian Porter from Mission to Seafarers’, Central Sydney. 

You can read more about other category winners at: www.lloydslistdcnawards.com.au

 

Photos:

  • Paul MacGillivary presents the award to Graham Lightfoot, Chairman of the Sydney Bethel Union.
  • Rev Ian Porter congratulates the award recipient, Graham Lightfoot.
  • Reverend Ian Porter with Former Transport Minister, the Hon. Peter Morris.
  • Dave Penny, Manager, Maritime Operations Division, East, Carl Alexander, Marine Surveyor, Maritime Operations Division and Paul Macgillivray, Project Manager, Maritime Operations Division
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AMSA Head Office Moves to New Location

AMSA's Head Office has now moved to its new location at 82 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon.
Besides the change to our physical address, all other contact details remain the same.

Our new address is:

82 Northbourne Avenue
Braddon, ACT 2612

All contact details can be found at www.amsa.gov.au.

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Gary Prosser says Farewell

Deputy Chief Executive Officer-Maritime Standards Division, Mr Gary Prosser will leave AMSA in December to undertake the next part of his career as the Secretary-General of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in Paris, France in the new year.

While IALA is very lucky to be gaining Gary as their new Secretary General, AMSA is very sorry to see Gary go. 

Gary is leaving AMSA during a high level of intensity both at an operational level and at a time where our activities have been highlighted through increased media coverage.

The Montara wellhead platform leak in the Timor Sea has been a unique situation for AMSA and the longevity of the incident has been a challenge for the organisation.   Gary’s role as Pollution Controller under the National Plan was also unusual as events of this type usually revert to a State or Territory authority.  For AMSA to remain as lead agency from start to finish is a great credit to both the organisation and the leadership team. 

Gary has over 30 years experience in the maritime industry and there is no doubt his experiences both recent and past within AMSA will hold him in good stead for his role within IALA. 

Gary joined AMSA in 1997 as Manager-Ship Operations.  In 2001 he was appointed as Manager-Navigation Safety and in 2004 was promoted to General Manager-Maritime Standards and is currently Deputy Chief Executive Officer- Maritime Standards Division.  Gary regularly heads the Australian delegation to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization and additionally represents Australia at the IALA Council.

During his time at AMSA, Gary has made a substantial contribution to the organisation and has in many ways, shaped the way it looks today.  He was instrumental in the outsourcing of Navigation Aids maintenance and in the sale of the light tender ship Cape Grafton.

He has worked diligently on the difficult task of extension of pilotage carriage requirements in the Torres Strait and the setting up of the National Marine Emergency Response and emergency towage arrangements.

There is no doubt Gary’s considerable accomplishment across the maritime world played a significant part in his selection as the new Secretary-General of IALA.  It is a well deserved appointment and all of AMSA offer their congratulations and best for his future.

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AMSA Moves on Putting T2T into MO 3

AMSA has embarked upon a review of Marine Order Part 3 - Seagoing Qualifications (MO 3) to incorporate the concepts of what has become known as the ‘Tinny to Tanker’ plan (or T2T).  The primary objective is to create workable career paths for Australian seafarers from the smaller near-coastal vessels and ratings to unlimited masters and chief engineers.

There has been significant consultation along the way to date with industry road-shows around the country, a T2T website and individual briefings with numerous maritime stakeholder bodies.  Indications from this consultation process have been overwhelmingly in favour of the introduction of AMSA MO 3 certificates.

In developing the experience requirements for the new certificates, AMSA has been mindful of the work undertaken by the National Maritime Safety Committee (NMSC) and the State and NT jurisdictions in 2008.  In addition, AMSA has critically reviewed the requirements for experience and seagoing service and has optimised these wherever possible. 

Under the revised MO 3 AMSA will use the Australian Qualifications Framework Transport Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) Maritime Training Package (MTP) as the educational backbone of a seafarer’s career.  As seafarers progress through the various levels of the MTP and gain seagoing experience and other pre-requisites, they will become eligible for increasingly higher certificates.  AMSA will audit the approved Registered Training Organisations to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained.

The intended new certificate structure contains several entry points, and also allows for a number of cross-over points to facilitate transitions between streams and between the near-coastal and unlimited sections.  This means improved career progression opportunities for seafarers.

The new certificates will be STCW and STCW-F compliant through the flexibilities allowed in those international conventions.  The intent is that they will be valid nationally, within any state or territory, in accordance with COAG requirements.

The new certificates are intended to support safety by aligning with internationally agreed standards of training, experience and certification.  Care will be taken to ensure that experience gained will be of an appropriate standard and this will be supported through the use of log books and training record books.

Vessel sizes and operating areas are to be rationalised such that there will be a level of consistency across Australia.

In the short to medium term AMSA’s new certificate structure will sit alongside the existing state and NT certificate structures – effectively providing an alternative.  This will allow time to develop and refine transitional arrangements for the next step - a single national maritime safety regulator. During the transitional period state and NT certificate holders will be able to retain and use their qualifications.

A raft of options and procedural measures will be in place to cater for all those willing to make the transition to an AMSA certificate.  Details about transitional arrangements will be made available at the same time as the new draft MO 3 is issued for industry consultation.

Apart from extensive consultation with stakeholders and industry experts, and the review of MO 3, AMSA is working on the support mechanisms to ensure that T2T is implemented as smoothly as possible.  This involves engaging training organisations to discuss training needs for the smaller vessel courses and the new approach to certification, developing the assessment strategies for the near-coastal certificates and creating transitional arrangements to ensure a fair and smooth introduction of a one-size-fits-all national approach to commercial maritime seafarer certification.

Information on the T2T plan that is being fed into MO 3 can be found on AMSA’s website at:

www.amsa.gov.au/T2T.

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Registered Training Organisation Forum

Over 65 Registered Training Organisations (RTO) and State marine authority representatives attended the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday 13 November to hear the latest information on the revised Marine Orders Part 3 (aka the 'Tinny to Tanker' initiative – T2T) and its impact on training organisations.

Following a welcome address by Mick Kinley, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Operations Division, presentations were given by AMSA staff on topics such as: a T2T overview, RTO audits and the approval process, lecturer qualifications, guidance notes for near-coastal certificate courses, the Maritime Training Package, Seagoing Training and Record of Service, T2T systems development, administrative procedures and the fee structure.

Each session was followed by a question and answer period that provided an opportunity for attendees to gain more knowledge about the T2T initiative and for AMSA to take on board any concerns raised.

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Single National Jurisdiction

AMSA’s involvement in the Government's maritime reform agenda continues to be a very high priority. There are two primary issues of concern for AMSA: the creation of a single national jurisdiction for the regulation of commercial shipping (with AMSA as the national regulator); and the rewrite of the Navigation Act.

Progress has been steady on this work and AMSA is currently immersed in consultations with the jurisdictions identifying who will have responsibility for certain areas under the new arrangements.

The timetable is tight and the Government hopes to be in a position, by mid 2010, to have the arrangements agreed with the jurisdictions, the associated National Partnership Agreement settled and drafting instructions for the Navagation Act rewrite well under way.

In order to meet the deadlines and to ensure AMSA is able to be fully engaged in these matters the AMSA Board has agreed to appoint a dedicated implementation team, lead by Mr John Fladun, who will begin with AMSA on Monday, 7 December 2009.

John is currently a General Manager in the Food Standards Authority where he is also the Authority's General Counsel.  He brings with him an in depth knowledge and experience in Commonwealth/State relations as well as a deep understanding of national regulatory arrangements at the Commonwealth level.  His General Counsel experience will also prove invaluable in steering through the rewrite of the Navigation Act.

A Steering Committee will also be established to oversight this maritime reform work.  It will comprise Ms Lyn O'Connell, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and AMSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graham Peachey.

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Annual Report 2008 - 2009

AMSA's Annual Report for 2008-2009 was tabled in Parliament on 29 October.

The Report details AMSA’s achievements as an organisation during the 2008 - 2009 financial year, covering a wide range of topics.

If you would like a copy of the Annual Report please contact public.relations@amsa.gov.au or phone 02 6279 5098.

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AMSA hosts IMO Standards of Training and Watchkeeping Stakeholder Meeting

On Thursday 12 November AMSA’s Ship Safety section hosted a meeting with interested stakeholders in Canberra.  Organisations represented included training providers, Australian Shipowners Association, Ports Australia, Unions, the National Maritime Safety Committee and the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council.

The aim of the meeting was to discuss the work of the of IMO’s STW sub-committee, and in particular the comprehensive review of the Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeepers Convention and Code (STCW).  The review of this convention is progressing well at IMO and is due to be complete by way of a diplomatic conference in Manila in June 2010. 

Information was shared on the work of STW and the group's input was able to be collated to assist the development of the Australian delegation brief for STW 41, which is to be held in early January 2010.

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Spillcon 2010

Preparations for AMSA’s next major conference Spillcon 2010 are now underway. Spillcon 2010 forms part of a tripartite arrangement between Europe, United States and the Asia Pacific Region.

While proudly organised by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP), Australia's key government and industry agencies responsible for Australia's marine environmental protection arrangements, Spillcon 2010 is also supported by Marine Safety Victoria and the Port of Melbourne Corporation. 

Spillcon 2010 will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne from 12 – 16 April 2010. The registration period for the conference will open in early 2010 with exhibition and sponsorship opportunities already available. For more information on Spillcon 2010 please visit www.spillcon.com.

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Facelift for www.amsa.gov.au

AMSA has now launched its new look website. The refreshed website will allow for easier navigation and greater interaction by our stakeholders and other general users.

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AMSA continues to promote the "Switch to 406"

AMSA’s involvement in boat shows across the country have wound up for another year. AMSA’s presence at these shows allows the community to engage with our distress beacon experts and Search and Rescue Officers who are able to share their knowledge and field questions face-to-face.


The main message still being conveyed at these shows is the “Switch to 406” and the importance of proper registration and disposal of distress beacons – whether they are being used for activities at sea, in the air or on land.

As the awareness and take-up of digital 406 MHz distress beacons continues to rise, the Australian Distress Beacon Register now contains the registration details of some 135,200 distress beacons. AMSA will now focus its attention on promoting the advantages of GPS-equipped 406 MHz beacons which provide much more accurate positioning to rescue authorities.

It’s also a timely reminder as the warmer month’s approach, along with the festive season, that those undertaking outdoor pursuits such as boating, four-wheel driving, and bushwalking should carry a registered 406 MHz distress beacon.
It’s almost a year since the international satellite that detected analogue 121.5 MHz distress beacons was switched off. New regulations relating to the use of an old 121.5 MHz beacon will come into effect from 1 February 2010. From this date, the use of analogue beacons will be illegal and anyone found using one may face fines or prosecution. For more information, visit www.acma.gov.au.


To view AMSA’s latest collaboration with Fishing Australia, promoting the switch to 406 MHz message click here.

For more information on distress beacons visit www.amsa.gov.au/beacons.
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Visit from the CEO of Korean Register of Shipping

The Chairman and CEO of Korean Register of Shipping (KR), Mr Oh Kong-gyon, along with other KR representatives visited AMSA on Monday, 12 October.

Representatives met with AMSA's Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Maritime Standards Division, Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Maritime Operations Division and Manager - Ship Safety to discuss a range of matters including the current industry environment, Port State Control and arrangements that are being put in place for KR to be recognised by AMSA to conduct statutory functions on our behalf.

In the afternoon Mr Yoon Sung-ho, General Manager - Sydney Branch, and Mr Shin Jeong-do, General Manager - Convention and Legislation, met with MSD and MOD staff to discuss the details of an audit of the Sydney office by AMSA for this recognition. KR will be the eigth Classification Society recognised by AMSA on a successful outcome from the audit.

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Cooperative Forum on the Safety of Navigation

AMSA recently attended the annual series of working group meetings and annual Cooperative Forum on the Safety of Navigation in the Straits of Malacca in Singapore. The meetings, held in October, were hosted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The Forum is part of a cooperative mechanism that provides a framework for cooperation between littoral states (Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia) and user States to promote navigation safety and environmental protection of the vital shipping lanes of the Straits.

The meetings included a two day workshop covering a range of projects including Aids to Navigation, Pilotage, Emergency Towage, Casualties, Traffic Management, Collision Regulations, Automated Identification System (AIS), and Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) incident management, followed by a two day gathering of the cooperative forum.

Australia's participation in previous projects, that have included an AIS trial and work on the HNS databank, was recognised in a ceremony officiated by Singapore's Transport Minister.
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12th Meeting of the Indian Ocean MOU on Port State Control

The 12th meeting of the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) on Port State Control was held in Sana’a, Yemen between 5-8 October. The meeting was attended by Yemen, Tanzania, South Africa, Mauritius, Kenya, France, Sri Lanka, India and Australia.

All papers presented by AMSA were accepted and the meeting dealt with numerous issues aimed at further improving the work and status of the IOMOU.

Other important issues included election of a new Chairman and Secretary. Fortunately the current Secretary, Mr Ganguli from India, agreed to a further term whilst Australia leads a working group to define the criteria and mechanism to recruit a new secretary. A new Chairman was elected from Kenya which is also where the next meeting will be held.

 

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Australian Search and Rescue Award Winners 2009

The Chairman and members of the National Australian Search and Rescue Council were delighted to announce the recipients for this year’s Australian Search and Rescue Award - Mr Richard and Mrs Rae Thorp of Capel, Western Australia.

Nominations for the Australian Search and Rescue Award are considered annually by the National Search and Rescue Council with the award given for 'Outstanding Contribution to Search and Rescue' within the Australian region.

The Council is comprised of representatives of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Defence Force and Police Services from across all States and Territories.

Past recipients of this prestigious award have included aero-medical helicopter crews and members of the State Police forces. Recipients must have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in their field. Acts of courage by individuals and rescues of fellow sailors in distress have also been recognised by the Award with nominees all having made a significant contribution to Australia's search and rescue capability or to the saving of a human life. 

The Thorps have been running Australian Citizens Radio Monitors Base for 22 years, a service that is a completely self-funded volunteer operation. Their home base monitors 27 MHz and Marine VHF radios covering a very extensive and busy part of the South Western corner of Western Australia.

With Richard a recreational boating member and CB Radio enthusiast, their operation began when it was highlighted to Richard that there was a need for boat operators to call a contact while out on the water. This prompted Richard and Rae to start up ACRM base in Capel.

They now have over 700 vessels registered who log on and off with them whenever they hit the waters. Richard and Rae advise Water Police of any mishaps or overdue vessels.

Nominations for the Austrailan Search and Rescue Award are called for by 31 July each year and voting is concluded in early October.  If you would like to nominate an individual, group or organisation for the Austrailan Search and Rescue Award, please contact the Council Secretary at natsar@amsa.gov.au.
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AMSA Workshop on Australian COP & NWEA Guidelines

An AMSA workshop was held at the Fremantle Sailing Club on 8 October.

The workshop’s aim was to investigate the feasibility of replacing the existing 'Australian Offshore Support Vessel Code of Safe Working Practice' (Australian CoP)  (which was first adopted in 1997 and subsequently reviewed in 2002), with the 'North West European Guidelines for the Safe Management of Offshore Supply and Rig Moving Operations' (NWEA Guidelines).  

The workshop participants showed a good level of support for the adoption of the NWEA Guidelines as a replacement document for the Australian CoP.

The workshop representatives included offshore support vessel operators, petroleum industry, maritime unions, Seacare, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority and the Australian Shipowners Association.
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Ships and Sea Tales

Former AMSA Manager of Ship Operations & Qualifications, Mr John Briggs, can now add author to his list of accomplishments.

John has written a book on his tales at sea and experiences within the maritime industry following his long and interesting career.

To find out more about his book The World is My Ocean you can visit www.shipsandseatales.com.

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Shanghai International Maritime Forum

During September AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graham Peachey, was invited to speak at the Shanghai International Maritime Forum (hosted by China Maritime Safety Administration) with the theme 'The Responsibilities and Challenges of Marine Environment Protection'.

Presentations were provided by the IMO, OCIMF/Intertanko, The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, Oil Spill Response and East Asia Response Ltd and administrations including China, Korea, UK, US, Germany and Australia. AMSA's presentation provided an Australian perspective on current marine environment issues.

Other presentations of note included China MSA's presentation on environment protection and response arrangements and the Ship Recycling Convention; Maritime and Coastguard Agency U.K.'s presentation on HNS preparedness; and the Korean presentation on the Hebei Spirit response.
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Wasted Resources Due to Inappropriate Beacon Disposal

On 24 October AMSA’s Rescue Coordination Centre Australia (RCC) responded to a distress beacon signal in Maryborough, Queensland. The RCC tasked the Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service to investigate. The crew reported hearing a distress signal approximately 20 nautical miles south of Maryborough and eventually narrowed the source to an area of schools, ovals and churches.

The helicopter requested the RCC to coordinate a police car to attend the area to assist with their ground search, using homing equipment. Police advised the crew they had recently retrieved an active 121.5MHz beacon in the area and it could have been be the offending item. To confirm these reports the helicopter crew moved to the identified area.

After arriving on scene, the helicopter crew picked up further distress beacon signals. Using ground direction finding equipment, they isolated the source to a commercial facility. At the facility they located a total of 16 outdated 121.5MHz beacons which had been disposed of inappropriately. Additionally a number of them had been maliciously activated.

After correctly turning off these distress beacons and not hearing any further signals the crew returned to the helicopter for the planned flight back to Maroochydore. Before doing this the RCC asked they undertake a further fly-over of Maryborough to ensure no additional beacons were active. On getting airborne the crew again heard another beacon, landed, and with the assistance of the police, located the 18th and final maliciously activated distress beacon.

AMSA reminds people that the malicious activation of a distress beacon is a criminal offence and from 1 February 2010, offenders may be prosecuted and fined.

It also serves as a timely reminder that people should dispose of old outdated distress beacons responsibly and appropriately. This can be done free of charge at any Battery World outlet.
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