Message from the CEO

In the first half of 2011, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has completed many key projects, with several others due for completion in the coming months. Furthermore, we continue to work closely with our national and international maritime colleagues on a variety of cooperation initiatives.

On 1 July, Minister Albanese announced the government’s package of measures to strengthen protection of the Great Barrier Reef. These measures will improve maritime safety and protect the marine environment for one of Australia’s most precious environmental assets. You can read more about these measures in this edition’s feature article.

In June, I led the Australian delegation to the 106th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. During this session I had the pleasure of congratulating the new IMO Secretary-General elect, Mr Koji Sekimizu from Japan. As members of the IMO Council, Australia and Japan work closely together to further maritime cooperation not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but also internationally. In March this year, officers from AMSA’s Maritime Operations Division took part in a port State control (PSC) exchange program with Japan. The exchange (detailed in this edition of Aboard) is carried out under the Asia-Pacific Memorandum of Understanding on PSC.

In the past few months AMSA has been involved in several other key events and initiatives designed to enhance regional cooperation in the maritime sector. In May we hosted a Regional Dialogue on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in Cairns. This event was highly successful and resulted in the Australian Government signing an Accord with leaders of the International Labour Organization and IMO, identifying areas of cooperative action to achieve widespread and rapid ratification of the MLC in the region. At this event AMSA also signed two Memoranda of Understanding with Papua New Guinea (PNG) to promote mutual cooperation on marine pollution preparedness and response and improve marine safety.

The following month, the Australian Government hosted the Fourth Pacific Regional Maritime Search and Rescue workshop in Cairns. This regional cooperation initiative is designed to improve search and rescue capability in the Pacific region. In addition, our Community Liaison Officer on Thursday Island, Adrian Davidson, recently joined an Australian delegation to PNG where he took part in community consultations and provided safety education training. You can read more about these initiatives in this edition of Aboard.

On the Regulatory Affairs and Reform front, our projects are progressing well with Phase One of the National System for Commercial Vessel Safety consultation process commencing on 28 June. This consultation aims to make details of the proposed regulatory framework available to as many industry and community stakeholders as possible, plus capture feedback through workshops and formal submissions.

Our Marine Surveyors have also been very busy with 23,500 arrivals at Australian ports by 4668 individual foreign Flag ships in the 2010-11 financial year. In the 2010 calendar year alone, our 42 Marine Surveyors conducted 3127 port State control inspections at 58 ports around the country.

Our Marine Environment Division is currently conducting a review of the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances and National Maritime Emergency Response Arrangements. The review is taking into account recommendations arising from the incident reports for both the Pacific Adventurer and Montara Wellhead incidents, as well as a number of recommendations of the Montara Commission of Inquiry.

With these projects, and many others, our 21st anniversary year is turning out to be one of our busiest.

In October, we will be hosting our 21st Anniversary Charity Ball at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. We hope you can join us in celebrating this milestone, recognising the significant contribution of the maritime sector.

Graham Peachey

Government announces measures to strengthen the protection of the Great Barrier Reef

The Australian Government has introduced a number of measures to strengthen the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Following advice from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), these measures will improve maritime safety and protect the marine environment for one of Australia’s most precious environmental assets.

These measures include:

• The extension of the coverage of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS). In a joint initiative with the Queensland Government, the mandatory ship reporting system (REEFREP), requiring transiting ships to provide a position report, has been extended to the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from 1 July 2011 (see following article). This extension resulted from the Australian Government’s successful proposal to the International Maritime Organization in 2010.

• A revision of the regulation for coastal pilotage, Marine Orders Part 54, came into force on 1 July 2011. This strengthens measures to enhance safety, including an increased emphasis on safety management plans and fatigue management.

• The enhancement of aids to navigation in the Great Barrier Reef with a major refurbishment of North Reef Lighthouse including the installation of vessel tracking and voice communications equipment, completed in June 2011. The refurbishment is detailed later on in this edition.

• The implementation of an under keel clearance management system for the restricted waters of the Torres Strait. This AMSA-managed system identifies and monitors safe times and speeds for transit through Torres Strait to ensure a sufficient amount of water remains under the ship’s keel at all times.

• A review of the offences under the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 and the Navigation Act 1912 is currently underway, with a view to toughening the penalties for breaches.

• The establishment of a Great Barrier Reef Shipping Management Group, with membership from AMSA, Maritime Safety Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport. This group, established in late 2010, is tasked with monitoring effectiveness of current measures to enhance maritime safety and protection of the Great Barrier Reef and assessing risks posed by future traffic growth and recommending mitigation measures to deal with those risks.

In a ceremony on 1 July at the REEFVTS Centre in Townsville, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, outlined these protection measures. Minister Albanese also joined the Hon. Craig Wallace MP, Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure, in launching the extension of proactive monitoring and surveillance of transiting ships to the southern boundary of the Marine Park.

“From today, the International Maritime Organization requires all large vessels transiting through the Park, including those carrying oil, chemicals or liquefied gas, to regularly report their location and route to authorities.

“Our aim here is simple: to deter shipping companies and their crews from engaging in unsafe and irresponsible actions at sea, particularly near our environmentally sensitive marine ecosystems,” Minister Albanese said.

Minister Wallace said he’s proud this important protection for the Reef is headquartered in Townsville.

“With many economically vital mineral and gas export projects being developed adjacent to this very sensitive marine environment, the completion of this project will boost protection for the Reef.

“Since 2004, the REEFVTS has kept a close watch on vessels from the Torres Strait to almost 100 kilometres south of Mackay. 

“From today, that watchful eye extends further south to cover the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” Minister Wallace said.

To view the ministers’ joint media statement, click here.

To view a timeline of Reef protection measures, click here.

Top - Inside the REEFVTS Centre, Townsville.

Second from top - (L-R) The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, the Hon. Craig Wallace MP and Mr Leo M. Zussino (AMSA Chairman and CEO, Gladstone Ports Corporation) unveil the REEFVTS extension commemorative poster and plaque.

Third from top - The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP speaks at the launch of the REEFVTS extension.

Fourth from top - The Hon. Craig Wallace MP speaks at the launch of the REEFVTS extension.

Bottom - REEFVTS Centre, Townsville.

REEFVTS extension

The key changes for the extension of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait mandatory ship reporting system (REEFREP), and the core monitoring and surveillance component – the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS), include:

• amendments to legislation – Marine Orders Part 56 REEFREP to reflect the new area
• additional ship reporting points within the new area
• new and amended hydrographic charts are available – updated AUS 4620 and AUS 4621 and new AUS 4635 and AUS 490
• additional infrastructure and monitoring sensors – including AIS and VHF along with extended satellite-based position reporting
• development of computer-based tools to monitor transits and assist in identifying situations where a vessel may be deviating from a standard route
• revised REEFVTS User Guide.

In conjunction with the extension, the VHF communications frequencies were reviewed and rationalised to VHF Channels 11 and 14. These alternate through the REEFVTS area based on latitude.

More information on the changes implemented can be found here.

The aim of REEFVTS is to:

• enhance navigational safety in Torres Strait and the inner route of the Great Barrier Reef by interacting with shipping to provide information on potential traffic conflicts and other navigational information
• minimise the risk of maritime accident and consequential ship-sourced pollution and damage to the marine environment
• provide an ability to respond quickly in the event of any safety or pollution incident.

REEFVTS provides essential and timely information to assist the onboard decision making process. This is achieved by maintaining a traffic image of ships transiting the area and providing information such as: position, identity and intentions of other traffic; weather; hazards; and other factors that may influence a ship’s transit. REEFVTS can also initiate interactions with individual ships in circumstances where information suggests a ship may be deviating from a recommended route and in danger of running aground.

The introduction of REEFVTS has resulted in significantly reducing the number of groundings in this sensitive area from one per year between 1997 and 2003, to only one incident between the years 2004 and 2009.  It has also been estimated that the assistance to ships approaching shallow waters has successfully averted groundings on at least six occasions.

North Reef Lighthouse refurbishment

Major repairs and refurbishment have recently been completed to the heritage-listed North Reef Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located approximately 100 kilometres north east of Gladstone, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (refer to map).

North Reef Lighthouse was built in 1878 by Walker and Company of Maryborough on a coral reef and is significant as a rare example of a lighthouse incorporating a residence at the base of the tower. 

It was a major achievement in Australian lighthouse construction. A cast iron cylinder 13 metres in diameter and 4.5 metres tall was inserted in the sand, resting on the coral. Inside the cylinder, concrete was poured to form a hollow base for the tower and quarters. The hollow base served as a water tank, fed by fresh water from the roof of the quarters. The 24-metre tower and lightkeeper’s quarters were constructed of timber sheathed in galvanised iron. 

North Reef was de-manned in 1977 and the light was converted to solar operation in 1987.
The lighthouse is situated in a very aggressive marine environment and, through a combination of gradual deterioration and significant failures to some structural components, was due for a major refurbishment. 

The extensive scope of the refurbishment/repair works included:

• corrosion repairs to the lantern room and tower cladding
• removal and replacement of asbestos roofing, external cladding and internal wall lining of the lightkeeper’s quarters
• removal of lead-based paints and the application of internal and external coating systems
• foundation stabilisation and steel caisson repairs.

Following an open tender process the refurbishment works were undertaken by MAGER Constructions, a north Queensland-based company, which spent a total of eight months on-site.

Some of the particular challenges encountered in this project included environmental constraints, remoteness, site access, and removal of hazardous materials.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) consulted closely with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service regarding the environmental aspects of the project. As an example, these agencies provided recommendations on the vessel and barge access routes across the reef, management of hazardous materials, and turtle and bird nesting, including a resident pair of sea eagles.

One of the environmental control measures implemented by the contractor was a turtle barrier fence established prior to nesting season to stop the turtles nesting in the work site and being disturbed or injured. The removal of lead-based paints and asbestos wall lining also required extensive occupational health and safety measures to be established on-site.

Another important aspect of the project was the reinstatement of the rotating 17 nautical mile light beacon, radar beacon and the installation of Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Maritime Safety Queensland’s VHF radio communications equipment in the lighthouse. 

This equipment installation was essential to the extension of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS), which became operational on 1 July 2011. 

A consequence of the additional electrical loads on-site was an upgrade of the solar power supply. All equipment installation and electrical work was undertaken by AMSA’s maintenance contractor, Australian Maritime Systems Ltd.

Join us in celebrating our 21st Anniversary

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will mark its 21st Anniversary in October 2011, having been created by the Act which received Royal Assent in October 1990. Given the significance of this milestone, and to acknowledge the contribution made by the maritime sector during AMSA's 21 year history, AMSA will host a Charity Ball on Friday, 21 October 2011.

AMSA’s 21st Anniversary Charity Ball will be a formal occasion, held at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and will serve to recognise the dedication of key Australian seafarer welfare organisations with all tickets purchased including a contribution to Mission to Seafarers Australia, the Australian Mariners’ Welfare Society and Apostleship of the Sea Australia.

The evening will provide an excellent opportunity for networking and reminiscing with colleagues and friends who have helped form part of AMSA’s history, so join with us in celebrating this special occasion at our 21st Anniversary Charity Ball.
 
Tickets are available for purchase either individually or as tables of 10.  To purchase your ticket(s), click here or for more information contact events@amsa.gov.au.

Mr Koji Sekimizu elected as the next Secretary-General of the IMO

The 106th session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elected Mr Koji Sekimizu from Japan as the next Secretary-General of the IMO from 1 January 2012 for a four-year term.

The election, which took place in London on 28 June, was contested by six candidates, an unprecedented number of nominees. The other candidates were Mr Lee Sik Chai (Republic of Korea), Mr Andreas Chrysostomou (Republic of Cyprus), Mr Neil Frank Ferrer (Republic of the Philippines), Mr Jeffrey Lantz (United States of America) and Mr Esteban Pacha Vicente (Kingdom of Spain).

After his election, Mr Graham Peachey, Australian Maritime Safety Authority Chief Executive Officer, congratulated Mr Sekimizu on his success and pledged Australia’s full support during his tenure.

The Secretary-General elect is well-known and respected among the IMO Member States. He is currently Director of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Division.

Mr Sekimizu studied marine engineering and naval architecture and joined the Ministry of Transport of Japan in 1977, working initially as a ship inspector and moving on to senior positions in both maritime safety and environment related positions within the Ministry. He began attending IMO meetings as part of the Japanese delegation in 1980 and joined the IMO Secretariat in 1989, initially as Technical Officer, Sub-Division for Technology, Maritime Safety Division, becoming Head, Technology Section in 1992. He then moved on to become Senior Deputy Director, Marine Environment Division in 1997 and Director of that Division in 2000, before moving to his current position in 2004.

Mr Sekimizu’s appointment will be approved by the 169 IMO Member States when they meet at Assembly in November 2011.

The new Secretary-General assumes the position with ample opportunity to demonstrate his international leadership and reform skills. The development of a regulatory regime for greenhouse gas emissions from shipping is just one of the high profile international policy issues that will need to be resolved during his term.

Top: IMO Secretary-General elect, Mr Koji Sekimizu.
Bottom: (L-R) Mr Brad Groves, General Manager Maritime Standards Division, AMSA; Mr Koji Sekimizu, IMO Secretary-General elect; Mr Graham Peachey, Chief Executive Officer, AMSA; Ms Nicole Cosgrove, Principal Policy Adviser, AMSA; and Mr Anthony Hogan, Australia's Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO.

National System industry consultations

Phase One of the National System for Commercial Vessel Safety consultation process is currently underway, with the first consultation session being held in Sydney on 28 June. This consultation aims to make details of the proposed regulatory framework available to as many industry and community stakeholders as possible, plus capture feedback through workshops and formal submissions received via the National System consultation website.

The workshops will comprise over 20 round-table discussions with state and national stakeholder advisory groups whose membership has been selected by state and territory maritime authorities.

Following these workshops, consultation open days will run in metropolitan areas. This will be an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the proposed National System and share their views and comments. There will be several information stands and Australian Maritime Safety Authority officers in attendance to discuss and answer questions regarding the various elements of the new system.

Upcoming consultation dates:

For further information on venues and times go to www.amsa.gov.au and follow the link to the National System for Commercial Vessel Safety.

Changing face of the shipping industry

The 2010-11 financial year delivered a significantly different profile for the shipping industry serving the Australian trades, as recent launchings (following the increase in orders for new ships during the second half of the last decade) have taken over from many older ships.

In the 2010-11 financial year, there were 23,500 arrivals at Australian ports by 4668 individual foreign Flag ships – increases of 3.9 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively. In other words, the number of ships grew more than the number of port arrivals, indicating greater rates of turnover for this fleet. Approximately 40 per cent of the ships which visited Australia in 2010-11 did not participate in these trades in the previous year, and nearly 29 per cent made only a single visit in the year.

The fleet turnover is emphasised by the significant rise in ships less than 3 years old – up from 15 per cent of the visiting fleet in 2009-10 to nearly 25 per cent in 2010-11. This change has reduced the average age of these ships – now 8.1 years compared to 9.4 years in 2009-10.

Bulk carriers continue to dominate, accounting for 64 per cent of the fleet, although their operating patterns meant that they represented only 43 per cent of port visits. Activity by oil tankers and container ships grew strongly in the year, up by 22 per cent and 11 per cent respectively.

Brisbane remained the busiest port in terms of arrivals with 8 per cent growth in the 2010-11 financial year, although the second busiest, Melbourne, increased activity by more than 12 per cent. This fleet used 79 ports in total, although the top 20 ports accounted for 85 per cent of all activity.

Port State control activities in 2010

In 2010, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) 42 Marine Surveyors (working out of 15 offices), conducted 3127 PSC inspections at 58 different ports, issued 7488 deficiencies and detained 222 ships. From those inspections, the Marine Surveyors then conducted a further 1179 follow-up inspections, of 890 individual ships, to ensure corrective actions were taken.

The detention rate in 2010 was 7.1 per cent compared with 8.3 per cent in 2009. Similarly the deficiency rate (average number of deficiences per inspection) reduced from 3.0 in 2009 to 2.4 in 2010. Both are positive indicators of shipping performance.

Although AMSA inspection targeting is based on detailed risk calculations, thus allowing appropriate use of Marine Surveyor resources, AMSA conducted more inspections in 2010 than 2009 (3127 compared to 2994). Of the calculated high-risk ships, AMSA Marine Surveyors inspected 94 per cent of eligible ships.

In all, 4598 individual ships made over 23,000 port visits in the year. The data reflects increasing ship numbers, increasing port visits and increasing average gross tonnage of ships visiting in 2010, compared to 2009. AMSA predicts continued growth in the next decade and beyond, particularly in Queensland and north west Western Australia.

To view previous PSC Annual Reports, click here. Once finalised, the 2010 PSC Annual Report will also be available on this page.

10 year summary of inspections, detentions and deficiency rate

AMSA attends the 89th session of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee

New arrangements for lifeboat hooks were agreed at the 89th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) meeting following years of work by Member States, including significant work by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The Australian delegation, led by Mr Brad Groves, AMSA General Manager Maritime Standards Division, strongly supported their acceptance and entry into force from 1 January 2013.

Member States also agreed on the circulation of Guidelines to shipowners, ship operators and shipmasters on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel. Australia’s interests in this issue were represented by officers from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport's Office of Transport Security – Mr Steve Dreezer, Ms Kelly Edwards and Ms Pia Bedford.

Mr Neil Frank Ferrer (Philippines) stood down as MSC Chairman and was succeeded by Mr Christian Breinholt (Denmark). Mr Ferrer received a standing ovation from Member States in appreciation of his efforts. Captain Muhammad Segar (Singapore) was elected as Vice-Chair.

Brad Groves chaired the working group which developed new terms of reference for the Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW) sub-committee and the drafting of circulars for clarification of the implementation of the 2010 Manila Amendments. Australia also participated in working groups on maritime security and piracy, and capacity building needs analysis.

During the second meeting week, Australia hosted a reception to introduce Australia’s permanent representatives to the IMO, HE Mr John Dauth AO LVO, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and Mr Anthony Hogan. The event was attended by 400 delegates and was very well received.

Other issues agreed during the MSC included Australian co-sponsored papers on issues including:

• establishment of a formal group to regularly update the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
• the transfer of human element considerations to the STW sub-committee and agreement for the sub-committee to follow-up Manila Amendment actions
• maintenance of flag States’ rights of exclusive governance over work performed on their behalf by classification societies
• agreement to explore measures to prevent loss of containers overboard.

Along with regional Member States, AMSA was briefed by the IMO Technical Cooperation Division on plans to hold a ferry safety workshop in the Asia region, pending sponsorship and finalisation of funding, with the possibility of a similar project in the Pacific Island region.

Top: (Front row L-R) Ms Kelly Edwards, OTS; Mr Anthony Hogan, Australia's Alternate Permanent Representative to the IMO; Mr Brad Groves, AMSA. (Back row L-R) Mr Steve Dreezer, OTS; Ms Pia Bedford, OTS; and Ms Nicole Cosgrove, AMSA.

Middle: Mr Neil Frank Ferrer, outgoing MSC Chairman and Mr Brad Groves, AMSA.

Bottom: An example of a lifeboat hook.

Successful regional dialogue on the Maritime Labour Convention

The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) hosted the ‘Asia-Pacific – A Regional Dialogue on the Maritime Labour Convention’ conference in Cairns from 3-6 May.

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006 is an emerging international global maritime priority, setting minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship including conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering, occupational health and safety protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection.

The conference was opened by Mr Graham Peachey, AMSA Chief Executive Officer, who welcomed maritime regulators, shipowners, the International Transport Workers' Federation, seafarer welfare organisations, shipping agents and classification societies from 20 Asia-Pacific nations, noting that over 60 per cent of the world’s seafarers are from the region.

On 4 May, Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO) spoke about the critical importance of the Asia-Pacific region to deliver decent working conditions and a level playing field in a global industry. Dr Doumbia-Henry advised that the MLC was likely to be ratified in 2011 and come into effect 12 months later.

In his keynote address, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport described the MLC as the ‘fourth pillar’ of international shipping regulation, complementing the major maritime conventions on ship safety, environmental protection and seafarer training. He advised that Australia was a step closer to ratifying the MLC.

During the conference Minister Albanese signed an Accord with leaders of the ILO and International Maritime Organization (IMO), identifying areas of cooperative action to achieve rapid and widespread ratification and effective implementation of the MLC within the region.

The conference explored a range of issues associated with the complexities of ratification and implementation of the MLC and how various nations were dealing with these issues. Participants reported that the sharing of information was a highlight of the conference.

The conference agreed to an action plan which consisted of developing a regional internet-based mechanism for sharing and exchanging information; investigating options to raise awareness amongst relevant stakeholders; and exploring resourcing options with donor agencies, regional and international organisations and others for cooperative training programs.

Top: MLC Regional Dialogue delegates with Mr Graham Peachey, Chief Executive Officer, AMSA; Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department, ILO; and the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Middle: Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department, ILO and the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Bottom: Mr Graham Peachey, Chief Executive Officer, AMSA and the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Following on from the regional dialogue on the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, the MLC continues to be pursued in Australia by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations. The Bill to make the required amendments to the Navigation Act 1912 was presented in the House of Representatives in June and, after consideration by the House of Representatives Committee, is scheduled to be further considered by the House of Representatives in the first week of July.

The MLC is widely promoted by the Australian shipping industry and unions. AMSA has actively participated in the creation of the Bill and, in so doing, has appeared before the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties and the House of Representatives Committee.

AMSA is now pursuing training for its Marine Surveyors to ensure they can undertake the new port State control (PSC) functions of the MLC. Two AMSA Marine Surveyors are undergoing training by the International Labour Organization. These two surveyors will join with another trained surveyor to provide AMSA-specific training to the remaining 39 Marine Surveyors. AMSA will commence this process later this year when it conducts its routine surveyor workshops. The MLC, and its related PSC functions, are vitally important in ensuring the welfare of all seafarers in Australian waters.

Australia and Papua New Guinea sign maritime cooperation agreements

In May, Australia and Papua New Guinea signed two agreements at the Maritime Labour Convention Regional Dialogue in Cairns.

The first agreement promotes mutual cooperation on marine pollution preparedness and response. In the event of a marine pollution incident, each maritime authority can request assistance from the other authority and take all reasonable efforts to provide vessel and aerial assets, equipment, materials and personnel to respond to a pollution incident. Each authority has also undertaken to consult on a range of matters pertinent to pollution of the marine environment by oil and hazardous and noxious substances.

The second agreement concerns cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea on improved marine safety. This agreement forms an annex to a broader agreement between the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea on Cooperation in the Transport Sector signed on 5 November 2010. Activities under the annex include a search and rescue (SAR) needs and gap analysis; joint casualty management and oil spill exercise; ship survey and inspection; navigational needs analyses; and governance and regulatory measures to ensure improved compliance with newly developed legislation and standards.

The agreements were signed by Mr Graham Peachey, Australian Maritime Safety Authority Chief Executive Officer and Captain Nurur Rahman, Executive Manager - Maritime Operations Branch, PNG National Maritime Safety Authority (pictured).

AusAID will consider funding projects under the agreement up until 30 June 2013 to a maximum of A$1 million for each financial year. The first project proposal to be submitted to the committee overseeing the agreement includes a needs and gap analysis to assess the Papua New Guinea SAR system against international standards (Conventions and International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual policy and procedures).

Montara Commission of Inquiry

The Report of the Montara Commission of Inquiry was released by the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism on 24 November 2010. On 25 May 2011, the Minister released the government’s final response to the report, accepting 92 recommendations, noting 10 and not accepting 3 due to them being technically inappropriate. The government response was developed by an inter-departmental committee comprising all key government agencies, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

Chapter six of the report is titled “Environmental Response” and is of most relevance to AMSA. This chapter includes 15 recommendations, with implementation of nine recommendations requiring some level of AMSA involvement, either directly or by providing input to other agencies. 

AMSA will continue to work with the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) and other key stakeholders to implement the accepted recommendations, with this work expected to commence during the second half of 2011.  

Recommendations which will involve AMSA include:

• the development of an incident management and coordination framework for dealing with incidents involving the offshore industry, to be led by RET
• a government review of all Commonwealth legislation applicable to the marine and offshore petroleum environment to strengthen legislative frameworks to ensure a comprehensive, consistent approach to the regulation of petroleum activities in Commonwealth waters
• operational issues relating to the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances (National Plan), including the need to clarify roles and responsibilities, improving arrangements for the provision of environmental advice, recognising the importance of prompt implementation of scientific monitoring, assessing the risks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration, exploring the state of readiness of equipment and resources in the context of the future expansion of the petroleum industry, and the need for an improved sub-surface monitoring capability
• reviewing National Plan funding arrangements to ensure that the costs associated with both preparedness and response capability are equitably shared between the shipping and offshore petroleum activities.

One of the key overall outcomes of the Montara Inquiry will be the establishment of a single national regulator, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), as the regulator for all offshore petroleum activities beyond three nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline. NOPSEMA will assume responsibility for environmental approvals, including Oil Spill Contingency Plans under the applicable legislation.

AMSA will work with NOPSEMA to develop agreed arrangements to review Oil Spill Contingency Plans. The procedural framework supporting the agreed arrangements will be developed by RET and AMSA in consultation with the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

National Plan/NMERA review

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has commenced a review of the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances (National Plan) and National Maritime Emergency Response Arrangements (NMERA). The review is taking into account recommendations arising from the incident reports for both the Pacific Adventurer and Montara Wellhead incidents, as well as a number of recommendations of the Montara Commission of Inquiry.

Third party contractors have been engaged to undertake a risk assessment and review to determine if current arrangements are adequate to provide an effective response to marine casualties and pollution of the sea by oil and chemicals, and where deficiencies are identified, make recommendations to rectify them. A contract for the Assessment of Risk has been awarded to Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This project is being managed by DNV’s London office. A contract for a National Plan/NMERA review has been awarded to Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) and Thompson Clarke Shipping (TCS). PB and TCS have experienced project teams, each with a comprehensive knowledge of the National Plan. This project is being managed by PB's Newcastle office.

The review is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

A draft report of the risk assessment was circulated to National Plan stakeholders during May, and considered by a Strategic Stakeholder Group meeting in Canberra on 13 May. The meeting identified a number of areas where further work was required, including the need for additional data on expected growth in offshore drilling operations and shipping activity in a number of Australian ports and coastal areas, further work on the toxicity of marine diesel and examination of the methodology used in the calculation of clean up costs.

PB and TCS have now completed the consultation phase of the project. This has involved around 100 National Plan stakeholders, including all states, the Northern Territory and several key international organisations. Input has been provided to PB and TCS through a series of one-on-one and working group/committee meetings, structured telephone interviews and written questionnaires. A summary of key themes identified during the consultations was presented to the Strategic Stakeholder Group on 17 June, following which the preparation of the report has commenced.

Port State control exchange program with Japan

In March, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) Maritime Operations Division took part in a port State control (PSC) exchange program with Japan. This exchange is carried out under the Asia-Pacific Memorandum of Understanding on PSC (Tokyo MOU) of which AMSA is a member.

In Japan, the PSC is an office within the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and has a strong Civil Service ethos. All functions are handled by separate offices, such as PSC, flag State control, qualifications, environment, and small boats.

In total there are 134 PSC officers (PSCOs) in 44 locations throughout Japan. The number of inspections has averaged 5000 per year over the past seven years with a detention rate of 4.5 per cent. This compares with approximately 3000 inspections in Australia by 42 Marine Surveyors.

The Yokohama PSC office is located within the Maritime Bureau of the Kanto District Transport Bureau of the Ministry and there are four offices which report to the Yokohama PSC office. In all, there are 21 PSCOs in those five offices.

When John White, AMSA's Cairns-based Marine Surveyor, visited the port of Yokohama as part of the exchange program, most of his time was spent accompanying Japanese PSCOs while they conducted inspections on ships. Following the inspections, data was entered directly into the Tokyo MOU database and the Asia Pacific Computerized Information System, and the findings were discussed. In Japan, inspections are conducted by a minimum of two PSCOs, in accordance with Tokyo MOU guidelines.  

As part of the exchange, a visit was also arranged to a marine life raft servicing facility and to the Mitsubishi repair yard in Yokohama, where there was great interest shown in AMSA’s inspection database, SHIPSYS, how it is applied, and the differentiation between initial and detailed inspections.

The Sendai earthquake occurred on the last day of the visit but only slight structural damage was reported in the area.

AMSA conducts training in Ho Chi Minh City

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s port State control (PSC) training of 11 Vinamarine PSC officers (PSCOs) was conducted over five days in May. This included three days of classroom theory sessions covering International Maritime Organization statutory regulations and practical PSC inspection regime.

The fourth day was spent onboard the Vietnamese flagged ship Phuong Mai Star where the PSCOs conducted a flag State inspection of this general cargo ship.

The final day involved a thorough debrief on the outcomes of the inspection and how its deficiencies should be written inline with International Maritime Organization, Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding and Vinamarine policies.

After final ceremonies with Vinamarine Directors and the certificate presentation, AMSA officers spent time answering informal shipping-related questions and talked about life in Australian ports for PSCOs.

The course was organised and conducted with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs' Manila office. The Australian Consular General, based in Ho Chi Minh City, attended the closing dinner.

Port Hedland expanding rapidly

Over the past 12 months Port Hedland has experienced substantial growth in the number of vessels visiting the port with three new berths opening to cater for this growth.

The expansion consists of two berths for BHP Billiton (BHPB) accepting cape size vessels, and one multi-user berth for Port Hedland Port Authority (PHPA) at Utah Point to service the smaller miners and accommodate vessels up to mini cape size.

China’s increasing demand for iron ore has seen an increase in wharf expansion projects being undertaken. BHPB and Fortescue Metal Group (FMG) currently have wharf construction underway.

BHPB is increasing capacity with two ore wharves at Nelson Point, while FMG has commenced expansion plans on three additional wharves for Anderson Point (refer to table below for completion timeframes).

In April, BHPB announced a project for an outer harbour wharf off Finucane Island which is due to commence in 2014.

Port Hedland’s estimated export tonnage for the financial year ending 30 June 2011 equals 193 million tonnes. This was achieved from 12 berths, namely six BHPB berths, two FMG berths and four PHPA berths.

Port Hedland’s inner harbour developments are expected to be complete by 2014. Estimated export tonnage at this time is said to be 450 million tonnes. This will be achieved by utilising 20 berths which consist of eight BHPB berths, four or five FMG berths, two Roy Hill berths, five PHPA berths and 1100 metres of shallow draft berths.

After 2014 outer harbour development will begin, which will see the commencement of finger wharf development.

Port Hedland Development 2011-2015+

AMSA assists with PNG consultations and safety education

On 20 July Mr Adrian Davidson, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Community Liaison Officer - Thursday Island, joined an Australian Delegation visiting the island of Daru in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and surrounding Torres Strait Treaty villages. 

The delegation – comprised of representatives from AMSA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service – was assisted by their respective PNG counterparts including the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA). 

The purpose of the visit was to consult with residents of the South Fly Region on various treaty-related issues including the safety of small vessels involved in cross-border traditional visits to Australian islands. The safety focus aligns with a number of the priority actions of the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program (TSMSP) however, this is the first time that AMSA has been able to have discussions and provide education and assistance on the ground in the PNG Western province. 

As well as a meeting in Daru with the respective village chairmen, community meetings were held in the villages of Sui, Parama, Katatai, Kadawa and Ture Ture. These meetings were an opportunity to hear first hand from residents the issues affecting them and to discuss ways that both the PNG government and relevant Australian organisations could provide assistance. Of particular concern to many villagers was the inability for them to purchase basic safety equipment due to both financial constraints and lack of availability in the region. Discussions are continuing with private and government stakeholders in the area to identify ways of solving these issues. 

The community visits were also a forum for basic safety talks as well as distribution of materials produced by the TSMSP and NMSA relating to PNG small vessel operations. The talks were well received and audiences were keen to discuss where they felt they could improve the safety of small boats in their region. A large number of small craft, both powered, canoe and sail are operating in the region and, as the majority of people rely on small boat transport for work and trade purposes, the consultations and education were of particular relevance.

Arrangements are in place for further safety education visits by AMSA and NMSA later this year.

Top: Mr Ulea Waroi, NMSA, addresses a community meeting in Sui Village.

Middle: Mr Adrian Davidson, AMSA, addresses a community meeting in Katatai Village.

Bottom: Mr Adrian Davidson, AMSA, distributes educational materials in Sui Village.

Improving search and rescue in the Pacific region

Australia hosted the Fourth Pacific Regional Maritime Search and Rescue workshop in Cairns last month. This regional cooperation initiative is designed to improve search and rescue capability in the Pacific region.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Fiji-based Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in alignment with the objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO funded the participants from Pacific Island countries.

Australia regularly contributes its technical expertise to search and rescue in the south-west Pacific through technical cooperation programs managed by AMSA.

In his opening address at the workshop, Mr Graham Peachey, AMSA Chief Executive Officer, explained the search and rescue situation in the region.

“The Pacific region is one that presents unique challenges, with a high volume of maritime traffic in a vast and sparsely populated environment,” Mr Peachey said.

Saving lives at sea can be a difficult and costly mission for search and rescue authorities, especially those in the Pacific Island countries and territories. With the increase in cruise ship visits to the region over the years, search and rescue authorities need to be prepared for potential mass rescue operations.

Mr Bruce Tweed, Ship Safety and Audit Adviser at SPC’s Economic Development Division, emphasised the importance of search and rescue preparedness and training in the region.

“Education, training, and preparation are the best means to reduce injury, loss of life, damage to the environment, and the economic impacts of maritime and aviation emergencies. It is with these goals in mind that we move forward,” Mr Tweed said.

A highlight of the workshop was a live search and rescue demonstration (pictured) which took place on 9 June near Mission Bay. It involved local Australian Volunteer Coast Guard units, AMSA’s Cairns-based dedicated search and rescue Dornier aircraft and other local Cairns units.

This is the fourth search and rescue workshop SPC has organised with support from IMO and its partners in AMSA, the United States Coast Guard, French Navy and Maritime New Zealand.

Beacon registrations in 2011

As at 17 June, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) 406 MHz distress beacon register contained more than 201,695 registered distress beacons – EPIRBs, PLBs and ELTs. The registration rate remains strong at an average of 3300 per month, however AMSA expects this rate to reduce during the winter months.

The 406 team remains busy responding to many inquiries which can vary from updating registration details, issuing registration stickers, processing change of ownership and beacon disposal details, to providing general advice on beacon models and how the search and rescue system operates. The team averages approximately 200-300 phone calls per day, which are currently dominated by callers updating registration details or ordering replacement registration stickers. 

To register your 406 MHz distress beacon; update your registration details; order a registration sticker; or to notify of a sold, lost, stolen or destroyed beacon visit www.amsa.gov.au/beacons or phone 1800 406 406.

In addition to the registering of distress beacons, the 406 team is also responsible for allocating Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers to Australian vessels and coast stations. MMSI numbers are required for various platform types which may have the following equipment fitted – VHF DSC, handheld VHF DSC, HF DSC or AIS.  Since June 2010 AMSA has allocated a total of 1407 MMSI numbers. To read more about MMSI numbers, or to apply, visit www.amsa.gov.au/mmsi.

• EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons used in ships and boats
• ELT – Emergency Locator Transmitters used in aircraft
• PLB – Personal Locator Beacons for personal use by bushwalkers, four-wheel drivers, other adventurers on land, people working in remote areas, and boat and air crew.

International Offshore Petroleum Regulators and Operators Summit for Perth

The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism will host the International Offshore Petroleum Regulators and Operators Summit in Perth on 10-11 August 2011.

The Summit will focus on how the Montara and Gulf of Mexico's Macondo oil spill incidents have driven changes in the offshore petroleum industry.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP, Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism. Mr Graham Peachey, Australian Maritime Safety Authority Chief Executive Officer, will also address the Summit.

For more information, click here.

Developing our professionals’ leadership skills

Strong, competent leadership is a critical element in achieving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's (AMSA) objectives and priorities. In the short to medium term, AMSA is focusing on the growth of its leaders.

To achieve this, AMSA has introduced a Professional Leadership Program aimed at its key middle management group. The first program commenced in December 2010 with 16 participants drawn from AMSA’s offices around Australia. These participants will graduate in August 2011 with a Diploma of Government (Management). 

Participants undertake five practical modules as well as work in teams to complete a project incorporating all elements of the program. The projects have been included in the program to serve a number of purposes, including:

• to incorporate a level of challenge and practical application into the program
• to build a model for collaborative leadership
• to progress key issues of strategic importance for AMSA.

A popular feature of the program was the residential course in March. Participants worked with the project sponsors on scoping their projects and commenced the project plan, as well as completed the first module of the Professional Leadership Program.

A second cohort will commence their program in October 2011, which will run until March 2012.