The exercise also involved personnel from the Rescue Coordination Centre and was an opportunity to share information and strengthen ties between the maritime agencies.
The exercise scenario revolved around a cargo ship suffering engine failure following an explosion on board and a person falling overboard and needing to be rescued. The Haixun 01 was then tasked by the RCC to respond, using its helicopter to rescue the person who fell overboard and tow the ship into port.
The Haixun 01 is 128.6 metres in length, has a maximum sailing distance of 18,520km without refueling and can accommodate up to 200 people rescued at sea. The vessel is also fitted with equipment to offer basic treatment and surgery to injured persons, has a helipad and helicopter, and is able to tow and put out fires on ships.
Managed by the China MSA, the Haixun 01 was officially put into service in April this year and is the first Chinese patrol vessel to simultaneously incorporate marine inspection and rescue functions.
The Haixun 01 leaves Australia this weekend after spending 4 days in Cairns for APHoMSA.
The ship’s visit to Australia is part of a 62 day voyage to which will also take in Indonesia, Malaysia and Burma. The ship left Shanghai on 10 June and Australia is its first stop.
A special ceremony on 22 June 2013 was held at Garden Island to welcome the Haxiun 01 crew with plaques presented to the MSA and certificates signed by AMSA’s CEO Graham Peachey and MSA Director-General Xu Guoyi to mark the occasion