PPA PORT CYCLONE PROCEDURE PORT OF PORT HEDLAND

Transcription

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS DISTRIBUTION LIST PREFACE INTRODUCTION SCOPE OBJECTIVES PURPOSE RESPONSIBILITIES THE PLAN HARBOUR MASTER PORT USERS SHIP S MASTERS PILOTS PORT HEDLAND VTS MOORING OWNERS TOWN OF PORT HEDLAND GENERAL PRE-SEASON CYCLONE SEASON (1 NOVEMBER 30 APRIL) CYCLONE THREAT ASSESSMENT CRITERIA RESPONSE STAGES STAGE 1: MONITOR STAGE 2: PREPARE STAGE 3: CLEAR PORT STAGE 4: SHUTDOWN STAGE 5: RE-OPEN EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PROCESS OWNER...14 APPENDIX 1: GENERAL CYCLONE INFORMATION...15 APPENDIX 2: CONTACT AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS...15 APPENDIX 3: SHIPS MASTERS PORT PROCEDURE CARD...17 A Page 1 of 17

2 DOCUMENT AMENDMENT TABLE Version Prepared By Date Amendment 6 Marine Operations Administrator 6.1 Marine Operations Administrator 7 Shipping Superintendent 8 Marine Operations Administrator Minor Amendments Updated emergency contact Minor amendments Minor amendments made by Marine team, MOM position removed from document Contact details checked with amendments A Page 2 of 17

3 DISTRIBUTION LIST No. Holder Organisation (Alphabetical Order) 1 Operations Allways Shipping 2 Surveyor, Port Hedland AMSA 3 State Manager - WA Asia World 4 Chief Operating Officer Atlas Iron 5 Senior Pilot Aviator Group 6 Managing Director BC Iron 7 Marine Manager BHP 8 Marine Services Coordinator BHP 9 Manager Production BHP 10 Superintendent Port Services BHP 11 Officer in Charge Border Force 11 Port Hedland Manager BP 12 Managing Director Brockman Resources 13 Project Coordinator Caldive 14 Terminal Manager Caltex 15 Manager Cervan Marine 16 Operations Manager Cockburn Cement 17 Shipping Manager Consolidated Minerals 18 WA Terminal Manager Coogee Chemicals 19 Regional Manager Department of Transport 20 General Manager - Port Fortescue Metals Group 21 Shipping Superintendent Fortescue Metals Group 22 Port Hedland Manager GAC World Shipping 23 Fleet Manager Go Inshore 24 Director Hedland Launch Service Pty Ltd 25 QHSE Manager/Dive Supervisor Indianic Diving 26 Port Hedland Manager Inchape Shipping Services 27 Manager, Port Hedland Intertek Testing Services 28 Branch Manager LBH Australia Pty Ltd 29 Concentrate Facility Supervisor Metals X 30 Logistics Manager Mineral Resources Limited 31 Ops Manager - Hedland Monson Agencies 32 North West Base Manager Neptune Diving 33 Port Facility Superintendent Newcrest Mining 34 Managing Director Old Brown Dog Fisheries 35 Managing Director Port Hedland Pilots 36 Commodore Port Hedland Yacht Club 37 Officer in Charge Police 38 Chief Executive Officer PPA 39 General Manager Operations PPA 40 Harbour Master PPA 41 Deputy Harbour Master PPA 42 Shipping Superintendent PPA 43 Port Hedland VTS PPA 44 Landside Operations Manager PPA 45 Security Superintendent PPA 46 Security Gate East and West PPA A Page 3 of 17

4 47 General Manager Development & Trade PPA 48 GM Engineering & Infrastructure PPA 49 Engineering Services Manager PPA 50 Maintenance Manager PPA 51 GM Risk & Governance PPA 52 Environment and Heritage Manager PPA 53 Director of Human Resources PPA 54 GM Finance & ICT PPA 55 ICT Manager PPA 56 Safety Advisor East and West PPA 57 General Manager - Port Hedland QUBE - Port Hedland 58 Production Superintendent Rio Tinto Minerals - DSL 59 General Manager Rivtow Marine 60 Manager Port Roy Hill 61 Manager Shipping Roy Hill 62 Logistics Superintendent Sandfire Resources 63 Port Hedland Manager Sea Corporation 64 Operations Manager Seafarers Centre (Port Hedland) 65 Manager Sealanes 66 Port Hedland Manager Seawest 67 Port Hedland Supervising Officer State Emergency Service 68 Manager SGS (Ship Surveyors) 69 Port Hedland Manager Ship Agency Services 70 Port Hedland Manager Sturrock Grindrod Maritime 71 Mayor Town of Port Hedland 72 Manager Technical Services Town of Port Hedland 73 Mooring & Ropes Manager Total AMS 74 All Cyclone Mooring Owners Various and Private 75 All Day Mooring Owners Various and Private 76 Depot Manager West Kimberly Cement 77 Port Hedland Manager Wilhelmsen Ship Services A Page 4 of 17

5 1. PREFACE Tropical cyclones are amongst the most powerful and destructive meteorological systems on earth. Globally, 80 to 100 develop over tropical oceans each year. Many of these make landfall and can cause considerable damage to property and loss of life. Before a tropical cyclone forms it is difficult to predict its exact strength and path, including whether it will make landfall. Along the east and west coasts fewer than half of the cyclones impact onshore areas, with the majority staying out to sea. Conversely, along the north coast more than half of the cyclones impact the coast. Tropical cyclones which remain out to sea can still cause storm surges, gales and areas of heavy/flooding rainfall over land The use of satellite imagery and improved data acquisition, combined with the latest technology in computer modelling have all but converted the art of predicting the weather and avoiding or being prepared for cyclones to a reasonably precise science. Despite these advances, there is no room for complacency or disrespect in relation to cyclones. The aim of these procedures is to have in place appropriate measures to minimise the adverse effects of a cyclone and associated gales on all port users. Myron Fernandes Harbour Master Port of Port Hedland A Page 5 of 17

6 2. INTRODUCTION This cyclone procedure has been developed under the auspices of the Port Authorities Act 1999 (the Act) to give effect to the Authority s function under that act to be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Port of Port Hedland (the Port). The aim of this procedure is to ensure that the Port is kept as safe as possible under cyclonic threat and that the Port Authority properly discharges its duty of care to all mariners and their vessels and port users, including their, and the Ports, marine infrastructure within the port. The procedure also acknowledges the sensitive nature of the marine environment, including the Port Hedland creek system, and the Port Authority s responsibility under the Act to protect the environment of the port. In dealing with cyclones and the execution of these procedures the safety of people will at all times remain paramount. The preparation, shutdown and re-opening of the port in the event of a cyclone will be managed in accordance with these obligations taking into account all available and relevant factors, including the length of time that may be required by construction companies and others to affect their cyclone preparations. 3. SCOPE These procedures have been drafted and will be administered by the Port Authority in accordance with its responsibilities under the Western Australia Port Authorities Act The Pilbara Ports Authority Port Hedland (PPA) has the statutory authority to give effect to these procedures within the gazetted Port boundaries and within the declared pilotage area extending 20 nautical miles from the Hunt Point Beacon. These cyclone procedures apply to all Port Users under the Port Authorities Act 1999 and the associated Port Authority regulations Directions given to Masters, Crews and Port Operators will be under the Auspices of the Act, particularly Part 7 Division 3 Section OBJECTIVES Cyclones present an indisputable risk to the port through injury and / or financial loss. The objective of these procedures is to eliminate or mitigate that risk. In line with standard practice for emergency management this objective will be achieved by undertaking activities for the prevention of, preparation for, response to and recovery from the specific risks associated with a near or direct cyclonic impact. A Page 6 of 17

7 All permanently stationed vessels operating in Port Hedland Harbour must have an approved Cyclone Mooring arrangement or a plan that requires the vessel to be removed from port waters in the event of an impending cyclone event. 5. PURPOSE The purpose of these cyclone procedures is as follows: To assist all port users ashore and afloat, including visiting vessels and fishing or other vessels intending to seek refuge in the port, to understand the requirements of the Port Authority in relation to cyclone response. To provide a set of guidelines for decision making within the port in relation to cyclone response. Additionally these procedures aim at ensuring that in the event of a cyclone affecting the Port Hedland area that: All large vessels have adequate time to clear the port and obtain adequate sea room before coming under the influence of gale or storm force wind associated with the cyclone. All work boats and tugs are secured before sea and weather conditions make their operations including mooring or securing operations physically more hazardous than normal. Small workboats, pleasure craft and their crews are removed from the port or properly secured against the pending risk. The marine cyclone procedures of Port Operators should as far as practicable, complement the Port Authority s procedures. In all circumstances, decisions of the Harbour Master in relation to cyclone response will take precedence over any other cyclone or contingency & evacuation plans. 6. RESPONSIBILITIES 6.1 The Plan These procedures, reviewed annually, remain in force throughout the year, although the officially recognised cyclone season extends from 1 November to 30 April. 6.2 Harbour Master The Harbour Master or in his absence, his delegate, is responsible for the implementation and execution of these cyclone procedures. A Page 7 of 17

8 6.3 Port Users Within the port, companies and operators are responsible for ensuring that they have cyclone contingency plans and procedures in place. A copy of such plans should be provided to the Port Authority and updated as necessary prior to 01 October each year. Each company and operator within the port should nominate a contact person within their plans to liaise with the Port Authority in the event of a cyclone. PPA will provide whole of Port notifications via the PPA Cyclone distribution list which will be updated prior to 01 November each year. 6.4 Ship s Masters At all times the Ship s Master is responsible for ensuring the safety of the vessel and its compliance with Port Authority regulations, including the requirements of these procedures. Particular emphasis is to be placed on the vessel maintaining adequate stability and suitable trim, to ensure that it can depart the port safely at short notice should the need arise. Vessels main engines are not to be immobilized, within the port or anchorage area without the Harbour Master s permission. Masters will be advised as to the possible impact and required actions for cyclone activity, via notification to Shipping Agents and a general broadcast if required. 6.5 Pilots To assist the Port Authority and operators, both small and large, Marine Pilots are requested to: Ensure that Masters are aware of these procedures Facilitate effective execution of these procedures and communications between all parties. The duty Marine Pilot will be consulted in the planning and decision making process in relation to cyclone response. 6.6 Port Hedland VTS At the direction of the Harbour Master, Port Hedland VTS is to: A Page 8 of 17

9 Compile an order of departure for vessels from the Anchorages, taking into account their designated anchorage positions and the need for adequate traffic separation at Saurus Towers (E2/E3) Liaise with terminal operators determining vessel s departure drafts so as to compile an order of departure for vessels from the Inner Harbour, noting those vessels whose departure drafts are such that they are able to return to complete loading Execute the scheduled movement of vessels in accordance with order of departure Monitor and ensure ongoing compliance Facilitate the orderly resumption of port activities, including the return of vessels into their previous anchorages (where possible) once the port it re-opened Note: Port Hedland VTS will shut down after the port has been cleared of vessels and the port secured prior to a Red Alert being declared for the area. It will resume operations once the all clear has been declared and it is safe to resume operations. 6.7 Mooring Owners In accordance with the Port Authority s Port of Port Hedland - Small Vessel Mooring Procedure" owners of cyclone moorings should ensure that their moorings have been inspected and are fit for purpose and approved by the Harbour Master prior to the commencement of each cyclone season. A report on the status of the mooring should be provided to the Harbour Master by 1 st October each year. Owners of unapproved or unsafe moorings will be required to remove them from the harbour. The Port Authority may remove unidentified or unapproved moorings at the cost of the mooring owner. 6.8 Town of Port Hedland The Town of Port Hedland (TOPH) will manage the closing of public Boat Ramps. Boat Ramps will normally be chained off at Blue Alert to prevent small craft from launching. The closing of Boat Ramps will not prevent craft returning from sea from using the ramp. 7. GENERAL 7.1 Pre-Season These cyclone procedures are to be reviewed annually prior to 01 November and updated or amended as necessary. The amended version will be posted to the PPA website A Page 9 of 17

10 It is recommended that companies and port users review their procedures and documentation to ensure that they reflect the current practice. 7.2 Cyclone Season (1 November 30 April) During the cyclone season Masters of bulk carriers and other cargo vessels should ensure that their vessel is at all times capable of vacating the berth and or port at short notice. In the event of a tropical low or a cyclone forming off the Northern or Western Australian coast this requirement becomes paramount. To this end, the Master shall ensure that all times engines and other essential machinery are fully operational, that the draft, trim and stability are adequate and that there are adequate crew members on board to enable the vessel to vacate the berth and sail at short notice. Engine immobilisations are declined 96 hours before expected onset of gale force winds. 7.3 Cyclone Threat Assessment Criteria Designated specific zones or distances from a cyclone that act, as trigger points for activating these procedures, have not been stipulated by the Port Authority. Cyclones and tropical lows will be assessed and dealt with on their own merits in relation to their potential to impact the port. Whilst sea state is a major consideration for laden ships in the main shipping channel and operation of smaller craft such as tugs, the proximity of gale force winds associated with the cyclone (or low) will also have a bearing on the decision making process. The Harbour Master s decisions to close or open the port will be based on a worst case scenario concept to ensure adequate margins of safety for all personnel, vessels and port facilities. This may mean that on occasions, the Port Authority s requirement to clear berths or close the Port may be more conservative than Port Operators plans require. When executing their plans operators should be aware of the fact that the Authority s assessment and action, influenced by potential wind forces and sea state conditions, may well be prior to any significant increase in sea conditions or ahead of any advice concerning the likely impact obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) or the State Emergency Service (SES). Tropical lows will be monitored and action, if deemed necessary, taken on the basis that the low may deepen to a cyclonic system at very close range to the port. Category 1 cyclones will be viewed as having the potential to deepen to a category 2 or 3 immediately prior to crossing the coast or at close range to the port. In assessing such potential, advice and information will be obtained from the BOM and other appropriate sources if available. A Page 10 of 17

11 PPA subscribes to a tailored forecast service via BOM s Special Services Unit (SSU). 8. RESPONSE STAGES As a guide, the PPA will generally respond to a cyclone threat in five stages: STAGE KEY ELEMENT PARAMETER 1 Monitor Cyclone or tropical Low has formed in northern waters 2 Prepare Cyclone tracking toward the Port with the potential for impact 3 Clear Port Potential for Gale Force winds to impact the port within 12 hours 4 Shut Down Potential for Gale Force winds to impact the port within 6 hours 5 Re-Open Cyclone or threat of cyclone has passed The actions associated with each stage are summed up as follows: 8.1 Stage 1: Monitor A cyclone or tropical low has formed somewhere off the Northern or Western Australian coasts. PPA will monitor the system with appropriate resources to make an early assessment of its likely path and potential to impact on the port. 8.2 Stage 2: Prepare Tropical low or cyclone tracking in such a way that there is potential for the system to impact on the port The PPA will begin to prepare the port. This stage will involve extensive communication and consultation between the Port Authority, Port Operators and Port Users. Operational plans and intentions of the Port Users will be discussed and evaluated against possible response scenarios. Sailing drafts and tidal requirements/restrictions and the like will be discussed so that the effects on ships, and operators, of any Port Authority action in relation to the storm will be understood by all parties. Once gale force winds are potentially within 48 hours of the Port, vessels loading will need to be managed so that vessels do not become tidally constrained beyond the next High Water without prior consultation and agreement with the Harbour Master. In some circumstances it may be deemed necessary or advisable to cease loading to ensure that the vessel draft does not preclude her sailing to clear the port or preclude her re-berthing if required to do so in accordance with this plan. A Page 11 of 17

12 This process will be ongoing, following each forecast update or any substantial change in the prognosis, it may be necessary to revisit Operator s and the Authority s stated intentions. 8.3 Stage 3: Clear Port Gale force winds expected (on a worst case scenario basis) within 12 hours PPA will commence to clear the port and anchorage of all large commercial vessels, with a view to having such vessels clear of port limits and the channel, 12 hours prior to the possible onset of Gale force winds. This time frame is designed to ensure adequate margins of safety, and to allow ships adequate time to clear the coast before encountering storm conditions. The Harbour Master will confirm initial advice by radio or phone or to clear the port or anchorage as soon as possible thereafter, in writing. Vessels leaving the anchorage in accordance with these procedures will maintain their place in the queue. Vessels required to sail in accordance with these procedures that have not completed cargo-loading operations and that are able to achieve a draft of 12.5 meters or less will be able to re-berth to complete loading once the all clear has been declared. 8.4 Stage 4: Shutdown Gale force winds expected (worst case scenario) within six hours. The Port will be closed to all commercial operations. Vessels will be directed to cease normal activities and to secure to their moorings, proceed to their havens, be removed from the water, or proceed to sea. The Harbour Master will confirm initial advice by radio or phone or of Port Closure as soon as possible thereafter in writing. All small vessels should be secured, shutdown and crews ashore before the onset of gale force winds. During this Shut Down stage the port will be closed to all vessels with the exception of vessels requesting or seeking safe haven where there is no alternative. Mariners should note that whilst Port Hedland is a Safe Port there are limited facilities and no common user cyclone moorings. Most areas within the port afford little water at low tide. All mooring areas may be congested due to the presence of construction vessels associated with port development projects. Small vessels working in the vicinity of Port Hedland that have designated the port as a cyclone haven should apply to lay a properly designed and approved mooring in advance of the cyclone season. Approvals for the placement of suitably designed Cyclone Moorings for private craft will not be at the expense of those provided for construction vessels. A Page 12 of 17

13 Small vessel cyclone plans and arrangements should allow sufficient time for the vessel to enter the Port before it is closed, to secure to their mooring and vacate the vessel before the onset of gale force winds. Vessels entering the port at this stage with no prior arrangements and seeking refuge should contact the Harbour Master via the Port Hedland VTS (VHF Ch. 16 or 12) and state their intentions. Vessels mooring within the port are to advise the tower when they are securely moored and about to vacate the vessel 8.5 Stage 5: Re-Open Cyclone or risk of impact has passed. The Port will be reopened as soon as conditions permit. This may well result in a phased re-opening. The anchorage may be opened before the channel and harbour or particular berths are reopened for operations. The re-opening of the port does not constitute that conditions will necessarily be suitable for normal operations. Masters of vessels and Port Users will need to make their own assessment as to the suitability of prevailing conditions for safe operations. The Harbour Master will confirm re-opening of the port in writing. No vessel movement is permitted within the port prior to the receipt of the Harbour Masters approval. Prior to berthing of vessels and resuming normal operations, Port facilities such as navigation aids and berths will need to be inspected, along with the channel, which may need to be surveyed to ensure that they have not been damaged or compromised by the storm. Terminal operators will need to declare to the Harbour Master that their berth facilities are fully serviceable. The extent of the inspections will be determined on a consultative basis with the Authority and will be based on the storm severity and impact experienced within the Port. Any damage observed as a result of the storm should be reported to the Harbour Master immediately. Terminal operators confirmation of terminal readiness to commence operations is required prior to any vessels being scheduled to berth. All small craft operators are to report to the Harbour Master, the status of their vessels and moorings as soon as practicable after port re-opening, particularly in the event of any breakaways or damage or if assistance is required. A Page 13 of 17

14 9. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the event that a vessel is unable for any reason to comply with these cyclone procedures, the Harbour Master will initiate contingency arrangements which may include activating the Port Emergency Plan. 10. PROCESS OWNER The Harbour Master has overall responsibility for this procedure. Date approved: Review date: Version: 8 Approved by: GMO A Page 14 of 17

15 APPENDIX 1: GENERAL CYCLONE INFORMATION Community Cyclone Stages (promulgated by SES / FESA) LEVEL OF ALERT Blue Yellow Red INDICATION Cyclone expected to impact within 48 hours Cyclone expected to impact in 12 hours Cyclone impact imminent Bureau of Meteorology Cyclone Classification CATEGORY AVERAGE WIND SPEED (KM/H) MAX GUST (KM/H) CENTRAL PRESSURE HPA <125 > >200 >280 <920 APPENDIX 2: CONTACT AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS CONTACT PHONE ALTERNATIVE CONTACT NO. Port Hedland VTS (08) VHF16 & 12 PPA Port Hedland Scheduling (08) Pilbara Ports Authority (Office Hours) (08) General Manager Operations (08) Harbour Master (08) Deputy Harbour Master (08) Deputy Harbour Master (08) Shipping Superintendent (08) Landside Operations Manager (08) Maintenance Manager (08) A Page 15 of 17

16 Senior Operations Officer (West) (08) Senior Operations Officer (East) (08) Maintenance Superintendent (East) (08) Maintenance Superintendent (West) (08) Security Superintendent (08) Aviator Group Senior Pilot (08) Duty Mobile Rivtow Marine General Manager (07) GO Marine Fleet Manager (08) Seawest Port Hedland Manager (08) Hedland Launch Service Pty Ltd Director (08) BHP Billiton Shipping Superintendent (08) FMG Shipping Coordinators (24 Hours) (08) Port Hedland Pilots (Office Hours) (08) Duty Pilot Mobile Atlas Iron Port Manager (08) QUBE East Manager Port Hedland (08) QUBE West Manager Port Hedland (08) Rio Tinto Minerals Production Superintendent (08) Roy Hill Holdings Pty Ltd Port Manager Port (08) A Page 16 of 17

17 APPENDIX 3: SHIPS MASTERS PORT PROCEDURE CARD Cyclone Procedures (November 1 April 30) Responsibilities At all times the Master is responsible for ensuring the safety of the vessel and its compliance with Pilbara Ports Authority Regulations, including the requirements of these procedures. During the cyclone season (1 November 30 April), particular emphasis is to be placed on the vessel maintaining adequate stability and suitable trim, ensuring that it can depart the port safely at short notice should the need arise. Vessels should not be immobilised within the port or the anchorage without the Harbour Master s permission. Cyclone Assessment Criteria As a (guide only) the PPA will generally respond to a cyclone threat in five stages; STAGE KEY ELEMENT PARAMETER ACTION 1 Monitor Cyclone or tropical low has formed in northern waters. 2 Prepare Cyclone tracking toward port in such a way as to pose a potential risk. 3 Clear Port Potential for gale force winds within 12 hours. 4 Shut-down Potential for gale force winds within six hours. 5 Re-open port Cyclone threat passed. Monitoring the system to make early assessment of path. Prepare port and secure loose gear. Check loading details. Sailing drafts and tide requirements. Communication between port and port users. Clear large vessels from port. Clear anchorage. Port closed to large vessels. All small vessels secured to cyclone moorings. Port closed to all. Check navaids, channel and berths. Open anchorage. Return to normal operations. Note: Vessels leaving the anchorage to ride out a cyclone will maintain their position in the berth queue. A Page 17 of 17