Innovation and resourcefulness - Harnessing potential Leading the way - Australian Maritime ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
January 2020
Innovation and
resourcefulness
Harnessing potential
Leading the way Automation Lindsey Lankester
Paradigm Training Group Where it’s at Determined to survive
Message
from the CEO
Working Boats is published by the
Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Message from the CEO
Subscribe to Working Boats
amsa.gov.au/subscribe
Harnessing innovation and resourcefulness to generate advances in
The Australian Maritime Safety maritime safety is key to AMSA’s vision.
Authority encourages the dissemination
and exchange of information provided One of the challenges for all regulators, is to develop regulations that
in this publication. are not only effective for today’s industry, but also support emerging
technologies, products and markets. The rise of automation is a timely
Except as otherwise specified, all example. This edition touches on AMSA’s work to support emerging
material presented in this publication
autonomous and remotely controlled vessels in Australia and globally.
is provided under Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International licence. We also feature Paradigm Training Group on their use of technology in
This excludes:
training and assessment to provide a flexible and supportive environment
• the Commonwealth Coat of Arms
• this department’s logo
for students.
• content supplied by third parties.
Innovation isn’t always about new technology—it can be as simple as a
The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 new approach, or the resourceful use of existing assets or reserves. Mike
International Licence is a standard form Keyte’s approach to crew induction in his Whitsunday charter operation is
licence agreement that allows you to a great example of innovating processes to foster a safety culture.
copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this
publication provided that you attribute We also cover the build, delivery and maiden voyage of three new transfer
the work. The details of the version vessels commissioned to boost tourism from cruise ships passing Norfolk
4.0 of the licence are available on the Island; and hear from Gordon River tour operators in Tasmania’s rugged
Creative Commons website, as is the southwest.
full legal code for that licence.
Our incredible search and rescue story about how Lindsey Lankester
Attribution
survived when his boat capsized shows how natural instincts and
AMSA’s preference is that you attribute
this publication (and any material sourced resourcefulness can make a huge difference to the chances of survival.
from it) using the following wording: AMSA Medical Advisor Dr Paul Luckin corroborates this by sharing
Source: Australian Maritime Safety his experience as a doctor specialising in retrieval paramedicine and
Authority Working Boats January 2020. calculating the timeframe for survival for people in distress.
More information One of the key messages I have taken from the stories in this edition is
For enquiries regarding copyright, that, while new technologies and other innovations will always enter the
including requests to use material in market, it is about the people and how resourcefully we select and use the
a way that is beyond the scope of the
tools available, including resources already at our disposal.
terms of use that apply to it, please
contact us at AMSA Connect on
1800 627 484.
Editor Sarah Cameron
Designer Jacqui Pond
Contributors
Ron Aggs Dr Rebecca McIntosh Mick Kinley
Simon Enticknap Becca Posterino
Dr Tanya King Dr Brad Roberts
Chief Executive Officer
Melissa Martin Peter Strachan
Front cover image montage
iStock.com/studioM1 and
iStock.com/undefined undefined
Contents
Working Boats
January 2020
5
Profile
From build to
implementation: the
journey of three bespoke
vessels for Norfolk Island
4 10 11 15
Paradigm Training Group Steber International Autonomous and remotely Wipeout
controlled vessels
Leading the way in maritime Skiffs to unmanned vessels. Lindsey Lankester, determined to
training. Where are we at? survive.
Navigating the seas of disruption 2 Safety first as Sydney puts on a show 23
Paradigm Training Group leading the way in 4 Stay Afloat #drownthestigma on mental health 26
maritime training Safety, sustainability and self-reliance 27
From build to implementation: the journey of three 5 Making sense of safety at sea 29
bespoke vessels for Norfolk Island Australia’s fishing industry bands together 30
Steber takes on small battery-powered ocean 10 What are we hearing from you? 31
surface surveillance South Solitary Island Lighthouse haunted by ghost 32
Autonomous and remotely operated vessels 11 of girl buried in bathtub, former residents say
What are your chances? 13 South Solitary Island lighthouse 34
Wipeout 15 What’s the most important aspect of safety on
35
Bins on boats 18 your boat?
Induction into safety 19 Community events 36
Building knowledge in China 22
Report maritime 1. Alert AMSA* as soon as practicable when a
serious incident has occured
incidents directly Serious marine incidents include:
• death or serious injury to a person
to AMSA in two • loss of a person overboard
• loss of, or significant damage to, a vessel.
simple steps * You can submit an incident alert by phone, email or online.
2. Submit an incident report – within 72 hours
This gives us detailed information about the
incident and mitigation measures.
Form 19 – Incident report
Other types of marine incidents you need to
report:
• fire
• loss of stability
• fouling of a vessel
• a close quarters situation
• any event that could impact the safety of a
vessel, those on board or nearby.
Submit forms at amsa.gov.au or email completed forms to reports@amsa.gov.au
Visit amsa.gov.au/
incident-reporting
Call AMSA CONNECT 1800 627 484
Innovation
Navigating the
seas of disruption
In a world where emerging technologies,
products and regulations cause one disruption
after another, how do we keep up, let alone
leverage it to our advantage? We spoke to
David Platt, Director at Resilient Futures.
By Sarah Cameron
Resilient: Director of Resilient Futures, David Platt – Image supplied
‘Disruption’—the word of the Innovation will continue to change our world, and for many
moment—refers to when something
of us that means transitioning to new skills and work that
in our environment changes the way
we do things, causing us to think align with the adoption of new technologies. — David Platt
and behave in new ways.
David Platt explained that while the is being open to it and using it to our ‘With this information they would
scope, scale and speed of change advantage—leveraging it. then focus on making the most of the
means that we’re experiencing circumstances by re-focusing their
disruption in new ways, the reality is David says that for many, there is actions, and then continuing to trial and
that disruption is not a new concept. an active choice to make—either readjust the new approach to ensure
understand and embrace disruption best progress.’
‘Throughout history, innovation has so that it becomes a tailwind of
continued to disrupt and change the opportunity, or ignore it and be ‘For many seafarers, this is an intuitive
way we do things,’ he said. exposed to headwinds of risk. and obvious way to operate. The key for
anyone who works on the water lies in
‘Innovation will continue to change our He added that from his experience, keeping a “weather eye” to the horizon
world, and for many of us that means seafarers, who are constantly so that any actions enable a safe and
transitioning to new skills and work assessing conditions and changing successful passage,’ David said.
that aligns with the adoption of new course, are wired to strategically
technologies.’ leverage disruption—a process also
referred to as strategy in action.
In our lifetime we will see autonomous
vessels become reality, but imagine ‘Recently, while working with folks
Disrupted: Strategy for
what people thought when the internal in the commercial fishing industry, Exponential Change.
combustion engine and the screw we discovered that they have a By Larry Quick and
propeller disrupted the pre-existing sail natural affinity to continuously assess David Platt.
technology. We have always had to immediate and emerging conditions,
come to grips with new ways of doing and the risks and opportunities resilientfutures.com
things. According to David the trick associated with the conditions,’ he said. @resilientf
Working Boats January 2020 2
Working safely
on tenders,
dories or
auxiliary vessels
Know the risks and stay safe
If you operate a fleet of tender vessels or work on a tender, it’s important to know the hazards and risks and
make sure each vessel has the right safety procedures and equipment in place to keep the crew safe.
The danger of working solo CHECKLIST
In certain operations, tenders work at a distance Read your safety management system
from the parent vessel and at times stray from the
Prepare your vessel
vessel looking out for them. If you need urgent help
Do you have a maintenance plan?
or medical attention, you need to contact and alert
your parent vessel quickly and easily. Is the vessel in good condition?
Before you go
A VHF radio is the best way for parent and TELL SOMEONE where you are going and
tender vessels to stay in contact over longer when you will return
distances. Check the weather forecast
Check your safety equipment
(lifejackets, communication equipment,
Know where your tenders are at all
EPIRB, flares, GPS/compass, first aid kit)
times
Do you have enough food and water?
Maintaining reliable communication between Do you have sufficient fuel for the trip?
vessels is vital. If you are the master of a parent
Are all batteries charged?
vessel it’s your responsibility to monitor your
tenders at all times. At sea
Is your radio on? What channel?
A radar or Automatic Identification System (AIS) can
Are you wearing your lifejacket?
help you keep track of each tender’s location.
Check your weight. What is the maximum
Every crew member must be trained and competent loading of the vessel?
to operate a tender safely and know what to do if Keep to the speed limit and know where
they stray from the parent vessel or get into trouble. you are
A simple checklist can help prevent emergency Monitor fuel use
P191108
situations. Do you have a schedule for checking in?
Find out more about how to prepare a safety
management system. Visit amsa.gov.au/sms
Industry training
Paradigm Training Group leading
the way in maritime training
Getting the right education can change lives. And getting it in an innovative, supportive
and fun learning environment can dramatically improve its impact on students
throughout their careers. By Peter Strachan
Innovative and flexible: Paradigm Training Group participant uses a tablet for learning on board a Paradigm vessel – Image supplied
Director of Paradigm Training proof are both instantly uploaded to ‘Our constant push for new innovation
Group, Rikky Burkett, has been in student records. and the flexibility our students have on
the education industry for 17 years, when and where they study has added
‘We have also developed flexible to the popularity of our courses,’ Rikky
and a trainer and assessor for 14. programs for students seeking our said.
In 2010, with Julianne Zalite, he set up maritime qualifications, using both
face-to-face and online training and Paradigm has recently developed a
Paradigm as a group of leading training
assessment,’ Rikky explained. complete online AMSA-mandated
providers, enthusiastic about developing
practical assessment, allowing trainers
innovative quality education systems.
‘Students are always given access to to observe and record the assessment
‘I wanted to lead an organisation as many of our workshops as they on a smart phone or tablet as it
dedicated to changing the way need. We encourage those who need happens.
education was delivered,’ Rikky said. more training or one-on-one support
The company is also working with a
to come back to multiple workshops
‘I wanted to ensure students had Gold Coast IT organisation to develop
until they are confident and ready for
the opportunity to absorb and retain a camera system linked to Paradigm
assessment,’ he said. vessels and trainers to allow recording
everything they needed to confidently
move forward in their chosen careers.’ Paradigm now employs 12 people and of competencies and activities at all
trains and assesses between 200 and times, as they happen.
‘To that end, we’ve worked closely
300 students each year. It is one of nine ‘We are now able to move away from
with software company Axcelerate
to develop a system using tablets companies providing maritime training in paper-based resources. We expect to
to capture a student’s practical Queensland, including volunteer marine be paper-free by 2021,’ Rikky said.
competencies live. These let us organisations, Water Police and TAFE.
observe and record tasks immediately
As one of nine AMSA approved
as they happen, using video, drone
assessors, Paradigm is recognised for
technology and still photography.’
its innovative approach to education—
Trainers, assessors and students sign including its development of purpose-
a tablet each time a student completes designed software linked to cameras
and a trainer observes the tasks and worn by assessors to record actual paradigmtraining.com.au
activities. Recordings and photographic results. @paradigmtraining
Working Boats January 2020 4
Profile
From build to implementation:
the journey of three bespoke
vessels for Norfolk Island
Located 1,400 kilometres east of to upgrade the island’s wharf were a bespoke design to cater for the
the Australian mainland, Norfolk infrastructure and build three specific conditions encountered on
Island has a unique history. multipurpose passenger transfer Norfolk Island.
Polynesian settlement, two vessels.
For instance, the vessels had to be able
periods as a brutal penal colony, Stored and operated at the island, the to tie up alongside large cruise ships
and settlement by descendants vessels now provide a reliable means and transport passengers in open
from the mutiny on The Bounty, for cruise ship passengers to explore water. Closer to shore they also had
make for an exotic backdrop. this unique environment. to be able to navigate shallow waters
across coral reefs, carrying up to 90
While the island has a well-established With the transfer vessels now
passengers, in a vessel no more than
tourism industry catering to visitors successfully in operation, cruise
12 metres long.
arriving by air, getting to the island by companies are already talking about
sea has typically been more hazardous, increasing the number of passengers Due to the exposed Norfolk Island
particularly for passengers on cruise coming ashore each visit. coastline, the vessels also had to be
ships. There is no passenger ship capable of being lifted out of the water
As a result of the successful custom
wharves at the island and passengers when not in use and transported by
build, a well-planned delivery voyage to
wanting to land there have to be a specially-designed trailer to a safe
Norfolk Island and the implementation of
ferried to and from the cruise ships storage facility.
an effective safety management system,
—a hit-and-miss method, depending
on the weather. On many occasions, the island’s economy is benefiting—not ‘It’s quite a challenge to meet that
rough conditions have prevented the just from the direct spending of these criteria and design a vessel that is fit
cruise ships from launching their visitors—but also from the multiplier for purpose,’ said Peter.
boats and so—without a safe way effect of repeat business.
The solution came in the form of an
of disembarking passengers—they
aluminium twin-hulled design that
simply sailed on.
The build process uses jet propulsion instead of the usual
To help overcome this problem and shaft driven.. Peter said that initially,
boost tourism on the island, the The vessels were built by Birdon Pty the island’s operators took a bit of
Australian Government Department Ltd in Port Macquarie on the NSW persuading on the design solution,
of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities mid-north coast. According to General partly because they were not familiar
and Regional Development agreed Manager, Peter Besseling, the vessels with jet propulsion.
5 Working Boats January 2020
Profile
Three passenger transfer vessels
were commissioned to boost
tourism from cruise ships passing
Norfolk Island. We followed their
production, transfer to Norfolk
Island, and maiden voyage.
By Simon Enticknap
Reliable: Two passenger transfer vessels ferry passengers between a P&O cruise ship and Norfolk Island – Image supplied by Bhagwan marine
‘A series of trials prior to the fabrication Delivery to Norfolk Island Due to the exposed
of the vessel ensured the operators
were going to be comfortable with the It was decided that the safest and most Norfolk Island
propulsion units and that the vessels efficient way to do this was to load all coastline, the vessels
were going to perform as expected,’ he the equipment onto a barge and tow it
said. to Norfolk Island. also had to be capable
For this task, a specialist marine
of being lifted out of
Work began on the first boat at the end
of 2017, with the hull and superstructure logistics company was engaged— the water when not in
being fabricated separately and then Bhagwan Marine. Bhagwan were use and transported
welded together. Being such an unusual tasked the job of transporting the
project, the first build was the most three passenger transfer vessels to by a specially
complex, with a number of changes the island, Bhagwan opted to use a designed trailer to a
55-metre flat-deck dumb Barge fitted
incorporated during construction.
with a 110-tonne crane for lifting the
safe storage facility.
Ensuring the vessels’ design met all vessels on and off the barge. The barge
safety requirements was a key part of was towed from Brisbane to Port
the build process. AMSA Accredited Macquarie where the vessels, trailer
Marine Surveyor, Rowan Curtis from and cargo were loaded from the Birdon
Broach Reach Marine, was engaged to facility.
carry out regular inspections during
the build to ensure the finished vessels Bhagwan Marine representative for
were ready to go into Class 1C survey Queensland Tim Lovett, said the key
on final testing. to a successful delivery of this type is
careful planning to manage potential
In the meantime, children at the local risks and safety hazards in conjunction
school on Norfolk Island were asked with clients’ requests and objectives.
to suggest suitable names for the
three vessels, and so it was that, in Prior to departure, extensive planning
July this year, Wana (sea urchin), Hihi took place over the weeks leading up
(periwinkle), and Nuffka (kingfisher) to departure, to ensure marine-plant
were ready for final delivery. suitability, stability criteria, lashing
Working Boats January 2020 6
Innovation
Profile
Clockwise from above: a PTV embarks toward Norfolk Island from the P&O cruise ship; the PTV’s unloaded and stored at Cascade Pier; a PTV makes it’s
way to Norfolk Island – Images supplied by Bhagwan marine
7 Working Boats January 2020Profile
Everything that we had planned couldn’t have gone better.
— Tim Lovett
plans, AMSA and Class approvals, experience,’ he said. ‘The whole island
duration, contingency plans and of had a wonderful feel.’
course a good weather window to
complete the task. While a permanent operator for the
vessels has yet to be finalised, local
Weather is a key factor, so long-range shipping company, Transam Argosy,
forecasting is crucial in ensuring a was engaged to carry out the initial
suitable ‘safe’ window for the ocean landing. Prior to the first landing, the
passage to Norfolk Island. operators developed their own safety
management system for the operation
On arrival at the Cascade Wharf
of the vessels.
anchorage on Norfolk Island, we briefed
all crew on the unloading procedure AMSA’s Advisor National System,
and positioned the barge with the best Simon Walter, visited the island to
aspect to the weather to safety unload assist this process.
the vessels into the water,’ Tim said.
‘I assisted them with the process of
‘Everything that we had planned developing a safety management
couldn’t have gone better.’ system—how to identify and address
the operational risks,’ he said.
Maiden voyage This is an example of how AMSA works
with operators to identify solutions
In October, Wana, Hihi and Nuffka went based on their particular requirements.
into action for the first time. The cruise
ship, Pacific Explorer, anchored offshore
and, throughout the day, the transfer
vessels were kept busy transporting
passengers back and forth.
By the end of the day, more than
1800 passengers had disembarked
and spent time on the island enjoying
a variety of tours and activities.
According to the cruise ship
management, without the transfer
vessels operating, the landing would
have been deemed too hazardous to
undertake.
Norfolk Island Administrator, Eric
Hutchinson, said the inaugural
operation of the transfer vessels was a
tremendous success.
‘The buzz around the main shopping
area of the island was wonderful to
Working Boats January 2020 80\%RDW
RQOLQHV\VWHP
(QWHUGHWDLOVDERXW\RXUERDWWRȴQGRXWZKDWVDIHW\UHTXLUHPHQWV
OHJLVODWLRQDQGVWDQGDUGV\RXKDYHWRFRPSO\ZLWK
8VHIXOIRUYHVVHOGHVLJQHUVEXLOGHUVVXUYH\RUVRZQHUVDQGRSHUDWRUV
ΖWȇVHDV\WRGR
6LPSO\YLVLWDPVDJRYDXP\ERDWIndustry
Steber takes
on small
battery-powered
ocean surface
surveillance
Supportive: Alan Steber (centre) checking progress on an engine installation with engineers, Barry
Brown (left) and Eddy Crees – Image supplied by Steber
The painstaking repetition and finesse of shaping two skiffs from solid timber marked the
beginning of Steber International, an Australian boat building enterprise that has made
innovation its byword since 1946. By Ron Aggs
Seventy three years on, large Asked about his experience working Foolproof self-docking is a key initial
vessels—anything with the within national legislative requirements, test phase to demonstrate that there
standard Steber hull shape Alan was proud of the company’s could be scope for safe and wide
record. application of driverless functions.
between seven and 20 metres—
have become their signature ‘We’ve always been able to comply with Working with electrical engineering,
products. the rules and regulations on commercial mining and renewables specialists
boats to build innovative fit-outs to serve Ampcontrol, Steber is tapping into the
While hundreds of them rock customer needs. We’ve never, ever had driverless and self-docking options
by their docks and navigate the a failure in all our years,’ Alan said. of currently available trains and track
world’s waterways, the company is systems used in underground mines.
concurrently working on renewable He hopes for continuing success from
lithium ion battery power, surface research and is now scoping future Generally he predicts a limit on
drones and other vessels that are part opportunities. driverless speed until industry and
or fully crewless. regulators are confident about safety.
One involves a relationship with
Managing Director Alan Steber’s father Australian company Ocius to build After 30 years of building more than
Bruce built those two skiffs as his first their solar, wind and wave-powered, 10,000 small fibreglass runabouts
commercial effort after finishing a uncrewed ocean surface vessels from a factory in Sydney, growing
boatbuilding apprenticeship at the end (USVs)—surveillance drones, which competition from aluminium boats
of World War II. sound more arresting when referred to had prompted Steber’s successful
by their commercial product name— transition to building larger vessels.
Evolution from solid timber to plywood, Bluebottles.
then fibreglass on timber, graduating By the mid-70s, Bruce Steber had also
to fibreglass alone, enabled them to Commercially, Bluebottles could be foreseen some of the constrictions
develop their hull blueprint to serve used for oil and gas pipeline mapping metro manufacturers would face and
individual customers’ requirements. and security, and scientifically for moved the company to Taree on the
environmental monitoring and seabed NSW mid-north coast.
‘They come and sea-trial a boat then mapping.
decide how it can be customised to Alan completed a shipwright course
suit their needs within [our] standard Driverless boats for broader use? then studied marine engineering and
hull shape,’ Alan said. Alan thinks this can occur within five joined the Taree factory in 1976.
years—a realistic option for commercial
The company has now sold 350 large fishing, for example. ‘There are advantages and
boats and refitted more than 100 for disadvantages to decentralising but at
various uses, including commercial ‘You could have a crew on board to the end of the day, we’ve got a pretty
fishing, police boats, fisheries and operate the fishing equipment while the secure factory in a good environment.’
customs patrol, marine rescue and skipper could be at home controlling
tourism charters. the boat,’ Alan said. steber.com.au
Working Boats January 2020 10Industry
RangerBot conducting ocean monitoring
for venomous sea stars – Image
supplied by Queensland University of
Technology
Autonomous and remotely
operated vessels
The greatest innovation emerging in the maritime sector right now is undoubtedly the
emergence of autonomous and remotely operated vessels. It’s a broad field, with some
vessels already in use globally, including in Australia. But before this capability can
be applied more widely, a large amount of international and domestic collaboration is
required. Systems, technology, governance and expertise must be further developed to
safely and effectively usher in this new era in maritime.
By Sarah Cameron
Of all the aspects of this that supports the operation of these We are seeing an increase in scenarios
developing capability, the hottest vessels,’ he said. where automation and remote
question is what automation will operation are being used ranging from
‘For example, to fly a modern a crewed vessel with some automated
mean for the livelihoods of people aeroplane, such as an A380 or a processes and decision support, to
who crew and service these Dreamliner, pilots must have two remotely operated vessels with or
vessels. distinct skill sets—they must have an without crew, to fully autonomous
in-depth knowledge of the principles of vessels with no crew on board, but
Brad Groves, General Manager of flight and aviation, and also be able to operators monitoring the vessel from a
AMSA’s Standards Division responsible understand and operate the systems shore-based control centre.
for Australia’s part in regulating these and technology that support the safe
vessels, says that while seafarers flight of that aircraft. As passengers, we So what autonomous and remotely
will still be vitally important, roles will expect pilots to have these skills.’ operated vessels are in operation
change. today and what are the challenges for
While the finer details around what regulators?
‘The safe operation of highly automated this will mean for seafarers is yet to
or remotely operated vessels will be be understood, the level and type According to AMSA Principal Advisor
dependent on seafaring experience, of automation being developed and Navigation, Grant Judson, autonomous
as well as an ability to understand and implemented today will certainly play and remotely operated vessels
operate the systems and infrastructure a part. are already popular choices for
11 Working Boats January 2020Industry
There is a lot of international and domestic work and
collaboration underway to alter the existing policy and
regulatory framework for these vessels.
— Rachel Horne
oceanography, hydrography, scientific ‘There is a lot of international and
DriX USV Remotely operated vehicle using
research, the oil and gas industry and domestic work and collaboration autonomous docking underwater technology
defence forces. underway to alter the existing policy – iXblue and Forssea
and regulatory framework for these
‘Currently, these vessels are subject to vessels, to better accommodate and
the same regulatory framework as all facilitate emerging technology, while
other commercial vessels, but flexibility maintaining the safety of people, the
is often required,’ he said. vessels, and the environment they
move through,’ she said.
‘In some cases, exemptions are
issued to a vessel, when the operator Internationally, AMSA influences
has indicated that the vessel can’t the regulation of the systems and
meet specific survey or crewing technology that will support global
requirements, but there are other shipping of the future, through our
controls in place that effectively ensure work at the International Maritime Remus 6000 AUV engaged in marine
it poses no risk to the safety of people, Organization. Our role is to ensure that defence hydrographic research – Hydroid
other vessels and the environment.’ Kongsberg
the systems and infrastructure that
support highly automated ships are
One of the common scenarios AMSA safe and effective when operated in
sees is where small autonomous or Australian waters.
remotely operated vessels are operated
as equipment directly off a foreign Meanwhile, AMSA is applying
vessel or regulated Australian vessel. regulatory treatments for commercial
AMSA generally treats these small vessels in Australia based on the risks
vessels as ‘ship’s equipment’, which presented, including considerations
means they are considered to be part such as vessel size, area and concept
of the mothership for the purposes of of operational use, the ability to
survey. Ship’s equipment is included comply with collision regulations,
and operated in compliance with the environmental impacts and differing SeaWorker USV autonomous surface vessel
levels of autonomy. conducting surveillance of the ocean floor –
ship’s safety management system. Ocean Infinity
‘This principle has been common In early 2020, we will commence
practice in the offshore oil and gas further engagement with our
industry for many years,’ Grant said. stakeholders in this emerging field.
However, standalone vessels that
operate independently are a far more
complex issue and is something that
AMSA is working on.
‘Like our knowledge of the emerging
technology that enables autonomous
vessels, our regulatory approach is still
Bluebottle unmanned data gathering and
in its formative stages,’ said Rachel communication – Ocius Technology Ltd
Horne, AMSA Senior Advisor Maritime
Regulation.
Working Boats January 2020 12Profile
What are your chances?
When it comes to survival, AMSA Medical Advisor Dr Paul Luckin has seen it all.
His long career as medical doctor in search and rescue (SAR), and his in-depth
understanding of the human psyche has made him a leading expert in calculating
the timeframe for survival (TFFS) for people in life-threatening situations.
He spoke to AMSA about resourcefulness—as the survivor and the rescuer.
By Becca Posterino
Calculating the survival timeframe ‘I was aware the missing man had Paul remained convinced that he could
for a person depends on the worked as a tour guide in the Amazon still be alive, so the search continued
individual circumstances of each Rainforest and thanks to a night of with relentless determination.
incident and the person involved. rain on Moreton Island while he was Paul’s analysis, based on his own
lost, his TFFS extended, so there was resourcefulness and that of the lost
Environmental conditions, a person’s
a glimmer of hope the missing man man, well and truly paid off.
age, fitness, clothing, last food and
might still be alive,’ he said.
drink, physical injuries and their ‘On the tenth day, just after lunch,
mental and emotional disposition Based on this background knowledge, only a few hours before the search
are just some of the factors affecting the apparent skills of the lost man was going to be called off, the man
how long a person can survive in a and the fortuitous weather conditions was found on the edge of death, but
life-threatening situation. on the island, Paul concluded survival thankfully alive,’ Paul said.
was possible, but by the tenth day, his AMSA, police SAR teams across
Paul said that in any given situation advice was that the TFFS would extend
these factors are constantly changing Australia, and the Australian Federal
until the end of that day, but not longer. Police in stations from Manus and
but a person’s life experience and level
of resourcefulness can have a strong ‘I thought at best, the man would Naru to Papua New Guinea and the
influence on the outcome. use leaves to funnel rainwater into Solomons all call on Paul’s expertise
regarding the survivability of missing
his mouth; he would find his way to
‘One particular search and rescue people.
the top of the sand dunes to get his
operation stands out,’ Paul recalled.
bearings, walk down through the Paul’s expertise is the sum of a lifetime
In 2005 a Brazilian national got dense vegetation and try to follow the of professional and personal experience.
lost for 10 days in the thick scrub sunlight in a particular direction, and
of Moreton Island, off the coast of find his way to the beach or to the road Born in South Africa, Paul decided
southern Queensland. The Police SAR that crossed the island,’ Paul said. he wanted to be a doctor when he
co-ordinator spoke to Paul throughout was just eight years old.. Laterin
each day—Paul’s analysis of the ‘Then at night, he might locate a gully Hobart, Tasmania, Paul joined St
missing man’s TFFS was a critical and dig into the mulch at the bottom John Ambulance, before training as
factor that influenced the decision to for protection and to try to sleep,’ he a professional paramedic, where he
continue the search. added. experienced first-hand the true value
13 Working Boats January 2020Profile
AMSA and a number of
government bodies around the
world all call on Paul’s expertise
regarding the survivability of
missing people.
Image source: iStock.com/Khlongwangchao Expertise: Dr Paul Luckin talks to AMSA about resourcefulness – Image supplied
of pre-hospital emergency medical Paul was a member of the combined metal clamps to serve as tourniquets,
care. This has been a major part of his Australian surgical team. They arrived for amputations performed with an old
life ever since, in his parallel careers in in Banda Aceh, in Indonesia’s island of woodworking tenon saw.
anaesthesia, SAR, the Royal Australian Sumatra, four days after the tsunami
Navy, and St John’s Ambulance. hit, as the first western medical team. It is clear Banda Aceh has shaped
In spite of having a lifetime of medical Paul professionally and personally.
From being a paramedic it was not a Resourcefulness is one of many
experience, he never anticipated the
big leap for Paul to study medicine qualities he has garnered—that, and
personal toll this experience would
back in South Africa at the University baring witness to the force of nature
have on him.
of Witwatersrand, and then specialise
and fragility, yet sheer determination, of
in anaesthesia in Durban. ‘Nobody comes home from that humanity.
experience intact. Nothing can prepare
‘It was first world medicine dealing in
you for a place where 160,00 people So when it comes to the personal
third world conditions—with a huge
have been killed in one city. The qualities of a search and rescue doctor,
trauma load,’ Paul said.
patients we treated were all severly Paul possesses the innate quality of
Gunshots, stabbed hearts were par injured, with grossly infected wounds, both psychological and professional
for the course for Paul as a specialist and all close to death. You do what you resourcefulness, but he adds that black
anaesthetist in training. Most of the have to do and you come home and humour has been a salve through some
trauma he treated was learnt on the support each other as well as you can’ of the most harrowing experiences of
job, beyond the textbook, and once Paul explained. his professional career.
again resourcefulness was an asset he
Paul’s experience in Banda Aceh was
tapped into to endure the experience, ‘That and my faith, family and friends
a true test of his resourcefulness.
both professionally and personally. enable me to do my job, and hopefully
He explained how challenging the
to be moderately normal at the end of it!’
Since then, Paul’s medical experience conditions were, caring for the worst
and canny instinct has helped save of the survivors. He and his colleagues
many lives. Yet for Paul, one very had few drugs, no anaesthetic
distinct experience continues to evoke equipment, and a few basic surgical
the most powerful of memories—the instruments. There was little more
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. than plastic tubing or repurposed old
Working Boats January 2020 14Wipeout
Lucky escape: Lindsay’s boat being retrieved after it capsized – Image supplied by Lindsay Lankester
Lone-fisher Lindsay Lankester opens up about how he survived when a breaker caused
his boat to capsize two nautical miles from land. His GPS-enabled EPIRB was key to his
rescue, but getting to it was a test of Lindsay’s physical and psychological endurance.
By Sarah Cameron
Sunday 27 October had been ‘It happened so quickly—my first attempts at removing the beacon, I sat
a hot day—about 30 degrees, thought was of protecting my head, so back on the boat to get my breath back
1.8-metre swell and no wind. I jumped out to the side of the boat, and tried to work out why the EPIRB
hitting the white wash. Waves washed wasn’t coming free. I looked down
After dropping his crab pots in the reef over my head and the noise of foaming and realised I had cut my hands in
off the Perth coast, WA, at about 5:30 water filled my ears,’ he recalled. the process and blood was streaming
in the evening, Lindsay headed home, down the bow into the water,’ he said.
taking the inside of the reef as he went. ‘I made it back to the upturned boat
and sat on the hull thinking—damn, ‘By this time it was dark and I
Later, Lindsay reflected how he may what just happened?’’ thought—all I need now is for a shark
have been too complacent in assessing to come along!’’
the conditions. Lindsay said that on any other day,
he might have been be able to get With the swell getting bigger and
‘I thought—the conditions are good, I’ll help from fishing boats returning from choppier, Lindsay sat on the bow
just cut back through the inside on the Rottnest Island, but on that evening— freezing—his badly bruised legs
way back—but this time the breaker Murphy’s Law—nothing passed by. constantly slipping into the water.
was bigger than I thought,’ he recalled.
Although he could see land about two ‘I was shivering cold and could feel
Before he knew it, the propeller hit a nautical miles away, it was too far to hypothermia setting in. I knew I was
bit of reef and a big breaker picked swim. That’s when he remembered his using a lot of energy and didn’t know if I
up the back of the boat. Without time EPIRB fixed to the inside of the hull. could last all night out there,’ he recalled.
to square up the boat, the last thing
Lindsay saw was the nose of the boat ‘I jumped into the churning water to get ‘That’s when I decided—there’s no way
getting pushed under the water, and the EPIRB out from under the upturned I want my mum going to my funeral, I
then it rolled. boat. After my first and second don’t want to die out here.’
15 Working Boats January 2020Safety
Then Lindsay remembered—to get
the EPIRB out he first had to undo the
bracket securing it.
‘I was getting tired and my legs were
cramping up but I jumped in again. It
took me two more goes and by this
time it was pitch black,’ he recalled.
‘Diving under the boat, I had to navigate
by feeling my way. I knew the EPIRB
was attached roughly below the
passenger seat, so I grabbed onto the
side rail of the boat and positioned
myself near the seat. I tried to float and
relax to get my breathing and heart
rate down, to help me stay under for as
long as possible. When it’s that cold— Lindsay’s boat before: – Image supplied by Lindsey Lankester
and your body is shivering—you can’t
hold the air in for very long.’ Get an EPIRB with GPS, which gives
On the first attempt, Lindsay ran out rescuers coordinates to within 120
of breath, but on the second go he metres of your boat, and put it in a
managed to release it.
location that you can access easily.
‘The water would have been 15–20 And learn how to use it!
metres deep. I swam out from under — Lindsay Lankester
the boat I thought—don’t drop it,
you’ve got to tie this off before you Marine Rescue to task a rescue boat to ‘If his EPIRB had not been GPS-enabled,
even activate it,’ he said. the scene,’ he recalled. the search and rescue mission would
‘I was familiar with how to activate have been significantly disadvantaged.
Less than an hour after activating his The GPS position, allowed us to
the EPIRB because after I bought it I EPIRB, Lindsay saw the spotlight of the
actually read the instructions. It was so pinpoint Lindsay to within 120 metres
rescue helicopter in the distance. very quickly.’
dark at the time, I wouldn’t have been
able to read—I couldn’t see a thing. ‘It came straight for me pretty quickly,’ When asked what advice he would give
Then I unwrapped the cord, put six or he said. ‘Within ten minutes of the to others, Lindsay was adamant.
eight knots in it and held on.’ helicopter being there I saw a blue light
moving across the water toward me— ‘Get an EPIRB with GPS, which gives
At first Lindsay wasn’t sure whether the rescuers coordinates to within 120
it was the rescue boat—and the ordeal
EPIRB had activated. metres of your boat, and put it in a
finally ended.’
‘It beeped and flashed faintly and I location that you can access easily.
‘Afterwards people said to me “You And learn how to use it! When you buy
thought it must have set off, but I
should buy a lotto ticket, you’re so it—register it, get familiar with opening
wasn’t sure so I started thinking about
lucky”. But at the end of the day I the bracket, pull it out and have a look
locating my flares,’ he said.
bought the EPIRB and registered it, at the switch. If you’ve got kids or
AMSA Response Centre (ARC) and I went through the practice of how crew—anyone on board—show them
Coordinator Daniel Redondo said, to use it in an emergency situation—I how to use it too.’
‘the ARC received a detection of a stayed with my boat, I activated the
GPS-enabled EPIRB registered to a EPIRB—and I’m here today because I Lindsay’s experience highlights the
6.2-metre vessel two nautical miles was prepared,’ Lindsay said. importance of being prepared at sea,
from Ocean Reef, in WA at around regardless of how experienced you
midnight. Daniel added that if Lindsay’s EPIRB are or how favourable the weather
had not been GPS-enabled, the ARC conditions. Having a registered, GPS-
‘We contacted Fremantle Water Police would have only received the first enabled EPIRB is a lifeline at sea for
to task the police rescue helicopter non-GPS position, which was seven mariners and for search and rescue, it is
PolAir 61 and Whitfords Volunteer nautical miles inland. a critical to their mission to save lives.
Working Boats January 2020 16Beacons
Beacons registered: 50,001 T
Total number of beacons
registered: 627,480
Proof of registration sent: 1,435,665
Keeping Connected Challenger jet
Calls handled: 136,992 Tasks: 192
Minutes on the phone: 856,200 Items dropped: 41
which is 5.2 years! Hours in the air: 850
Walk-ins in regional offices: 2082
Longest customer interaction: 2h 12min
Inspections
Domestic vessel inspections: 2752
Port state control inspections: 3222 Helping to light the way –
Port state control detentions: 163 AtoN maintenance
Number of ships banned: 2 AtoN sites visited: 300
Letters of warning issued: 3 Hours in helicopter flights: 500
Work orders completed: 2300
Litres of paint used: 2500
Lights changed: 50
Certificates assessed and issued
Domestic qualifications: 9042
International qualifications: 3913
Domestic vessel permissions: 9222
Saving lives at risk
AMSA on the road Operational incidents
Events we went to: 15 conducted: 10,292
Enquiries at events: 1461 Lives saved: 234
SMS workshops run: 52 Tasked assets: 704
AMSA Year in Review 2019Environment
Bins on
boats
The Philip Island Nature
Parks and South East Trawl
Fishing Industry Association
(SETFIA) are rolling out
100 weather-proof bins for The bin program
commercial fishing boats will help in the
across Victoria, to stop net waste management
fragments and rubbish from procedures we
being lost overboard and already have in place
impacting marine wildlife. on board our vessel.
— Luke Hill
By Dr Rebecca McIntosh
Responsible: Luke Hill is an active participant in the program – Image by Ross Holmberg
The Bins on Boats Program In Victoria, Australian fur seals regularly ‘Phillip Island Nature Parks catches
was created when fragments of become entangled in marine plastic, many affected seals to remove the
plastic, removed from Australian including bags, caps, hair bands, entanglement, but it‘s a band-aid on
fur seals, included locally made balloon ribbons and string, as well as the wider problem of marine plastic
lines, ropes, and net fragments fishing gear. The fact that fur seals pollution. We need to get to the heart of
discarded by both recreational and come ashore to rest and breed makes the problem and reduce the amount of
them ideal ocean sentinels for learning plastic entering the ocean.’
commercial fishers in Victoria.
about the health of the ecosystem.
The Bins on Boats Program also
SETFIA Chief Executive Officer, Simon
Marine Scientist with Phillip Island involves gathering information about
Boag, is a strong advocate for the
Nature Parks, Dr Rebecca McIntosh, the ways the bins are used on the
uptake of the bins on commercial
says the fur seals are just one species boats to help inform new ways of
vessels saying the Bins on Boats
they see affected, but if the seals are addressing plastics in the commercial
Program is an example of sustainable
getting entangled, so are other species. fishing industry, including recycling
fishing practices to protect the future
potential.
of commercial fishers. On any given day at Seal Rocks—
almost two kilometres offshore from
A survey of vessels and their operators
Phillip Island—there can be as many
found many boats manage onboard
as 11 individual fur seals entangled
waste themselves, but not all have a
in marine plastic pollution. Pups
sustainable system in place. Now half-
and juveniles are most commonly
way through the three-year project,
entangled because they are naïve and
85 of the 100 bins have been adopted.
playful. As they grow, the restrictive
Luke Hill is a trawler and gillnetter from material becomes embedded, causing
San Remo, Victoria, who has placed painful infections and a slow death,
one of the bins on his vessel Metis. often from starvation.
‘Fishers genuinely care for the ocean ‘It’s a terrible way to die. The entangled
environment we make our living from. seals are often in a lot of pain and it
To get involved:
The bin program will help in the waste is very difficult to catch them in the
management procedures we already colony because they run into the water email: webenquiries@setfia.org.au
have in place on board our vessel,’ when they see a person approaching,’ penguins.org.au/conservation
Luke said. Rebecca said. setfia.org.au
Working Boats January 2020 18Induction into safety
Charter operator Mike Keyte talks to AMSA about how he creates a
culture of safety among his crew.
By Peter Strachan
Snorkelling in safety: Mike Keyte ensures the safety of holiday makers through robust safety measures and crew training — Image by Mike Keyte
19 Working Boats January 2020Safety
I apply risk assessment to everything—from before we even
move the boat, to after we have disembarked our passengers
and secure the vessels. — Mike Keyte
Mike Keyte was sailing with Mike said he believed the way he ‘I find there is plenty of help available—
friends to Cairns in northern helped his crews to achieve best for example, work place health and
Queensland twenty years ago practice was to develop an SMS safety provides our industry with a
around three main categories—risk snorkel worker training assessment.
when he stopped at Airlie Beach
assessment, procedures and the This 22-item list helps us clearly
and established today’s Wings maintenance system. assess crew skill levels on everything
Whitsunday Adventures—a from identifying snorkellers most likely
marine charter operation catering Mike said that as part of his procedures to be at risk, to how to best help a
largely to the backpacker market. he tailors crew inductions for each type snorkeler in difficulty,’ he said.
of charter to be clear, but also flexible
The operation grew quickly, but five enough to encourage people to think Maintenance is also a big part of
years ago the worst thing imaginable on their feet. Mike’s safety management. Mike used
happened when a passenger drowned the Marine Surveyor Manual vessel
‘Our inductions for crew cover a vast
while diving after becoming separated checklist to develop a list of weekly,
array of topics and establish individual
from the dive instructor on one of monthly, quarterly and yearly jobs, as
responsibilities for risk assessments,
Mike’s diving trips on the Great Barrier well as a slip register.
duty of care while at work, food
Reef. While he always took pride in
safety training—including allergy ‘In simple terms, the crew checks the
the safety of his operation, this tragic
procedures—galley safety, sewage items listed and reports back on items
accident was a turning point for Mike
and pollution control, personal hygiene, that need attention, or jobs they have
and his operation.
protective clothing and our cleaning completed while at sea,’ Mike said.
‘To this day this is a very hard issue for and sanitising processes...the list goes
on,’ Mike said. ‘This, in turn, is updated in our cloud-
me and my family, not to mention the
based maintenance log. Items that
family of the girl who lost her life, the ‘We also explain things like our still need to be taken care of are then
crew and other passengers,’ Mike said. emergency procedures, head-count prioritised and addressed,’ he said.
‘I learned many lessons but the biggest procedures, surface watch training
and the potential risks associated with Mike said his safety management
for me was realising the importance
taking short cuts on any aspect of system developed using trial and error,
of creating better safety systems
safety,’ Mike said. and was continually evolving.
and documentation—starting with
comprehensive induction programs ‘When I talk to my crews, I sometimes ‘I apply risk assessment to
for crew members at all levels and a see that they have a hard time everything—from before we even
practical introduction to our safety explaining the meaning and purpose of move the boat, to after we have
management system (SMS),’ Mike said. risk assessment. Whenever that occurs disembarked our passengers and
it signals the need for a second training secure the vessels,’ he said.
Like the rest of the Whitsunday’s
assessment as soon as possible—and
charter industry, Mike operates virtually ‘We can have a conversation about
a third and fourth if necessary.’
year-round with scheduled charters an issue or a risk, for example, and
around the islands six days a week. Mike said training was steadily within a few hours have a new system
He also does outer-reef and non- becoming a bigger issue in the or an updated SMS in operation.
scheduled private charters for larger maritime industry and all businesses The way we’ve set it up, it’s easy to
groups, so a robust yet practical SMS needed to meet regulatory change, making it practical to rapidly
that effectively engages crew and requirements, and have and maintain implement changes as the need for
passengers is key to safety. best practice. them is identified.’
Working Boats January 2020 20Safety
Safety for all: Holiday makers at Whitehaven – Image supplied by Mike Keyte
Mike said a well-trained crew with a have their opinions respected in the A well-informed, educated
positive approach to all safety issues workplace,’ Mike said.
on board and ashore pays off for all crew makes everybody’s
involved. ‘I know my senior masters haven’t all job easier. It means we
liked the changes we’ve made, but in
‘A well-informed, educated crew makes general I think, like me, they see the have a philosophy of
everybody’s job easier. It means we have great benefits the improvements bring to working through all the
a philosophy of working through all the all of us and those who sail with us.
important issues—we all get on the important issues—we all
same page,’ he said. ‘It’s about having the right inductions, get on the same page.
systems, documentation and ongoing
‘It can be challenging at times, just training for all.’ — Mike Keyte
keeping safety as the key priority for
all of the crew, but clear and well- wings.com.au
understood procedures help with this.
@wings.com.au
Giving everybody a voice helps too.
It’s always important to encourage @RectravelOZ
and allow everyone to speak up and #wings.com.auProfile
Building
knowledge
in China
When local shark fishermen
Jamie Papas and his father,
Jim, decided to invest in a
new fishing boat, they took
the bold step of having it
purpose-built in China—and
then sailed it all the way back
to Australia.
By Simon Enticknap
Compliant: Jim and Jamie Pappas (inset); Marylou 1 under construction in China – Images supplied
Based in San Remo in Gippsland, According to Jamie Papas, the advice many of whom had never worked on
Victoria, the pair have 40 years’ provided by AMSA was crucial in such a small boat—were impressed
experience fishing the waters ensuring the boat met the required with her sea-handling abilities.
standards.
of Bass Strait between Victoria ‘They couldn’t believe how stable the
and Tasmania. Drawing on this ‘Kevin Porter [AMSA Principal Marine vessel was in big weather,’ said Jim.
knowledge, and incorporating Surveyor] was one of the great
Because of the preparatory work done
the best features from previous advisors and mentors I had building
in conjunction with AMSA during the
vessels they have operated, they this vessel, a fantastic fellow,’ he said.
build, no further modifications were
designed a multi-purpose vessel ‘I was happy to listen to what he had
required in Australia before the vessel
to say and took full advantage of his
adaptable to different catches and went straight to work.
knowledge.’
fishing methods. Having come up
The father and son team are keen
with their ideal design, they then Based on AMSA’s advice, the vessel
to pass on the knowledge they’ve
contracted a boat builder in China was registered as a Regulated
acquired to other fishermen looking to
to make it for them. Australian Vessel (RAV), rather than
undertake similar projects.
as a Domestic Commercial Vessel,
The result is Marylou 1, a 23.9 metre enabling it to operate in international ‘We successfully designed, built
steel-hulled, heavy weather boat, waters. As a result, when arrangements and delivered the project in total
currently being used for gill netting but to transport the vessel to Australia fell compliance with all marine orders,’ said
also suitable for crabbing, scalloping or through, Jim Papas was able to hire a Jamie.
longlining. crew in accordance with international
maritime requirements and bring
A key aspect of the design and build Marylou 1 home.
process was working with AMSA and
the Chinese Classification Society The voyage took five weeks to reach
(CCS) to manage the certification San Remo—three weeks from China
process using China-based marine to Cairns where the international crew
surveyors. It was the first time that flew home and another 12 days down
AMSA and the CCS have cooperated the east coast. Along the way Marylou 1 Regulatory requirements for
on the certification for the construction encountered some rough weather, Regulated Australian Vessels
of a fishing vessel. including typhoons, but the crew— amsa.gov.au/rav
Working Boats January 2020 22You can also read
