PANSW keeping emergency reflexes sharp

THE PORT Authority of New South Wales is consistently honing its preparation and response in the event of an emergency, using exercises to strengthen its preparedness.

Last week saw PANSW engage in an annual multi-agency exercise entitled Weeping Dragon, to test its emergency response to hazardous materials in a simulated chemical spill of sulphuric acid off a vessel at berth in the Illawarra outer harbour.

Port Authority’s Marine Operations team worked alongside a number of parties to mobilise a response to a simulated hazardous chemical spill into the harbour and at berth.

"Working alongside a multiagency effort, NSW Ports, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Ambulance and IXOM crews worked quickly to stand up an incident management team, deploy marine and pollution response assets and treat simulated casualties," PANSW said in a post on LinkedIn.

Harbour Master for Port Kembla and South Coast, Sharad Bhasin, said the exercise was an important step in strengthening preparedness for the unlikely occurrence of a spill during cargo operations.

“Today’s training tested our emergency response under live conditions and enable multi agency crews to work together as the situation unfolded, including the rapid deployment of marine and pollution response assets and treatment of simulated casualties”.

“Exercises like this assist us in preparing to respond swiftly and effectively to protect people, the environment and port operations in the event of a real emergency.”

Speaking to DCN, a PANSW spokesperson said the Port Authority partakes in a number of exercises each year across all major ports, including multi-agency state and national exercises.

“In multi-agency exercises, Port Authority may act as the lead combat agency or provide a supporting role depending on the scenario and objective,” they said.

“Emergency exercises cover a wide range of scenarios, including oil spill response, fire safety, search and rescue, medical emergencies, and other incident management simulations to practice the skills, resources, and coordination necessary to respond effectively to real-life incidents and emergencies.”

April this year saw PANSW test its incident response team with a hypothetical on-water flammable product spill at the Ampol Terminal in Kurnell.