Issue Date:  -  Friday, 22 December 2006

Cyclone contingency plans should be in place

WA’s cyclone season has officially begun, and fishing vessel owners and operators have been reminded to ensure contingency plans are established and in operation.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today it was crucial that everyone on a vessel knew what to do when there was a cyclone in the area.

“The cyclone season officially began on November 1, but fortunately no cyclones have yet formed off the WA coast,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Under WA’s occupational safety and health laws, owners and skippers of commercial vessels must have adequate plans and provide adequate training to protect crews in the event of a cyclone.”

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a less active cyclone season this year than 2005/06, with fewer than the average of five cyclones expected to form off the North West coast, with one or two coastal impacts and a significant risk of at least one severe coastal impact during the season.

In October staff from the Bureau of Meteorology, FESA and State Emergency Services visited communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley to promote cyclone awareness and preparation initiatives.

In addition, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) has implemented cyclone contingency plans for its regional boat harbours at Point Samson (Johns Creek), Onslow (Beadon Creek), Exmouth and Carnarvon, available from the Department’s regional offices or on the website at www.dpi.wa.gov.au.

These plans have been updated this year, so DPI encourages anyone using the plans to ensure that they have the most up-to-date version.

WorkSafe recommends that a cyclone contingency plan cover such areas as:

 Technical information on cyclone classifications, warning terminology, marine forecasts and how warnings and forecasts are delivered;
 A list of sheltered anchorages and information on how to use them;
 Specific action for the vessel, depending on the distance from the cyclone and safe havens;
 Details on contact with the shore; and
 Crew training in cyclone procedures.

Owners must ensure that all vessels have a copy of the cyclone plan, that skippers are aware of the procedures and that all crew are trained in the plan and follow all instructions given when a cyclone is in the vicinity.

An on-board cyclone plan must be activated as soon as a cyclone warning is issued, with the vessel seeking anchorage or shelter at least 24 hours before the impact of the cyclone, and staying at least 200 nautical miles from the eye of the cyclone.

“Owners and skippers should not leave anything to chance when a cyclone is threatening,” Ms Lyhne said.

“Everyone involved – owners, skippers and crew – must make sure safe work practices are in place well before a cyclone is in their vicinity.”

Further information on cyclone contingency plans can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.  Information on Department for Planning and Infrastructure plans can be obtained by telephoning the Department on 9264 7777.