Graduate Projects

Emergency Response Plan for the Prawn Industry: 2000

Project:
Development of an emergency response plan for the South Australian Spencer Gulf Prawn Fleet.

Project Team:
Paul Watson & Sean Evans, Prawn Industry Skippers

Background:
Two fishers were out at sea as part of the Spencer Gulf Prawn fishery when they responded to a call to search for a plane after it crashed into the gulf.  Both had been deeply affected by the resulting, and unsuccessful, search efforts.       

Process:
Several months after this experience when the fishers participated in the Leadership Program they were clear that a more co-ordinated plan needed to be put in place in the case of future searches.

The two fishers identified relevant stakeholders, agencies and key contacts.  These included Police (Water Police branch), State Emergency Services and the Royal Australian Airforce.  These contacts were liaised with to understand the situation at the time and where the prawn fleet could fit in to assist.

Taking this information back to the fleet and industry association, they identified how the prawn fleet could be involved with and assist in responding to future emergencies.

A recommended process was documented detailing the manner in which the fleet could / would be involved in future emergencies.  The document was produced in consultation with members of the fleet and the relevant organisations. 

Copies of the emergency response plan were laminated and provided to all vessels to be retained in wheelhouses for future reference.

Challenges:
Lack of confidence to work with a wide range of external stakeholders.

Outcomes:

• A documented emergency response plan for the Spencer Gulf Prawn Fleet that had buy-on from the fleet and emergency response agencies.
• A fleet better prepared to respond to emergency situations.
• Communication between the fleet and members of emergency response agencies and therefore a better understanding of each others’ roles and capacity to respond.
• Extension of the plan to the Gulf St Vincent prawn fleet.
• Respect from the water police for the fishers and a commitment to work with them in the future, using their unique knowledge of the tides and ocean.

Search and Recovery Plan

Single Vessel Search:
1. Mark the initial position immediately – GPS and Radar is possible
2. Dispatch lifesaving apparatus - Post a look out and send appropriate message
3. Record position, time and determine the tide, wind direction and strength.
4. If visual sight of person in water has been lost, commence a sector search, as soon as practical – sector type search is a proven technique that covers the maximum possible area in the minimum possible time.
5. Maintain all lookouts and keep the lead vessels informed of the situation. The will have more opportunity to maintain communication with authorities and plan the next stage of the search if required.
South Australian Police Water Operations Unit: Phone 11444

Multiple Vessel Search:
All vessels assisting in the search must clearly understand who the lead vessel is, the nature of the incident and follow the points listed.
1. Register with the lead vessel and standby for instructions.
2. Listen out for nominated working communication  channel and always maintain dual watch on V.H.F CH 16.
3. The lead vessel will designate a search area, a search pattern, speed and suitable spacing of vessels that will best suit the incident.
4. It is vital that all vessels must record their time and position at 5 minute intervals during the search.
5. Lead vessel may need to identify itself visually by use of a flashing light, hand held flare, strobe etc. particularly if non industry vessels are involved.
6. Upon arrival of a higher authority, e.g. water police, RAAF they would usually assume control. Future instructions would still be conveyed to the fleet by the lead vessel.               
SA Police Water Operations Unit Phone: 11444