Extreme weather plan brochure for clients - Dec23

AUSTRALIA’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE MARINA & SHIPYARD

Customer Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan

Customer Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan

Introduction The Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) is committed to providing safe working conditions and environmentally sound operating practices that comply with relevant State regulations and relevant standards, codes, and guidelines. GCCM operates under a structured WHS Management System, with this Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan (EWECP) aligning with the emergency preparedness processes within the system.

GCCM is committed to working closely with the disaster management agencies, which includes the Gold Coast Local Disaster Management Group, in the event of extreme weather conditions. As such, GCCM recognises the need to align this plan with those that currently exist at State and Local Government levels - embracing the four phases of disaster management: Prevention Preparedness Response Recovery An extreme weather event may require the evacuation of the facility, or parts thereof, and this evacuation could occur 48 hours prior to the extreme weather event. For this plan, an extreme weather event includes: The effects of a tropical cyclone.

Rapid delivery of concentrated rainfall leading to flash flooding.

Damaging wind gusts and hail leading to significant damage to vessels and infrastructure.

Storm surge, causing erosion and localised flooding through coastal inundation.

East coast low.

Severe thunderstorms.

Objective

4

Extreme weather monitoring

5

GCCM Action Plan

6

Phase 1 - Prevention

7

Insurance for GCCM

9

Phase 2 - Preparation

10

What to consider when securing vessels

13

Helpful websites

17

Phase 3 - Response

18

Phase 4 - Recovery

19

Emergency contacts

20

Objective The overall objective of this plan is to ensure that processes are in place across GCCM that support a timely response and management of extreme weather events and to establish safeguards against all identified risks to continuously improve the safety management of the GCCM complex.

These objectives will be achieved by: Maintaining high standards of safety consciousness and protection of the environment through relevant training, consultation, and communication.

Motivating the staff and promoting their participation in safety and environment protection.

Informing all members of staff, business partners, contractors, and customers of existing or potential hazards that may endanger them, persons in the vicinity, the vessels, or the environment.

Ensuring that documented vessel & and land-based business procedures are developed and strictly followed.

Continuously monitoring the performance of the EWECP in strategically targeted areas.

Taking into consideration all mandatory and relevant rules, regulations, codes, guidelines and standards.

Maintaining awareness of weather systems that may impact the southeast coast of Qld. All employees, businesses, vessel owners & and masters must always comply with safety and environmental protection regulations and procedures and take the necessary precautions in the interests of human life, property, and the marine environment.

Vessel Masters and Owners have an obligation to take appropriate precautions for the safety of their vessels, passengers and crew. Vessel owners are responsible for ensuring the vessel is thoroughly prepared and are held liable for any damages caused by their vessel.

Extreme Weather Monitoring GCCM will monitor information and communicate to vessel owners either by phone, text, email or in person if on site. Social media will also be used in some instances to advise GCCM customers.

Latest river Heights bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ60285.html tides.willyweather.com.au/qld.html Local Forecasts bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/coomera.shtml willyweather.com.au/QLD/brisbane/coomera.html Queensland Forecasts: bom.gov.au/qld/forecasts/map.shtml?ref=hdr willyweather.com.au/qld.html Weather Warnings bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/

GCCM Action Plan In the event of an extreme weather event threat the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and/or their delegate/s will take the following action: Restrict / direct the movement of vessels.

Direct & oversee the evacuation of vessels – where considered appropriate.

During flood conditions, all vessels berthed in Super Yacht Marina shall NOT be accommodated in the Super Yacht Basin and shall be relocated to the internal marina or the Broadwater.

Direct & oversee the evacuation of sheds / hard stands / storage racks – as appropriate.

Direct & oversee the evacuation of other areas within the facility –e.g. restaurant, retail areas etc.

Establish contact with the Harbour Master.

Establish contact with the appropriate local emergency agencies.

Note: In relation to the movement of vessels on the water, GCCM will take direction from the Harbour Master/s (Southport or Regional).

Should a vessel decide or be directed to evacuate the GCCM precinct, the Owner / Master will assume full responsibility for its movements henceforth.

Vessels are moored at owners’ risk and it is the owner’s prerogative to move their vessel if they feel insecure in the marina, noting that any vessel movement should occur in line with the extreme weather contingency plan for the port.

These actions will be enacted over four distinct phases that allows for the development of appropriate responses to the threats faced.

Phase 1: Extreme weather event watch – Prevention An extreme weather event watch will be issued when an extreme weather event or developing event is likely to affect the area within 48 hours, but not expected to impact the area within 24 hours. This phase is a critical time for masters and owners to plan and prepare for the impact of the event.

During this period, masters and owners should review their safety plans and address any matters outstanding (e.g. fuel, food & water, contact details etc).

Checklist to prepare for the Season Vessel in good and seaworthy condition.

Any damage to the vessel to be rectified immediately.

Any unsecured parts of your vessel that may impact how the vessel holds up to be corrected.

Emergency kits prepared - this may include extra lines, torch, tape, pumps, buckets and tools.

Mooring cleats and vessel cleats in good condition

Lines and fenders in good condition Plenty of additional mooring lines and fenders readily available and in good condition.

Remove any ropes around pylons. They can cause damage to equipment and vessels.

Check vessel batteries including their condition and voltage, replace if required.

Check bilge pumps are in good working condition and bilges free from oil and fuel.

Use oil absorb pads or pillows to maintain the cleanliness of the bilge.

Ensure bilge pumps can not be isolated and will run automatically when battery switches are turned off.

VHF radios in working and with clear communication

Update contact information with the Marina office.

Provide a secondary emergency contact if you will be unavailable.

Become aware of emergency evacuation procedures for the site.

Insurance: Review and update current insurance policies to ensure they are valid and accurate – including what is insured.

Public liability $20 million.

Salvage/wreck removal included.

Vessels moored location is correct.

Provide a copy of your Certificate of Currency to the marina office.

Insurance Insurance is a requirement of Gold Coast City Marina, we require all vessels to be fully covered and meet Australian insurance standards.

We prefer fully comprehensive insurance policies that include public liability coverage up to $20 million, salvage and wreck removal, accurate vessel identification and we require a copy of the current Certificate of Currency.

Insurance companies that can assist with upgrading or modifying a current insurance policy, that are both reasonable in pricing and coverage are: Pantaenius - Nick Thorowgood 02 99361670 nthorowgood@pantaenius.com Coverforce - Sonya Wilmen 0419 650 938 sonya_wilmen@coverforce.com.au

Phase 2: Extreme weather event warning – Preparedness An extreme weather event warning will be issued when an extreme weather event is likely to affect the area within 24 hours. This phase is critical for masters and owners to complete all preparations in an orderly manner prior to the event occurring.

At this time liaison with marina staff will assist to determine the course of action to be taken in the local area.

All vessels should by now be securely moored with additional lines.

Listen to radio broadcasts and check weather forecasts to evaluate weather conditions and determine evacuation plans.

Preparation for the extreme weather event checklist Check the condition of the vessel and its seaworthiness. If time to do so, rectify any integrity issues or damage immediately to ensure the vessels holds up through the event.

Check condition of vessel cleats and marina cleats. If you are unsure of a cleats integrity – do not use it.

Where cleats are unable to be used, winches and Sampson posts can be used.

Remove any ropes around pylons. Do not use ropes around pylons to secure vessels. They can cause damage to equipment, vessels and may be affected by tides/storm surges.

Have the emergency kit ready for the event. Restock if necessary and if needed – new batteries.

Ensure your vessels safety plan is also updated and readily available.

Emergency kits - this may include extra lines, torch, tape, pumps, buckets and tools.

Headsails, lazy jacks are all dropped and stored safely away. Secure all loose articles to reduce wind loading.

Outriggers, bimini’s, loose or unnecessary deck equipment secured or removed and packed away. (May also include BBQ’s, cushions, furniture etc).

All clears and shades removed and stowed.

Tenders: Outboards removed and stored.

Loose items removed such as fuel tanks, seats, covers or oars etc.

Bungs removed if unable to be stored away.

Inflatable tenders deflated if possible, and where can, secured to the deck or removed and stored off site.

Mooring lines and fenders: Doubled up lines and on separate mooring cleats as a secondary fastening.

Slack the lines for movement including tide variations, flooding and strong winds.

Mooring lines to be in good condition to avoid snapping.

Fenders securely fastened on the boat.

Increase the number of fenders around the boat.

Instrument covers taped down and where possible remove any mounted instrument and store safely.

Continued - Preparation for the extreme weather event checklist Gas bottles closed off and disconnected. Store in a ventilated area, ideally off and safely away from vessel.

External doors and hatches sealed with tape or covered and secured to prevent water ingress.

All seacocks closed, scuppers and drains cleared and unblocked.

Bilge pumps on auto and operational.

Bilges clear and clean – use absorbent pads and pillows to maintain cleanliness.

Change or charge batteries if needed.

Have a bucket or bailer from the safety kit on standby in case a pump can not be used.

All perishables removed out of fridges and freezers.

Shore power is disconnected and stored safely onboard.

Isolate battery switch and turn any instruments where possible off on the vessel.

Ensure bilge pumps are working directly off the batteries and can not be isolated.

Auto bilge pump can not be turned off.

Before and after photographs are taken of the vessel. This is beneficial when logging any insurance claims.

Check your insurance policy is current and has not expired.

Familiarise yourself with emergency evacuation procedures for the site.

VHF radios on and monitor radio broadcasts, harbour masters, and weather forecasts.

Check with the marina office that all the contact and emergency contact information for your vessel is updated.

What to consider when securing a vessel Marina Securing of vessels should include, but not be limited to such things as: Remove sails, self-furling sails and covers. If this is not possible, double wrap or tie these components in such a way that the wind cannot tease any ends out and allow flapping of gear to commence.

All loose items to be removed from deck and stored.

Vessels to have a minimum of the following individual ropes - 1 x forward rope, 1 x stern rope, 2 x springers. All ropes used are to be of suitable weight & length for the vessel & be in good condition.

Minimum of figure 8 & 2 lock offs for each rope.

Double up mooring lines, by running duplicated ropes to alternative bollards. Do not run duplicates to the same bollards – a single bollard failure should not release the craft from a safe mooring arrangement.

The duplicate lines should be in good condition and run slightly slack to ensure that they are only required to work in the event of the chafing through the primary mooring lines. Vessels should not be secured to piles as this prevents pontoons moving with tidal and surge movements. Take particular care to protect against chafing.

Marina - continued Ensure lines are made fast to substantial boat parts, for example mast steps, winches and so on, bearing in mind cleats are known to have been torn out of decks. Do not use chain to secure your boat to pontoon bollards. Chains have no ability to stretch, where ropes have a certain amount of give.

Any mooring lines should be easily adjustable and sufficiently taut to ensure the vessel and pontoon move as one.

Some vessels may be allowed to have anchors lowered in the marina berth to the sea bottom. Ensure there is enough slack to rise and fall of the vessel due to swell and storm surges.

Tenders and motors to be removed if possible – if not possible they should be made fast to the satisfaction of GCCM. If stored with the vessel, tenders should be securely lashed inverted on deck to prevent filling with water – do not contemplate towing tenders. If left on purpose-built davits, tenders should be cleaned out and securely lashed and bungs removed.

Safety equipment such as life rings can be removed from stands but must stowed in a visible, safe location and still available to be used if required.

Hardstand Vessel windage is considerably increased through hardstand storage. During strong winds, flying debris, particularly in the hardstand areas, can cause serious injury or may be lethal during a severe weather event. Please exercise all due care when operating in these areas.

Securing a boat on a hardstand requires careful preparation and attention to detail.

Stand the boat in an area that is less susceptible to flooding, away from trees, power lines, and structures that could collapse.

Remove any loose items from the boat, including sails, cushions, Bimini’s, dinghies and removable equipment. Store these items securely in a designated area.

Use strong, properly sized lines to tie the boat to secure anchor points on the hardstand. Double or triple up on lines to ensure redundancy and distribute the load evenly.

Use reliable and secure knots, such as cleat hitches or bowline knots, to attach the lines to the boat’s cleats and anchor points.

Wrap any lines that might rub against sharp or chafing edges with cloth or rubber to prevent chafing and potential line failure.

Take into account potential tidal surges and adjust the lines accordingly to prevent the boat from being pulled off the hardstand.

Block the Hull: Depending on the type of boat, consider using sturdy blocks or stands under the hull to distribute weight and prevent rocking. If available to do so increasing the number of stands or blocks may be considered. Do not secure tarps or windage items to these blocks.

If the boat has a mast, secure it by lowering it and lashing it to the boat securely.

Remove any sails and store them safely.

Ensure that the area around the boat allows for proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.

Trailers

Place the vessel head to the wind if possible.

Take particular care to secure and stow all deck items.

Attach the trailer or cradle to the nearest strong point(s). Ensure wheels are chocked and trailer brakes applied.

Remove all windage items, such as tarps, sails, scaffolding etc. Do not have any items secured to stands or ladders.

Remove bungs or the like to allow drainage and minimise risk of boat tipping or adding load to trailer.

Dry storage Vessels are to remain in the dry stack and the building is to be secured with all doors closed.

For vessels on cradles located outside that are unable to be relocated to inside the dry storage facility or launched onto trailer and stored in the trailer compound (higher ground), are to be treated the same as if on hardstand.

Additional stands or blocks where necessary.

Securing any loose items.

Disconnecting from power.

Removing bungs.

Helpful websites to aid in prevention and preparation Prepare your boat, Boat safety checklist.

https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/getprepared/protect-your-vehicle-caravan-andboat/protect-your-boat-boat-safety-checklist

Preparing for Severe Weather

https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/safety/preparing-forsevere-weather

Maritime safety extreme weather contingency plans

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/maritime -safety-extreme-weather-contingency-plans

Navigating through rough water

https://www.nautilusinsurance.com.au/news/navigati ng-through-rough-water/

Southport Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan 2023- 2024**

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckanpublications-attachments-prod/resources/23eb863f33f0-406f-b16d-4ceba39e4f40/appendix-22-msqewe-contingency-action-plan-final-southport.pdf?

ETag=d72f4706edf4023a218d1932827847ac

Queensland Police disaster management plan.

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/qps-corporatedocuments/disaster-management-plans

Notice to Mariners

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/southpor t-notices-to-mariners

Event Contingency Plan 2023/24 **

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/ckanpublications-attachments-prod/resources/2247a735280b-4ea8-8dd5-e4b56e1eb965/msq-ewecontingency-action-plan.pdf?

ETag=fd4786b8ae743e97afc2e204f88e08ce

SEQ – South East Queensland Water Catchment

https://www.seqwater.com.au/dam-levels

** Sources used to formulate this document

Phase 3: Actual extreme weather event – Response By this phase, all vessels are expected to have enacted their vessel safety plans noting that the pilotage area may be closed and/or vessel movements restricted commensurate with the threat to safety of vessel movements or the environment.

Mariners should maintain a listening watch on key VHF frequencies for weather and conditions updates. Flying debris will be a major danger to any persons on marinas, stay indoors.

If safe to do so during the weather events, GCCM staff will conduct regular dock and hardstand walks by designated marina staff to ensure vessels are secure and any risks/hazards are eliminated or monitored.

Under no circumstances, however will any one put their life at risk to conduct these checks and will only be performed if safe to do so.

Phase 4: After the extreme weather event has passed – Recovery The Regional Harbour Master will assess residual risks and determine the actions needed to be addressed. Do not assume that as the extreme weather event has passed, wait for further instruction as directed by harbour masters.

If police or the Harbour Master have issued directions to evacuate a certain area or waterway, check with the relevant agency before returning to your vessel or mooring area.

Broadcasts will be made over key VHF frequencies to alert vessel owners of the lifting of navigation restrictions and any hazards that may have been identified in local waters.

Owners and masters of vessels should be aware that aids to navigation may be affected by the extreme weather event. Owners and masters should reference Notices to Mariners for the latest updates.

Furthermore, port infrastructure will need to be inspected to ensure that facilities are fit for purpose.

Charted depths may have been altered as a result of storm surge and or flood water run-off, mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating local waterways

Emergency contact numbers

Name

Contact Number

Email/ website

Regional harbour Master

07 3632 7500

rhmbrisbane@msq.qld.gov.au

Brisbane VTS

07 3623 3900

VTSBrisbane@msq.qld.gov.au

Emergency Services

000

Maritime Safety QLD

07 5585 1810

MSQ after hours

07 3305 1700

Gold Coast Water Police

07 5509 5700

Gold Coast Seaway tower

07 5591 2948 VHF #16 / 67 / 73

https://seawaytower.com.au/

Gold Coast Waterways Authority

07 5539 7350

mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/

VMR Southport

07 5591 1300 VHF #16 / 67 / 73 / 82

https://www.vmrsouthport.com.au

AREA MANAGER (Greg Turner) Mob: 0419 729 592