Maritime NZ staff join Australian oil spill response

A major incident room has been set up in Brisbane to co-ordinate the clean-up and is being run by Captain John Watkinson of Maritime Safety Queensland.

Although the formal MoU has not been invoked the close relationship between Maritime NZ and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has provided the chance to observe and participate in the clean up.

Maritime NZ Deputy Director Safety and Response Services Peter Williams says the offer was gratefully received.

“The number of oil spills is declining worldwide and while this is obviously a good thing it does provide us a challenge to get hands on experience.

“While we have an extensive training and exercising programme, there’s nothing like the real thing and this is an ideal opportunity for some of our staff to get their hands dirty and gain invaluable experience.”