Oil spill response equipment, including the oil recovery vessels Tukuperu and Kuaka will be deployed in Picton and Wellington harbours and command centres set up at both sites.
Maritime NZ General Manager Nick Quinn says ‘Hard Rock’ is the first exercise conducted by Maritime NZ that addresses multiple scenarios.
“We’ve had real life responses like the Jody F Millennium oil spill and national exercises before but this is the first time that the exercise will include security and search and rescue components.
“This is a major undertaking that will involve testing everything from notification chains and communication systems to the location and deployment of the right resources and equipment, as well as how people from different areas of Maritime NZ work together and with outside parties.
“While we’re confident we have some good systems in place it’s really important that we put them to the test and continue to refine them.
“ ‘Hard Rock’ gives us a great opportunity to see where we’re at, find any areas that need to be improved and for people to have a chance to work together before we’re hit by a real life crisis.”
‘Hard Rock’ will be suspended if a real life incident occurs but all usual Maritime NZ services and contacts are planned to run as normal during the week.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
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