WAFIC had identified the need for the development of a series of packages for its members including guidelines on a cyclone contingency plan and liaison with DOT in the development of the short course on Severe Weather and Tropical Cyclone Education. While the Master Class 5 syllabus now contains the short couse module and the short couse module is offered as a stand alone course, a number of fishing vessel operators may not be able to take up the opition of attending the short course.
The area of making informed decisions regarding action when a cyclone is approaching is now only being given the attention it deserves and therefore, there has been some confusion over a number of areas concerning actions in the case of a cyclone. This video provides the latest information and can be beneficial both the new skippers and crew as well as long serving members of industry.
The production of the video to provide an outline of the short course will provide training resources that are currently not available in this format and therefore allows operators to use the video at times convenient to them. The video may also prompt operators to attend the short couses in the future.
Final report
Given the tragic history of the results of cyclones off the WA coast with specific regard to the commercial fishing industry, there is now as part of the Master Class 5 syllabus, a tropical cyclone short course for Uniform Shipping Laws Certificates of Competency and a stand alone optional pre-cyclone refresher for vessels operating north of Geraldton.
In addition to this, all commercial vessel operators north of Geraldton are required to have a cyclone contingency plan for every vessel.
The course also addresses severe weather which applies along the WA coastline and has application further than just in cyclone areas.
It is also recognised that the commercial fishing industry does not always have access to shore based training services due to long periods at sea and therefore on board training resources were required. This enables vessel owners and operators to meet their duty of care requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984.
This training video not only services the commercial fishing industry but also the other major areas of commercial vessel operation such as charter vessels and trading.
