Oil spill training exercise for Port of Eden

by NSW Maritime on 23 Jun 2011 NSW Maritime will conduct an oil spill exercise at the Port of Eden on Thursday, 30 June, Chief Executive Steve Dunn said.

Mr Dunn said the exercise would involve deployment of local oil spill response equipment, testing the preparedness and familiarisation of local personnel and testing the Eden oil spill contingency plan.

'About 20 people from local agencies are expected to take part in the hands-on training exercise,' he said.

'The exercise will be overseen by NSW Maritime's Manager, Shipping and Pollution Response in conjunction with the Eden Harbour Master.'

'Outcomes of the exercise will be used to update the Eden plan arrangements, identify any equipment related issues or requirements and identify any further training needed.

'NSW Maritime has combat agency responsibility from Gerroa near Kiama south to the Victorian boarder including the Port of Eden.'

Exercises form part of NSW’s responsibilities under the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and Other Noxious and Hazardous Substances (National Plan) to have in place a capability to respond to marine oil and chemical spills.

NSW Maritime manages the National Plan arrangements in NSW and is a combat agency along with the three Port Corporations.

The Port of Eden is located in Twofold Bay on the far south coast of NSW. Products from south eastern NSW such as wood chips and logs are exported from the port. The Royal Australian Navy, passenger cruise vessels and oil and gas industry support vessels are all regular users of the port.

NSW Maritime website