Coastguard Takes Learnings from Italian Cruise Ship Accident

18 January 2012

Coastguard Takes Learnings from Italian Cruise Ship Accident

The devastating running aground of the Costa Concordia cruise ship in Italy is a sobering reminder that key marine rescue groups in New Zealand must be equipped to best handle any similar incidents in local waters.

Coastguard New Zealand International Relationships Director, Brooke Archbold, says this incident shows the importance of New Zealand’s marine rescue agencies having a clear response plan in place should a mass rescue ever need to be undertaken here.

Archbold is currently attending meetings in Washington DC with the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) and the US Coast Guard and in light of the recent catastrophe, the issue of mass rescue planning and response has dominated proceedings.

The IMRF, in conjunction with the Swedish Sea Rescue Society are scheduled to hold a second conference on mass rescue for June in Sweden.

The search and rescue process in the Costa Concordia accident will be closely monitored and reviewed, along with other similar mass rescue events, and will help form the basis of discussion at these conferences. Attendees will then take learnings and apply them at a local level where necessary.

“The growing popularity of the cruise ship industry in New Zealand accompanied with the ever increasing size of these vessels means that it is important for us to have response plans in place and keep abreast of the lessons learned internationally,” says Archbold.

A 2010 study into the New Zealand Cruise Industry predicted significant growth in the numbers of cruises and passengers visiting New Zealand waters. The study expected the 2011-2012 season to see 29 cruise ships (involving 124 cruises) visit New Zealand, carrying 199,900 passengers and 80,800 crew.

With most cruise ships coming to New Zealand carrying between 2000-2500 passengers and crew, any accident would require a massive collaboration and resources.

“The scale of these types of events and the fact that a rapid response is required to minimise risk to people and the environment, means having an existing response plan is critical.

“Coastguard works closely with Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) and NZ Police on all marine search and rescues. We have also worked together to conduct training exercises for mass rescue scenarios. The most recent exercise was held in 2008 as part of Coastguard’s conference and helps to ensure we are prepared for any eventuality. The recent Rena accident in particular demonstrates the importance of being able to respond quickly and effectively.”

Coastguard and RCCNZ also held a forum on mass rescue at Coastguard’s annual conference in November to up-skill volunteers and the organisation will be factoring these types of scenarios into all future combined local exercises.

About Coastguard New Zealand

Coastguard is the charity that provides New Zealand’s primary maritime search and rescue service. The organisation operates from a network of four regions and 71 affiliated units, located around the coastline and major lakes of New Zealand. Coastguard New Zealand is a volunteer organisation with a charitable status. It has more than 18,000 supporter members and 2,224 active Professional Volunteers who provide around 350,000 hours of their time each year to educate, protect and help save lives at sea. Coastguard performs over 3,000 rescues each year assisting almost 7,000 New Zealanders. There are currently 72 dedicated rescue vessels in Coastguard New Zealand’s fleet, 10 air patrol units and one dedicated communications unit. All crew members on board Coastguard vessels and air patrol craft are trained search and rescue personnel working to enhance the safety of all New Zealanders when they participate in boating and water activities.

ENDS

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