SWP For Macquarie University Vessels
Boating Induction
Operator appropriately qualified with NSW Maritime Boat license and inducted by Marine
fieldwork manager.
Vessels in survey and or registered, trailers registered, both regularly serviced
Boat must not be operated outside its survey and crewing limits.
Note the difference between the vessel operating as a dive vs work boat.
As part of the induction the staff/student reads relevant SOP and SMS documents.
Vessel must carry safety equipment as required by Maritime NSW for survey.
All crew familiar with emergency procedures and operation of safety equipment.
Crew Limits as a workboat
Pelagica
Skipper + 5 crew = 6
The master/crew must have sufficient training in the use of the vessel in the operating
conditions upto 16 knots and 2m of swell in open waters. Manually inflated life jackets are
to be worn in open waters
SeaWasp
Skipper + 4 crew = 5
The master/crew must have sufficient training in the use of the vessel in the operating
conditions of 16 knots and 2m of swell open waters. Manually inflated life jackets are to be
worn in open waters
Jimble
Skipper + 4 crew = 5
The master/crew must have sufficient training in the use of the vessel in the operating
conditions of 16 knots in sheltered waters.
Crew Limits as a Dive Boat
Pelagica
5 persons note one less when operating as a work boat.
Not to be left unattend during dive operations
Daylight hours only for operation
Vessel must be operated in full compliance Safety Management System
SeaWAsp
4 persons note one less when operating as a work boat
Not to be left unattend during dive operations
Daylight hours only for operation
Vessel must be operated in full compliance Safety Management System
The Auxillary engine must be attached to the transom at all times when the vessel is in
operation and is not to be steered from the marlin board.
Predeparture Checklist
Check weather conditions prior to departure.
Before putting boat in water ensure bungs are in securely.
Use the daily log as a checklist Prior to Departure
Conduct a visual and operational inspection of equipment prior to departure utilising vessel
daily use log as a checklist. Report and repair any faults ASAP
Ensure sufficient fuel in tanks before setting out.
Keep ropes coiled and stowed neatly inside the boat. Always keep a look out for shallow
water and other obstacles in water. Report and repair any faults ASAP
Master to cease operations if weather conditions deteriorate.
Equipment failure
The Marine fieldwork manager maintains a regular service of trailer, vessel and outboard.
Sea Wasp and Pelagica are in commercial survey.
Service records are maintained by MFWM
Safety Equipment Communication, check marine radio and mobile phone coverage upon
departure.
If operating in open waters log in with marine rescue Channel 16.
Check mobile phone coverage as a secondary communication device.
Communication failure
First aid and casualty evacuation
Fieldwork party will have primary VHF radio use Channel 16 in an emergency, ensure aerial
is up. Secondary means of communication as assessed in the planning stage including EPIRB
and Mobile with Telstra 4G if using another service provider check coverage during the trip
to be aware of potential blackspots . Any faults occurring with equipment must be reported
immediately & alternative arrangements made.
Fieldwork communication plan to be carried by the field party, the fieldwork manager and
the contact person.
Refuelling of vessel
Avoid being splashed by fuel by standing in boat when refuelling.
Avoid naked flame. Keep the fuel hose in contact with fill pipe to prevent electrical static
build up. Be aware of Fuel stop cocks and the location of fire extinguishers and how to
operate them in the event of an emergency.
Check fuel filters are clear and drain if necessary
Check extinguisher is in “green “and expiry.
Areas of Operation
Manually inflated life vests to be worn when heading offshore or upon request of Master
Plying Limits for Individual vessels
Pelagica
Registered as a 2C vessel
Area of operations for PELAGICA 15nm to seaward and laterally along the coast of
NSW.
Sea Wasp
Registered as a 2C vessel
Areas of Operation are within 5 nautical miles from the seaward limit of a safe haven.
Attach trailer to vehicle
Strained muscles from push/pull heavy weight use 2 or more persons where possible. Use
correct manual handling techniques
Pinch injuries to fingers, attention to the task and take care and not rushing job.
Ensure safety chains attached, jockey well is raised and handbrake is off
Insert R Clip into towball coupling.
Check stern straps are in place.
Check tyre pressure
Avoid stowing loose items in boat
Towing the Vessel
During the induction process the MFWM will assess experience and ability in towing and
reversing the trailer.
Passengers to assist driver when reversing.
When launching, driver to have window down.
Launching/retrieval of vessel
Before leaving vehicle apply handbrake, place in Park or in Gear turn off the vehicle.
Observe conditions as boat ramps are slippery and act accordingly. Move carefully and
slowly.
The person managing the winch to be In view of master to signal that all is clear and ready
for the boat to be driven onto or off the trailer.
When launching have the master engage forward gear second operator releases the safety
chain then release winch hook then communicates to the master that they are good to
reverse.
When winching, double check that the cable is locked off (i.e. can’t run free).
When retrieving vessel the second person to stand at the rear corner of the vehicle allow
master to drive boat onto trailer. When the vessel is in position the second person
communicates with master on boat operation prior to winching boat on trailer. Avoid
placing arms/limb between vessel and winch post. Then connect safety chain.
Lower aerial
When Starting Boat
Check you have the keys
Insert kill switch into to electrical stop button turn batteries on but leave the crossover
closed.
Ensure boat is neutral
Check the water around the propeller is clear.
Check for tell tales once motor has started
Swamping of vessel/vessel overturning
Weather will be checked and experienced operators at the helm. Winds should be less than
16 knots and less than 2m of swell.
When operating offshore crew will wear manually inflated life jackets.
Ensure navigational aids are working e.g. Chart plotter, GPS chart for the area. For
unfamiliar areas it is good practice to carry charts of the waterway.
Practice good seamanship at all times.
Observe external boating hazards e.g. weather navigational signs, obstructions, traffic.
Minimum of two persons on operational vessel. Unless prior approved by marine fieldwork
manager.
Stay with the vessel. The boat cannot be taken out unless ALL safety equipment is aboard
and in good working condition. Use daily log checklist prior to departure.
Man Overboard retrieval
Operator awareness of conditions and acting according to these.
Williamson turn training drills.
Hit the Man Over Board Button on the GPS.
Immediately turn the boat towards the side the person has fallen from. This will reduce the risk of
the outboard hitting them.
CONSCIOUS
Designate one person to maintain visual contact and point out victims location at all times
Hit way point on Chart Plotter, Gradually reduce speed. Conduct Williamson turn Secure
throw line to vessel, deploy throw line or life ring. Throw line or life ring so that it cuts
across line of person overboard.
Approach person in water from lee (down, wind/current) side
Exposure to Heatstroke/sunstroke/ Hypothermia
Protection from sun (canopy). Appropriate personal protective equipment – sunscreen,
appropriate hat, UV eye protection. First aid training for operators
Operators to take appropriate food/drinks for expected weather conditions
Wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment – thermals, neoprene gloves, hat,
wet weather clothing, boat boots, and life jacket. Protection from rain (canopy). First aid
training for operators. Operators to take appropriate food/drinks for weather conditions
Sea Sickness
Appropriate medication before journey. Brief then Monitor personnel throughout journey.
Adequate fluid intake. Communicate ill feeling Stop work if necessary
Cool patient and have stand at the stern.
Work on charted vessels
Induction on safety features of vessel by operator – e.g. fire extinguishers, Muster Points,
EPIRBS, first aid kit, flares etc Vessel must be in survey and operate within these limits (see
Maritime NSW). Vessel must be operated by suitably qualified person. MQ Staff and
students to operate in accordance within SOP/SWP procedures. These guidelines will be
sent to the MFWM.
Completion of the trip
Record Boating hours in the Daily use log.
Thoroughly wash the boat and flush motors.
Inspect hull and propeller for damage.
Turn all batteries off
Return Daily use log and report any maintenance issues to MFWM.
Specific Boating Activities
Pulling up mooring Lines
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Aware of mooring rope fouling propeller where possible be in neutral
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Where gloves to prevent abrasions from oysters and barnacles
Skipper keeps watch for other boat traffic.
Hydrophone recordings
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Master and crew to wear life jackets
Engines will be off for recordings
Boat will drift abeam to the sea therefore conduct recordings in less 1.0m of sea and
swell
Ensure hydrophone on board prior to staring engine.
Plankton trawls
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Master and crew to wear life jackets
Use of davit check prior to departure
Check bilge pump to wash net is operational
Keep body parts clear of ropes
Ropes clear of propeller (float assisted)
Listen for Masters requests
Be aware of the extra weight whilst operating on the port side
Ship to Shore operations
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Life Jackets to be worn
Swell/wave height at Landing <0.5m
Deckhand and personnel to assist with tender position tender on the lee side
Board tender when master permits
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A person that has prior experience of landing at the site must lead the landing.
The landing group should comprise at least 2 people.
Appropriate foot wear to be worn.
Briefing on the landing procedure given prior to entering the tender.
Night Activities
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Wear a life jacket
Ensure navigational lights are working and deck lights/torches.
Check that crew know where all equipment is stowed.
Deployment and Retrieval of equipment.
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Use an appropriate vessel for example SIMS SeaTamer
Ensure the weight of the item to be deployed and retrieved does not exceed
the Safe Work Load of the winch and davit.
Wear a life jacket
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Staff and students to be inducted in the use of the davit and winch.
LIVE BOAT DIVER PICKUP
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Rationale:
In the following circumstances it would be preferable to pick up divers and or
snorkelers from a boat idling in neutral rather than anchored and not running. When
dive operations are close to shore, dives are short duration and or in deep water
(>25m) or when searching for moorings when divers/snorkelers maybe required to
relocate and get on and off the boat multiple times. Or in the event that divers
become separated.
Guideline:
Ensure dive flag is raised.
Brief divers prior to entering the water on the dive plan sea conditions etc.
Divers are to remain together.
Each diver is to have their SMB ready to inflate.
In the event of an emergency the diver is to inflate the SMB, when the SMB reaches
the surface they then give 3 sharp tugs.
If divers are separated during the dive then they are to inflate their SMB upon
ascent.
Use a safety line and float divers descend and ascend on this line
1 They do not enter the water until the skipper instructs them.
2 The skipper will communicate that the vessel is “In Neutral” and they can enter the
water.
3 Divers acknowledge by replying “In neutral”.
4 The divers enter from the windward side of the vessel.
5 Upon entering the water each diver turns and faces the skipper and presents the
“OK” signal, skipper returns the signal to acknowledge.
6 The skipper then monitors diver location via surface float and bubbles at the
surface, particularly important in high boat traffic locations.
7 Upon surfacing the divers and skipper make visual contact and display the “OK”
signal.
8 The skipper then approaches the divers from the leeside.
9 Upon surfacing the skipper makes visual contact with divers instructs the divers
the boat is “in neutral” Divers acknowledge the signal then approach boat.
10 Skipper assists with gear and loading divers.