SEMP Maritime Emergencies (non-search and rescue) Sub-Plan

Introduction

Complex maritime emergencies [non-search and rescue (NSR)] are a significant threat to the state’s marine environment. The impacts of a major maritime incident could have catastrophic consequences to life (including aquatic life), maritime and state operations, infrastructure, the economy and the environment. 

The emergency management arrangements outlined in this sub-plan are crucial to ensure that government, industry and community confidence is maintained. Understanding the state’s capability is essential for preparedness, planning, response and recovery to a maritime emergency. 

No single agency has the capacity or resources (including skilled staff) to respond to and manage a complex maritime emergency; this will require resource allocation from multiple jurisdictions.

This sub-plan exists to ensure that collaboration, co-operation and resources sharing is captured and agreed to by stakeholders and a response to a complex maritime emergency will be a shared responsibility between agencies.

The Maritime Emergencies (NSR) Sub-Plan of the State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) is developed in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2013 (External link), it also serves the purposes of being the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan in accordance with the Marine (Drug, Alcohol and Pollution Control) Act 1988 (the Act) (External link). 

The document consists of 2 parts:

• Part A is the Maritime Emergencies (NSR) Sub-Plan: 
  • It provides an overview of the arrangements for managing maritime emergencies in Victoria. 
  • It describes the integrated approach and shared responsibility between state and commonwealth governments, agencies, businesses and communities.
  • The sub-plan refers to national agreements, plans and documents, including the National Plan.
• Part B is the Maritime Emergencies (NSR) Operational Plan and contains the operational details for preparing and planning for, responding to, and recovering from maritime emergencies.

This edition of the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan is developed, coordinated and administered by the Secretary, Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in accordance with Section 71A of the Act (External link). 

This edition has been prepared by DTP, in collaboration with control agencies and organisations which have Maritime Emergency (NSR) responsibilities. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this sub-plan is to:

• provide the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan in accordance with section 71B of the the Act (External link)to ensure there is adequate planning and preparation for maritime-sourced marine oil pollution incidents (including by providing equipment and training personnel)
• give effect to Victoria’s obligations under the National Plan for Maritime Environmental Emergencies and Intergovernmental Agreements.
• provide the State Emergency Management Plan Maritime Emergencies (NSR) sub-plan in accordance with the Emergency Management Act 2013
• provide strategic guidance for the effective management of maritime emergencies specifically addressing maritime-sourced oil (including oil and hazardous noxious substances) and, or maritime casualty (NSR). 

Scope

The scope of this sub-plan is maritime emergencies that are:

• marine-sourced non-hazardous marine pollution by oil, oily mixtures, and undesirable substances
• maritime-sourced marine pollution by hazardous and noxious substances (HNS)
• maritime casualties (that is, vessels – NSR)
• wildlife affected by maritime-sourced oil pollution

Geographically, this sub-plan applies to maritime emergencies (NSR) in Victoria’s embayment’s (enclosed waters) and state coastal waters up to 3 nautical miles. It does not include inland water ways.

This sub-plan does not cover the following hazards [indicates responsible agency]:

• pollution in Commonwealth waters from petroleum titleholders or offshore petroleum facilities [National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA)]
• cetacean entanglements or strandings and vessel strikes [Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)]
• blue green algae [DEECA]
• non-hazardous pollution of inland waters [DEECA]
• maritime search and rescue and evacuation [Victoria Police (VICPOL)]
• ship-board fires [Country Fire Authority (CFA) or Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV)]
• public health [Department of Health (DH)]
• military ships or vessels [Australian Defence Force (ADF)].

The direct management of these hazards is not within scope of this sub-plan, however the control and coordination principles may be applied, if the hazard were to occur concurrently with hazards that are under the scope of this sub-plan.

Objective

The objectives of the sub-plan are to:

• ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to Victoria’s management of maritime emergencies (NSR) 
• reduce the impact and consequences of maritime emergencies (NSR) on communities, infrastructure and services, and the environment.