Pilbara Ports Marine Safety Video

Summary

This video provides a detailed overview of the Port of Port Headland, the world's largest bulk export port. It outlines the processes involved in vessel arrivals and departures, focusing on the roles of the ship's master, VTS, and marine pilots. Key procedures include safety checks, pilot boarding arrangements (via ladder or helicopter), tug coordination, and mooring operations. The port operates with high safety standards, managing over 3,300 vessel visits annually. The video emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and adherence to safety protocols throughout the maritime journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Port Headland is the world's largest bulk export port by tonnage, exporting iron ore, lithium, and salt, and is managed by Pilra Ports.
• 😀 Pilra Ports acknowledges the traditional owners, the Kariara peoples, and operates across multiple ports in the Pilbara region.
• 😀 Ships must review local marine notices and safety bulletins before arrival and make scheduled VTS calls for coordination and anchorage instructions.
• 😀 Marine pilots board vessels via pilot ladder or helicopter, with strict safety requirements for ladders, handholds, and deck preparations.
• 😀 The master-pilot exchange includes passage planning, engine and rudder tests, navigation equipment checks, and emergency steering verification.
• 😀 Tugboats play a crucial role in guiding vessels through the shipping channel, and crew must stay clear of snapback zones during mooring and unmooring.
• 😀 Continuous communication with VTS on channels 12 or 16 is essential, especially during emergencies and vessel movements within the port.
• 😀 Mooring operations require careful monitoring of tidal swings (7.4 m) and coordination with the terminal and mooring crew for safe line handling.
• 😀 Departure procedures mirror arrival safety protocols, including pilot boarding, master-pilot exchange, tug assistance, and secure deck arrangements.
• 😀 Competent standby personnel must be stationed in the steering gear room during vessel entry and departure, trained in emergency steering and direct communication with the bridge.
• 😀 The port emphasizes safety as the top priority, with detailed procedures for every stage of vessel arrival, mooring, and departure to prevent accidents.

Q & A

What is the primary role of Pilbara Ports at Port Hedland?

Pilbara Ports manages the largest bulk export port authority, overseeing port operations, ensuring vessel safety, coordinating traffic, and facilitating arrivals and departures at Port Hedland and other ports under its authority.

Why does the transcript acknowledge the Kariara peoples?

The port of Port Hedland is located on the traditional lands of the Kariara peoples, and Pilbara Ports acknowledges and pays respects to the traditional owners and their elders past and present.

What are the initial steps a vessel must take before arriving at Port Hedland?

The ship's master must review recent local marine notices and safety bulletins, make initial VTS calls 2 hours and 10 nautical miles before the first reporting point, and declare any machinery defects or navigational equipment malfunctions.

How does the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) assist arriving vessels?

VTS coordinates vessel traffic, provides anchoring instructions based on channel clearance, guides pilot boarding procedures, and maintains continuous communication with vessels to ensure safe navigation and port entry.

What are the two ways a marine pilot can board a vessel at Port Hedland?

A marine pilot can board a vessel either via a pilot ladder or by helicopter, depending on the VTS instructions and the vessel's freeboard specifications.

What safety checks are performed during the master-pilot exchange?

The exchange includes passage planning, engine and rudder tests, rudder indicator verification, navigation equipment tests, emergency steering readiness, and guidance on tug positioning.

What are snapback zones and why are they important?

Snapback zones are areas around mooring lines where tension can suddenly release, posing a hazard to crew. Awareness and avoidance of these zones are critical for safe mooring and departure operations.

What role do tugs play during arrival and departure?

Tugs assist vessels in safely navigating the port's shipping channel, help maneuver vessels into position alongside the berth, and are coordinated with the marine pilot to prevent accidents.

What are the key responsibilities of a competent standby person in the steering gear room?

This person ensures emergency steering can be activated if required, maintains direct communication with the bridge, monitors the rudder position, and remains in the steering gear room until officially dismissed by the marine pilot.

How does the port manage tidal impacts on vessels?

Port Hedland experiences a 7.4 m tidal swing, which is accounted for in mooring operations, pilot instructions, and vessel navigation to ensure safe passage and docking.

What procedures are followed for mooring operations at the berth?

Crew safely lowers and secures mooring lines via mooring boats, avoids snapback zones, continuously monitors line tension, and immediately contacts VTS in case of line failure.

What steps are taken during vessel departure from Port Hedland?

The marine pilot conducts a master-pilot exchange, confirms emergency steering readiness, coordinates tugs, supervises mooring line release, and either disembarks via helicopter or pilot boat once the vessel safely leaves the port.