ORC’s Deputy Harbourmaster Pete Dryden is leading the exercise, which will cover the deployment and launch of containment equipment, combining interagency cooperation between Port Otago, Oil Transfer Site holders and ORC staff.

“The aim is to run this as a real oil spill incident, booming off a large ship with the use of Port Otago vessels, including the opportunity to work aboard one of Port Otago’s tugs,” Mr Dryden says.

The exercise, on Thursday, 22 May, involves the Port Otago vessel New Era as the (fictitious) source of the oil spill. Staff will boom off the vessel (contain) and skim from the wharf and also from another vessel water side (also supplied by Port Otago).

“This is to test our capabilities to skim oil from both shore side and sea side,” Mr Dryden says.

With up to 30 staff from different organisations involved, the exercise will ensure responders are up to date with equipment deployment and usage, and also display equipment to external parties which may be required to assist, he says.

“We’re intending to offer everyone some hands-on experience with the different equipment used, such as the various oil skimmers and pumps that’ll be used during the exercise,” Mr Dryden says.

Event Details

What: Oil spill training exercise

Where: Port Otago’s Cruise Ship Centre at the end of T and U sheds, 80 Fryatt St (opposite Action Engineering)

When: Thursday, 22 May (0830 briefing), 9am–3pm

Exercise Participants

Please use the sign in/out board on arrival and departure. Please bring your own PPE (boots, ear and eye protection, high-vis vest). Bring a life jacket if you have one, or ORC can supply one.

Media and participants’ briefing: 0830–0900

Time: 0830 briefing and Health & Safety

Meeting place: Cruise terminal, Fryatt St

Lunch: Around 1200–1230

Exercise duration: Starts 0900, finishes 1500, followed by debrief

Contact person on the day: ORC’s Deputy Harbourmaster Pete Dryden – 027 5877 708