PSS 11.8 Closing SurfCom (End of Day)

Purpose

To outline the process of closing SurfCom at the end of the scheduled patrol day.

Policy

The decision to close a SurfCom is made by the State Duty Officer (SDO) when the following has occurred:

• Normal operations have ceased (last patrol/service signed-off).
• Active incidents have ceased (incident is over and all responded lifesaving services safely back at base).

If there is still the likelihood of further activity, the SDO may decide to keep a SurfCom operational however scale down the personnel.

Procedure

Each individual ERO has the responsibility to close his/her own workplace at a SurfCom. Each member must also assist in de-activating communications, information recording and display and other processes with this SOP.

Each SurfCom will have its own local operating procedures for closing. As a guide this should include the following where applicable:

1. Confirm all Surf Life Saving services have completed duties for the day (patrols/incidents). SurfCom shall not close while a patrol/service they are responsible for is on-duty or still involved in an incident, without handover to overnight SDO and Duty Officer;
2. Confirm no outstanding/uncontactable clubs/services (i.e. RWC not signed off);
3. Ensure all relevant data is correctly inputted and finalised in SurfCom Management System and SurfGuard;
4. Replenish any consumables;
5. Restow maps and plans and logs/paperwork;
6. Close down computer programs and computers;
7. Ensure that the SDO and/or General Manager, Public Safety and Emergency Management is aware of any reportable issues.
8. Advise all lifesaving services and relevant emergency services of the closure “all stations”;
9. Reactivate the after-hours phone divert system (including answering machine, diverted numbers);
10. Turn off or place on standby all electrical equipment; and
11. Turn off lights, close and lock all external doors and windows.