Purpose
To outline regulations for marine rescue vessels in NSW.
Policy
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has an obligation to comply with the relevant Service NSW requirements.
Procedure
Surf Life Saving work closely with and within the Service NSW scope of management/responsibility.
It is essential that any incidents involving Surf Life Saving resources follow the correct reporting and reviewing procedure in line with our requirements as an emergency service.
Definition of “an incident” which requires immediate reporting to SLSNSW
- Collision of a surf rescue powercraft with another vessel causing damage/injury.
- Collision of a surf rescue powercraft with a member of the public causing injury.
- Injury sustained by surf life saving member from a surf rescue powercraft.
- Any injury/death caused to a member of the public or lifesaver by any public powercraft.
Where no lifesaving personnel or powercraft are involved, the responsibility primarily falls to the skipper of the vessels involved and/or the Police or Service NSW officer on scene. If Police or a Service NSW officer is not immediately available, it may be prudent for lifesavers to make a report.
All incidents and injuries where a powercraft has been involved must be reported to SLSNSW and Service NSW within 48 hours of the incident occurring. All incidents involving a fatality, serious injury and/or damage to property, including a vessel, costing more than $5,000 are to be reported to Service NSW within 48 hours of the incident occurring. Marine Incidents requiring notification to Service NSW.
- Injury to any person or a fatality.
- Damage to property costing more than $5000 if not associated with an aquatic licensed event.
Service NSW must be notified using the Services NSW Vessel Incident Form (available from SLSNSW and Services NSW websites).
Notification to SLSNSW can be done immediately via the Branch Director of Lifesaving with a report completed into the Incident Report Database and a copy of the Incident Report Log communicated to SLSNSW.
A SLS Duty Officer should attend marine incidents.
Note: Some incidents may also require notification to SafeWork NSW following an injury or serious incident.
Reference
Service NSW Vessel Incident Report