Marina industry fighting fires

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) in cooperation with the training organisation Safety Corp and marine insurer Club Marine has conducted the first of many Club Marine Emergency Preparedness Training courses to be rolled out around Australia.

The ‘four hour fire and emergency response training course’ aims to ensure marina staff have the necessary information, knowledge and resources to maximise marina safety.

Some of the biggest boating losses have occurred due to marina fires jumping ship and causing multi-million dollar craft to catch on fire. Marina operators need to be armed with the knowledge for the best way to handling an emergency like this.

Do you cut the lines and set the blazing boat adrift? Do you tow a burning boat away from the marina? Or do you just run and get as far away as possible? It would be good to know.

The course looks into the key reasons causing marina incidents through statistics and case studies. Participants then discuss and analyse their emergency procedures with the objective of further developing and enhancing their plans and procedures. Specific topics addressed include risk assessment, and preventative strategies, equipment and liaison with local authorities.      

MIA President Andrew Chapman CMM said the development of the course was a result of industry and Club Marine working together to address an on-going issue for marinas.

"The course is based on case studies and hard evidence to ensure participating marinas gain new insights and are better prepared for such emergencies."

Simon McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Club Marine, said the insurer is very pleased to support the development and national roll-out of this very important course.

"As Australia's leading recreational boating insurer and a proud long term member of the marine industry, we are delighted to be actively involved with this important MIA initiative.

"Improvements to the emergency preparedness of marinas will deliver significant benefits to the industry and ensure its long term health and growth."

Over the May to July period the courses will be conducted in all Australian states. Further information can be found on the MIA website at www.marinas.net.au.