Marine emergency simulation exercise conducted at Broome Port

A large-scale simulation exercise is being conducted off the Port of Broome this week to evaluate arrangements for the control and coordination of maritime environmental emergencies. Personnel from organisations across Broome will also take part in the exercise, with responding agencies managing simulated hazardous materials and a simulated damaged ship, as well as affected wildlife. Response vessels, an observation aircraft and non-toxic fluorescein dye in the water will also be a part of the exercise. Department of Transport executive director Chris Mather said the emergency exercises are incredibly important in measuring WA’s readiness for maritime incidents. “Over three days several local, state and federal government agencies will work together in providing an effective and safe response on multiple fronts to a simulated major port incident,” he said. “We do remind people that the exercise activities they might see in and around Broome are not an actual response and will bring little or no disruption to the local community. “We also ask that people keep clear of any response activities around the Port of Broome and the waters of Roebuck Bay to allow the exercise participants to work safely.” Operations will be based at several locations across Broome, including Roebuck Bay and Gantheaume Point, and will conclude on Friday, October 20.