Objective

To have the port area evacuated at least six hours before destructive winds commence, and to have all vessels safely moored in their designated areas of shelter by that time.

All vessels other than those being used for emergency purposes, are to evacuate and clear the port area and marinas. Owners should be aware that should they leave their vessels in the port area, they may be liable for prosecution and, additionally, be held accountable for any damage their vessel may cause or incur.

The accompanying chart details the designated cyclone mooring areas.

To ensure an orderly port evacuation, the following schedule is to be observed when announced by the Regional Harbour Master over VHF Ch 16:

	Yellow Alert

Destructive winds forecast to affect the area within 20 hours.

1. Vessels under 12m to areas D & F, Multi Hulls to area H and vessels between 10m - 15m choosing to use area A.
2. Vessels between 10m - 15m to area C, vessels over 15m to area B and Quicksilver to area G.
3. Late arrivals the area E.

Notes:

(a) The Emergency Control Centre will advise vessels when they should move during this phase; and,

(b) It is essential that vessels avoid blocking off access to upper reaches and remain tied off to one side until it is obvious that all vessels that may wish to pass have done so.

	Orange Alert

• Destructive winds forecast to affect the area within 16 hours.
• On water authorities prepare to depart. All vessels should be moored in their designated area and final preparations and tying off completed.

	Red Alert

• Destructive winds forecast to affect the area within 6 hours.
• Port and marinas closed.

Vessel Communications and Control Centre:

From the commencement of Yellow Alert the Marina Habourmasters Office at the Marina Mirage will become the Port Douglas Emergency Control Centre.

They will monitor VHF Ch16 / 27Mg Ch 88 and Telephone 40995335.

They will relay messages from the Regional Harbour Master and act as co-ordination and control centre.

Once in position all vessels are to contact the Port Douglas Emergency Control Centre and advise them of the area in which they are moored and how many people will be remaining onboard. Additionally, if a vessel is to be left unattended they are to advise the Control Centre of their contact telephone numbers as applicable.

Vessels are not to leave their moorings until the official All Clear has been give by the Regional Harbour Master.

	Cyclone Mooring Chart

Designated Mooring Areas

A: vessels 10-15m
B: all vessels over 15m
C: vessels 10-15m
D: vessels under 12m
E: reserved for 
    late arrivals
F: vessels under 12m
G: Quicksilver vessels
H: multi-hulls

 

	An Advisory Message from the Regional Harbour Master (Cairns)

The frightening intensity of cyclones can cause widespread destruction and devastation. The commencement of the cyclone season on 1 November means it is imperative all North Queenslanders prepare for the possibility of one of these storms affecting the local area.

With timely awareness and adequate preparation, it is possible to "ride out" a cyclone, with little or no damage. To minimise the risks, a cyclone contingency plan for the Port of Port Douglas has been developed and refined. This plan is activated once the threat of a cyclone exists.

The prime objective is to organise the orderly removal of vessels from their normal moorings to more sheltered locations or, in the case of large vessels, to sea. The creeks and waterways off Dicksons Inlet, within the mangrove areas, offer the best shelter/protection for small vessels.

To facilitate the successful evacuation of the port area, all boat owners should familiarise themselves with the cyclone contingency plan early. All vessels within the Marina Mirage, pile moorings and anchorages are required to notify the Marina Manager's Office of any changes to the following:

• Vessel Ownership
• Residential Address
• Contact Telephone Numbers

This up-to-date contact information is vital for an immediate response to any port emergency. Failure to provide correct details of vessel ownership is an offence under the Transport Infrastructure (Ports) Regulations 1994. Correct information will allow authorities to initiate the appropriate evacuation procedures early. Unless unavoidable, all owners of vessels should ensure their vessel is capable of moving without assistance during the cyclone season. Failure to do so may cause an owner to incur towage expenses.

The Regional Harbour Master will direct the evacuation of the port through the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol with the assistance of the marina management to regulate and control the movements of vessels.

Vessels must proceed as far as possible upstream in the designated shelter area so as not to impede the progress of others. It is also important to be alert during the "eye" of the cyclone as a period of calm may be experienced before the winds resume from the opposite direction. Vessels should not return to their normal berths until officially advised it is safe to do so.

The best protection against the destructive forces of a cyclone is to be prepared for them.

Regional Harbour Master
Marine Operations (Cairns)

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Ph: 61 7 4099 5775
Fax: 61 7 4099 5678
Email: portdouglas@meridienmarinas.com.au

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