Health & safety requirements
Read the Port Nikau Marine contractor induction below, then complete the questionnaire before starting work on Port Nikau wharves or marinas.
Contractor Site Induction
Port Nikau is positioned in the heart of Whangarei Harbour’s marine precinct and provides floating pontoons and onshore facilities for recreational vessels from 14 to 20 metres, a superyacht marina for yachts up to 90 metres, and commercial wharves with deep-water berthage for commercial ships, workboats, tugs, fishing boats, ferries and charter craft.
Key Contacts
Marine Manager: Blair Smeal – 027 423 8064
Project Manager: Scott Davies-Colley – 027 255 9209
H&S: hse@dcgroup.nz
Emergency: Dial 111
Office: 325 Port Road, Tide Gauge Building, upstairs above Acropolis Restaurant. Opening hours: 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Accounts: ap@dcgroup.nz.
Before Starting Work
- Every worker must complete the Port Nikau Contractor Induction, renewable every two years, even if services are arranged directly through a boat owner.
- Wear suitable workwear and task-appropriate PPE.
- Undertake a risk assessment and implement controls such as JSA, Task Analysis or Safe Work Method Statement.
- Ensure plant and equipment is safe, fit for purpose and operated only by competent people.
- If working for Port Nikau, report to the Marine Manager or Project Manager before starting.
- If working for a vessel berthed at Port Nikau, report to the Captain or Skipper for a safety briefing.
- Captains, Skippers and Contractors are responsible for managing activity risks and worker competency.
- Follow the 3 Cs: consult, coordinate and cooperate so your work does not affect the safety of others.
Personal Protective Equipment
Contractors must provide adequate PPE. Closed footwear is the minimum requirement. Specialised PPE such as harnesses, lanyards and respirators must meet relevant AS/NZS standards and be used only by trained workers.
Site Signage
Read and obey all safety signs and notices. Do not cover or remove signs. Report damaged, missing or incorrect signs to site management.
Drugs and Alcohol
Illicit drugs are strictly prohibited. Port Nikau may require random, reasonable cause or post-incident drug and alcohol testing. Anyone suspected of being under the influence may be removed from site.
Housekeeping
Store plant, equipment and materials safely, keep access routes clear, secure items from the weather and clean up your own work area and waste.
Accidents and Incidents
Report all incidents to the Marine Manager and through your internal process. Investigations must be completed promptly and supplied within 10 working days, or earlier if requested.
General Health & Safety
Health and safety is everyone's responsibility. Do not enter unauthorised areas. Follow instructions from Port Nikau management or vessel Captains/Skippers. Radio headphones are not permitted.
Principal Hazards and Risks
| Hazard | Risk | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Open water access and falls | Drowning, injury, fatality | Use safe access, keep away from edges, maintain housekeeping and keep three points of contact on ladders. |
| Electricity | Electrocution, shock | Use RCD devices, tested and tagged tools and leads, identify overhead services. |
| Fire and explosion | Burns, smoke inhalation, fatality, property loss | Use hot work permits and keep ignition sources away from flammables. |
| Weather/environment | Heat, cold, flood, flying objects, slips | Monitor forecasts, wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated and secure wharf items. |
| Mobile plant and traffic | Injury, fatality, property damage | Wear hi-viz where required and follow traffic management and signage. |
| Cranes and lifting | Falling objects, crushing, fatality | Use lift plans, certified equipment, competent operators, exclusion zones and hard hats. |
| Working alone | Injury, illness, fatality | Assess the task, use a buddy system and escalation plan. |
Hot Work Permits
Hot work includes heat-generating tools, welding, heating, cutting or grinding. Vessel owners or crew must complete the Port Nikau Vessel Hot Work Permit. Contractors must also complete their own permit, send a copy to the Marina Manager for approval and display it at the work site.
Crane Operations on Wharves
All crane operations must comply with best practice guidelines and be notified to the Marine Manager. Provide the Lift Plan and JSA, discuss positioning and set up exclusion zones.
Electric Power Tools and Leads
Electricity and water are a lethal combination. Test RCDs before use. Tools and leads must have current Test & Tag certification to AS/NZS 3760 and be visually inspected.
Confined Spaces
Ensure ventilation and respiratory protection where harmful substances may be present. Appoint a competent safety watch outside the confined space.
Lone Workers
Assess location, work type, capability and emergency support before working alone. High-risk activities should not be done alone. Use a buddy system and escalation plan.
Diving in the Marina
Recreational swimming or diving is not permitted. Diving is notifiable. Consult marina management, control electrical and environmental risks, use lookouts, flags and line attendants. No diver may work alone.
Ladders, Steps, Ramps & Accessways
Ladders are not working platforms. Maintain three points of contact, do not overreach, carry tools on a belt and use sound industrial-rated ladders meeting AS/NZS 1892.
Emergency Response Information
The marine environment creates multiple hazards and potential emergencies. You must be familiar with procedures for the area where you are working. Full plans are available on site.
Remember: Health and safety on site is everyone’s responsibility. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those affected by your actions. If unsure about any task, stop and discuss it with your supervisor or the Port Nikau Marine Manager.
Fire Emergency
Main Wharf, Eastpoint Marina, Superyacht Marina
- Ascertain the fire type if possible.
- Sound alarms on life ring posts and gangway.
- Evacuate to the assembly point outside the Main Wharf electric gate beside the Urban Sea yacht support portable office.
- Dial 111, then advise the Marina Manager.
- Only extinguish if safe. Fire extinguishers and hoses are on marina fingers.
- If possible, remove the vessel or surrounding vessels.
- Clean debris, foam and spills. Spill kit is near the Superyacht Marina portable office.
- Secure the vessel and notify the owner.
Fire Emergency
Port Nikau Marina
- Ascertain the fire type if possible.
- Sound alarms on life ring posts and gangway.
- Evacuate to the Guest Facilities Compound. For full evacuation, use the parking layby at the 325 Port Road entrance.
- Dial 111, then advise the Marina Manager.
- Only extinguish if safe. Fire extinguishers and hoses are on marina fingers.
- If possible, remove the vessel or surrounding vessels.
- Clean spills and use the spill kit as required.
- Secure the vessel and notify the owner.
Containing Spills
Port Nikau Marina
- Stop further spillage if possible.
- Guard the spill and call the Marina Manager.
- Turn off power to the affected area and prevent smoking.
- Deploy the 20 metre floating absorbent boom from the spill kit.
- Secure boom downwind or around the vessel.
- Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.
- Complete the incident report and replenish used emergency items.
- For extremely heavy spills you cannot control, contact Northland Regional Council Environmental on 0800 50 46 39.
Spill on land with potential to reach stormwater
- Stop further spillage if possible.
- Call the Marina Manager.
- Dam and contain any substance that could enter stormwater or drain holes.
- Use absorbent pads, pillows, powder and boom from the spill kits.
- Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.
- Assess the damage, create a cleanup plan, and monitor until resolved.
- For extremely heavy spills you cannot control, contact Northland Regional Council Environmental on 0800 50 46 39.
Sinking Boat
- Check if anybody is on board and try to stop the leak.
- Contact the Marine Manager.
- Organise an emergency pump if needed.
- If unsuccessful, dial 111 for the Fire Brigade.
- If the bilges are oily, use oil-absorbent pads and pillows from the spill kit.
- If unable to stop the leak, arrange haul out or move to shallow water.
- Dispose of contaminated spill appropriately.
- Secure the vessel and notify the owner.
Contractor Induction Questionnaire
Please ensure you complete all fields and questions. The form will automatically check that the correct answers have been selected. Once successfully submitted, it will send a confirmation email to the Port Nikau Marine team, as well as a copy directly to your email address for your records.
If you happen to select an incorrect answer, simply refresh the page to clear the form and try the quiz again!