NSW AVIATION EMERGENCY SUB PLAN NEW SOUTH WALES AVIATION EMERGENCY SUB PLAN A STATE LEVEL SUB PLAN TO THE NSW STATE DISASTER PLAN (DISPLAN)
AUTHORISATION The NSW Aviation Emergency Sub Plan has been prepared as a Sub Plan to the NSW State Disaster Plan (Displan) to detail the special control and co ordination arrangements for the response to an aviation emergency anywhere within NSW The Plan is authorised in accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (as amended).... Alexander Smith AM Chair State Emergency Management Committee Dated: Page 2 of 48
AMENDMENTS AND DISTRIBUTION Proposals for amendment or addition to the Aviation Emergency Sub Plan are to be forwarded to: Executive Officer State Emergency Management Committee PO Box 6976 Silverwater NSW 2128 Amendments promulgated are to be certified in the undermentioned sheet when entered. AMENDMENT ENTERED Number Date Signature Date Initial Plan April 1994 Reviewed 1998 Complete re write Sept Dec 2004 Approved 21 December 2004 Reviewed & re written July August 2010 DISTRIBUTION The Plan is to be distributed in electronic format and is maintained on the Emergency NSW website at www.emergency.nsw.gov.au. Page 3 of 48
CONTENTS Authorisation...2 Amendments and Distribution...3 Distribution...3 Contents...4 Definitions...5 Abbreviations...7 Part 1 Introduction...8 Part 2 Roles and Responsibilities...10 Part 3 Emergency Response Operations...15 Part 4 Administration...15 Annex A Air Alert Levels... 16 Annex B Framework for Accident Site Layout.....17 Annex C Operations Support Base...18 Annex D Special Arrangements for Defence Force Aircraft...19 Annex E AUSAVDISPLAN (Annex A).........24 Page 4 of 48
DEFINITIONS Airline Operator Means the operator of an airline or air service and includes the Operators Agent or other nominated representative if applicable. Airport Includes Aerodrome and Airfield, and means a defined area of land or water (including any buildings, installations or equipment) intended to be used either wholly, or in part, for all arrival, departure and movement of aircraft. Assembly Area A strategically located area, where support response personnel, vehicles and other equipment can be held in readiness for use during an emergency. Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) The process used to establish the identity of deceased persons and is a function of the Police (as agents of the coroner). Disaster Victim Registration (DVR) The process used to record the movements or intended movements of displaced persons, whether injured or not, and other relevant details necessary for Police operations, as well as ensuring that inquiries from concerned friends and relatives can be expediently dealt with. Police are responsible for initiating and controlling the DVR system. Full Emergency Means the condition declared when it is known that an aircraft: 1. is suspected to be, in such trouble that there is danger of an accident; or 2. has crashed on, or off an airport, or 3. has crashed in the vicinity of the airport, And emergency services would be required to attend the airport. There are 3 categories of full emergency related to the size of the aircraft involved: Level Level assessed Emergency Services Guidelines on the Weight Category 1 Light Aircraft up to 7000 kg Maximum Take off weight Aircraft may have up to 18 seats 2 Medium Aircraft up to 136,000 kg Maximum Take off weight Aircraft may have up to 215 seats 3 Heavy Aircraft more than 136,000 kg Maximum Take off weight Aircraft may have up to 560 seats Source Air Services Australia Page 5 of 48
On Scene Controller The Marine Site Controller with authority to control and co ordinate the marine rescue and recovery phases. Search and Rescue (SAR) Is broadly defined as the employment of available personnel and facilities in rendering aid to persons in distress. (Source: National SAR Manual). Site Controller A Police Officer appointed by and subject to the direction of the emergency operations controller, to be responsible for determining the site, establishing site control and controlling the on ground response to the emergency. Until the emergency operations controller appoints a site controller, the senior police officer will assume control. Site Control The location from which the Site Controller, agency commanders and functional areas coordinate the emergency. It usually includes the relevant Emergency Service Commanders and Functional Area Coordinators and other advisers as required. Page 6 of 48
ABBREVIATIONS ADF AEP AGD AMSA ARFF AsA ATSB AUSAVDISPLAN AusSAR CASA DEOC DEOCON Displan DOI DVI DVR EMA EOC LEOC LEOCON LO MRCC NATSAR RAAF RAN RCC SARMC SARO SCC SEMC SEOC SEOCON SERCON SERM Act SOP Australian Defence Force Airport Emergency Plan Attorney Generals Department Australian Maritime Safety Authority Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Service Air Services Australia Australian Transport Safety Bureau Australian Government Aviation Disaster Response Plan Australian Search and Rescue Civil Aviation Safety Authority District Emergency Operations Centre District Emergency Operations Controller NSW State Disaster Plan Police Duty Operations Inspector VKG Sydney Disaster Victim Identification Disaster Victim Registration Emergency Management Australia Emergency Operations Centre Local Emergency Operations Centre Local Emergency Operations Controller Liaison Officer. Maritime Rescue Co ordination Centre National Search and Rescue Royal Australian Air Force Royal Australian Navy CASA Rescue Co ordination Centre Search and Rescue Mission Controller in the appropriate ASA RCC Search and Rescue Officer State Crisis Centre State Emergency Management Committee State Emergency Operations Centre State Emergency Operations Controller State Emergency Recovery Controller State Emergency & Rescue Management Act 1989 (as amended) Standing Operating Procedures Page 7 of 48
PART 1 INTRODUCTION General 101. The NSW State Aviation Emergency Sub Plan details the arrangements for control and co ordination of the response to an aviation emergency. The arrangements are to apply if the emergency occurs anywhere in New South Wales, including State Waters and Airports. 102. This plan is a sub plan to the NSW State Disaster Plan (Displan). The arrangements under this plan are consistent with the Displan (and its subservient plans) as well as the Australian Government Aviation Disaster Response Plan. 103. This plan should be read in conjunction with the current version of the ATSB/ADF publication Civil and Military Aircraft Accident Procedures for Police Officers and Emergency Services Personnel. Aim 104. To detail the special arrangements for the control and co ordination of the response to aviation emergencies within the boundaries of New South Wales (including New South Wales waters). Scope 105. This plan details the arrangements for control and co ordination of the response to aviation emergencies. The arrangements in this plan are designed to deal with an aviation incident which, escalates into an "emergency" as defined by the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act, 1989 (that is, one which requires a significant and co ordinated response). 106. Aviation incidents, which are within the capability and scope of local resources to manage, are to be dealt with in accordance with local plans and arrangements. Planning Assumptions 107. Each agency, with a statutory role, has in place an appropriate supporting plan/operational procedures which detail that agency's response in accordance with this plan. 108. Airports, certified by CASA, have developed and maintain an Airport Emergency Plan (AEP). An AEP has the status of a Sub plan to the Local/District Displan. 109. Special planning requirements for non certified airport are detailed in either the appropriate Local Displan or, where identified as appropriate in the local emergency risk management study as a separate sub plan to the Local Displan. District Level Arrangements 110. It is not necessary for separate District Aviation Emergency Sub plans to be developed, as the principles detailed in this plan, and the roles and responsibilities of the responding agencies, do not change at this level. District Displans provide the necessary control and co ordination arrangements required whilst the occurrence remains a District Level operation. Page 8 of 48
Local Level Arrangements 111. There is no requirement for Local Aviation Emergency Sub Plans. Where local Airports have specific Airport Emergency Plans then these plans have the status of a sub plan to the Local Displan and arrangements should be made to ensure their integration into the Local Displan. 112. Where an airport without an AEP is located in a local area, the Local Displan should contain sufficient detail to respond to a local emergency. Page 9 of 48
PART 2 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Introduction 201. The following general roles and responsibilities of each agency, irrespective of the location of the aviation emergency, are detailed in this section for clarification, or are additional to those contained in Displan. 202. Roles and responsibilities which are specific to the location of the emergency are included at the end of the general roles and responsibilities. They should be reflected in all individual airport emergency plans, but may have to be modified to suit the emergency resources available in the local area. Emergency Operations Controller 203. The Emergency Operations Controller will : Control and co ordinate the overall response operations. Appoint a Site Controller Establish, or cause to be established as appropriate, one or more Site Control Points, Emergency Operations Centres and Operations Support Bases. NSW State Agencies NSW Police Force 204. General Provide staff to the Emergency Operations Centre(s) to the appropriate level for the size of the emergency. Establish and maintain secure perimeter(s) around the accident site(s) to protect the site, the wreckage, victims, cargo and personal effects, and to permit the other agencies to work unobstructed in the performance of their specified duties. Establish and maintain access and egress routes to, from, and within the accident site(s), for the controlled movement of the emergency resources involved, including marshalling/parking/assembly areas within the perimeter, and to designated hospitals. Account for all persons on board the aircraft. This includes the responsibility for Disaster Victim Registration and Disaster Victim Identification. Undertake the statutory investigative requirements, particularly the Coroner's requirements. Assist ATSB teams with their investigations. Ensure the orderly evacuation of survivors to a safe and secure area. Ensure the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship are informed of the personal details of the people on board any flight involved in the emergency. This will occur through the SEOC to AGD EMA. As required establish in conjunction with the Airline Operator and if appropriate the Airport Operator, an Information Centre or Centres to: o Handle relatives, general public and media inquiries; and Page 10 of 48
o Issue warnings, information and safety directions to the public. If, and as necessary, activate the Public Information Functional Area Supporting Plan, and coordinate the provision of public information advice to the SEOCON/DEOCON/LEOCON, and to other Functional Area Coordinators as requested. 205. On an airport Assist the airport operator to establish and maintain a suitable secure perimeter to prevent unauthorised personnel, vehicles and equipment from entering the airport precincts. Assist the airport operator with congestion problems caused by disruption of flights and convergence on airport facilities. At designated New South Wales airports the Australian Federal Police (AFP) provide policing and counter terrorism first response (CTFR) under the command of an AFP Airport Police Commander (APC). At these designated airports the AFP can provide initial response to an incident. In these instances command and control will be handed over to NSW Police Force as soon as the latter is in a position to assume responsibility. At that point, the APC will move in support of the State/Territory Police Forward Commander (PFC). 206. On Land In the SAR Phase, and in accordance with the Australian National SAR Arrangements, liaise with the overall coordinating authority, AMSA Rescue Coordination Centre, regarding the provision of land search and rescue assets. Coordinate land search and rescue in support of AMSA. Accept overall coordination for the search and rescue phase from AMSA at a mutually agreed time. The Public Information Functional Area Coordinator will liaise with, and as required, coordinate public information from the various stakeholders. 207. In State Waters In the SAR Phase, and in accordance with the Australian National SAR Arrangements, liaise with the overall coordinating authority, AMSA Rescue coordination Centre regarding the provision of maritime search and rescue assets. Provide an On scene Controller (Marine Site Controller) to control and co ordinate the marine search and rescue when mutually agreed with AMSA. Establish and operate on scene marine control points and, as appropriate landing/beaching control points. In conjunction with the NSW Ambulance Service, identify, establish and secure appropriate landing/beaching points suitable for treatment, transport, transhipment and evacuation of casualties and evacuees. Coordinate Disaster Victim Registration and identification. NSW Fire Brigades 208. General If the emergency occurs in a Fire District, take charge of fire fighting operations. If the emergency involves a Hazmat incident, act as the Combat Agency. If the emergency occurs within a Rural Fire District, provide assistance, as requested, to Page 11 of 48
the Rural Fire Brigades. 209. On an airport Within a Fire District where there is no "on airport" fire service, or when designated in the AEP, take charge of fire fighting operations. Outside a Fire District, when tasked in the local AEP and reflected in local MOU, take charge of fire fighting operations. Where the ARFF or ADF fire service is stationed, assist that service in the fire fighting operations and provide specialist fire fighting equipment. NSW Rural Fire Service 210. General If the emergency is inside a Rural Fire District, take charge of fire fighting operations. If the emergency occurs within a Fire District, assist the NSW Fire Brigades, as requested, in the fire fighting operations. 211. On an airport Inside a Rural Fire District, take charge of fire fighting operations when so tasked in the local AEP. Where the ARFF or ADF fire service is stationed, assist that service in the fire fighting operations and provide specialist fire fighting equipment. NSW Maritime Authority/Port Authority 212. General Liaise with and assist the NSW Police Force in the search and rescue phase of the operation, and where necessary recovery of wreckage and cargo. Health Services Functional Area Co ordinator 213. General Co ordinate the response of Ambulance and Health resources to the emergency. Ambulance Service NSW 214. General Provide pre hospital care and transport for the sick and injured. Contribute to multi agency Command and Control through participating within the Incident Management Team and Emergency Operations Centres. Provide and/or assume the responsibility for transport of Health Services Teams and their equipment to the sites of incidents and emergencies, receiving hospitals or emergency medical facilities when so requested by the Health Services Functional Area Coordinator. Provide coordinated communications for all health systems involved in emergency response. Provide fixed and rotary wing pre hospital and aero medical retrieval services across NSW. Page 12 of 48
Welfare Services Functional Area Co ordinator 215. General If required activate the NSW State Welfare Plan, and co ordinate the provision of welfare services to all the effected persons of the emergency. If required assist airlines and/or airports to provide services consistent with the Australian Family assistance code. Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area Co ordinator 216. General If, and as necessary, activate the NSW Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area Supporting Plan, and co ordinate the provision of the required services. Note: The management of plants or animals which have not cleared Commonwealth Quarantine, is the responsibility of AQIS (under AUSAVDISPLAN). Environmental Services Functional Area Co ordinator 217. General If, and as necessary, activate the State Disaster Environment Services Functional Area Supporting Plan (ENVIROPLAN), and co ordinate the provision of required services. Engineering Services Functional Area Co ordinator 217. General If, and as necessary, activate the NSW Engineering Services Functional Area Supporting Plan, and co ordinate the provision of the required services. Australian Government Agencies 218. General The roles of Commonwealth Agencies are covered by AUSAVDISPLAN (Annex A). This is shown for reference at ANNEX G of this plan Australian Defence Force 219. General Special arrangements for ADF related incidents are contained in Annex D. In the event of an emergency emanating from an accident with an ADF aircraft, the response operation is typically the same as that for a civilian aircraft with the exception of special care for potential hazards with the aircraft. Further details are contained in the current version of the ATSB/ADF publication Civil and Military Aircraft Accident Procedures for Police Officers and Emergency Services Personnel. Page 13 of 48
Other Agencies Airport Operator 220. Certified Airports Provide and maintain an Emergency Operations Centre, In accordance with CASA regulations, establish an initial site control point until the arrival of the NSW Police Force; Maintain security of the airport perimeter Liaise with and assist the NSW Police Force by providing technical advice on restoring airport operations as necessary; and operating an information service to the public and media; Provide access to airport facilities for emergency services Provide facilities for, liaise with and assist the State Disaster Welfare Co ordinator, with the care and processing of the survivors, relatives and friends at the airport; Maintain safe ground operations outside the accident area; Liaise with the Site Controller; Provide (if requested) a Liaison Officer to Site Control or the Emergency Operations Centre or where otherwise requested. 221. Non Certified Airports Liaise with the Site Controller; Provide (if requested) a Liaison Officer to Site Control or the Emergency Operations Centre or where otherwise requested Airline Operator 222. Liaise with and assist the NSW Police Force by providing technical advice on the aircraft involved, details of the persons and cargo (including livestock) on board, details of any dangerous or hazardous goods on board and provide information to the public and media. 223. Carry out the roles allocated in AUSAVDISPLAN (see Annex E of this plan). 224. If required liaise with the EOCON and Welfare Services Functional Area Coordinator to obtain assistance in providing services consistent with the Australian Family Assistance Code. 225. Liaise with relevant authorities regarding the recovery and removal of aircraft and/or components Page 14 of 48
PART 3 EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATIONS General 301. The arrangements contained in this plan will apply at all times, and across all levels. 302. In line with the existing NSW Emergency Management Arrangements, Aviation emergencies will be managed at the lowest effective level by the relevant EOCON. Role of Emergency Operations Centres 303. The Emergency Operations Centre maintains situational awareness of actual or potential emergency events on behalf of the Emergency Operations Controller at the determined level. The primary responsibilities of an EOC during an aviation emergency are to : Gain and maintain situational awareness and ensure the relevant stakeholders are appropriately advised and participants / agencies are provided with relevant information; Assess the emergency and activate key resources and capabilities at the direction of the EOCON; Effectively monitor, support or control the response as per legislation at the direction of the EOCON. Liaise with the SERCON regarding entry into recovery phase. Page 15 of 48
PART 4 ADMINISTRATION Logistics 401. Where practicable, the normal procedures within the respective agencies are to be used for the acquisition and supply of goods and services. If a requirement for goods and services is beyond the resources of State Controllers/Coordinators, the matter is to be referred to the State Emergency Operations Centre in accordance with the arrangements in Displan. Review 402. A review of this plan is to be considered: following mobilisation of the plan as the result of an aviation emergency under any of the circumstances covered in the plan; following an exercise designed to practice or test any aspects of the plan; when the roles and responsibilities of any Agency involved in the plan are changed; or every five years. Training and Testing 403. Each agency is responsible for the training of its own personnel to perform the roles and responsibilities assigned in this plan. 404. SEOCON is responsible for the conduct of exercises to practise, or test all or part of the procedures and arrangements in this plan, at least every two years. Page 16 of 48
ANNEX A AIR ALERT LEVELS Alert Level Description Response Required Local Standby A condition declared by Airservices Australia ATC when an aircraft approaching the airport is known or suspected to have developed some defect but the trouble is not such as would normally involve any serious difficulty in effecting a safe landing. Off airport emergency services generally would not be required to attend.* Full Emergency (Level 1 Light Aircraft) Is the condition declared when an aircraft (with up to 18 seats) approaching the airport is, or is suspected to be in such trouble that there is a danger of an accident. Some off airport emergency services may be required. Full Emergency (Level 2 Medium Aircraft) Full Emergency (Level 3 Heavy Aircraft) Is the condition declared when it is known that an aircraft (may have up to 215 seats), approaching the airport is, or is suspected to be in such trouble that there is a danger of an accident. Is the condition declared when it is known that an aircraft (may have up to 560 seats), approaching the airport is, or is suspected to be in such trouble that there is a danger of an accident. Off airport emergency services are required. Consideration to be given to opening EOC Off airport emergency services are required. Consideration to be given to opening EOC * At an unmanned airport a response consistent with the local Airport Emergency Plan. Page 17 of 48
Page 18 of 48 ANNEX B FRAMEWORK FOR ACCIDENT SITE LAYOUT
ANNEX C OPERATIONS SUPPORT BASE C1. When an accident occurs in a remote area, an Operations Support Base should be established, close to the accident area, to ensure the operation receives adequate personnel, administrative and logistic support. When established, the Operations Support Base is the point of entry into, and exit from, the emergency site. Ideally it should have all weather facilities and should contain: a. a Base Headquarters ; b. first line stores ; c. accommodation and welfare facilities for personnel; d. hard standing for vehicles ; e. working space ; and f. internet connectivity. C2. Depending on the location and duration of the emergency the Operations Support Base may also contain: a. an Assembly Area, for the marshalling of the various resources, prior to deployment into the emergency site under control ; b. transport transhipment facilities ; c. helipad/landing strip ; d. temporary morgue ; e. casualty clearing station ; f. Information Centre ( media control ) ; and g. fuel storage and distribution area ; C3. An Operations Support Base Controller, appointed by the Site Controller, is responsible for: a. maintaining close contact with the Site Control Point ; b. overall management and control of the Operations Support Base ; and c. controlling movement in and out of the emergency area where appropriate ; and d. co ordinating the supply of resources requested by the Site Controller. Page 19 of 48
ANNEX D SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEFENCE FORCE AIRCRAFT D1. The arrangements provide that where an aircraft accident results in an "emergency" ASA transfers the overall co ordination responsibility to the appropriate Emergency Operations Controller. These arrangements also provide for the transfer of the overall co ordination responsibility, by mutual agreement, if the nature of a particular SAR operation requires such a course of action to be taken. D2. Where the aviation emergency involves military aircraft and/or facilities the Commonwealth Government, through the Australian Defence Force (ADF), is responsible for the provision of SAR for all ADF and visiting military ships, personnel and aircraft. This responsibility is exercised through headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) down to the respective components of the ADF; Maritime (Fleet Headquarters FHQ), Land (Forces Command FORCOMD) and Air (Air and Space Operations Centre AOC) respectively. This responsibility is exercised as follows: RAAF is responsible for all ADF (including all Army and land based Navy helicopters) and visiting military aircraft, other than ship borne aircraft. RAN is responsible for ship borne aircraft. D3. Australian Defence Force (ADF) Commanders always retain control of incidents involving their own forces. However, ADF commanders may request assistance from the State for resources and support in accordance with this plan. If the incident escalates to an emergency outside of a Defence Force facility the appropriate Emergency Operations Controller assumes overall control. D4. The Emergency Operations Controller, and all personnel involved in this phase, should be made aware that civilian and military aircraft may be carrying assorted hazardous material, and that unless attempting to save life or minimise damage to property, personnel should remain well clear of all wreckage. D5. In the case of a service aircraft or facilities, the responsibility for co ordination of the response and recovery phase is the responsibility of the appropriate service unless: the accident results in an "emergency" off a Defence Force facility, and does not require special attention due to the aircraft armaments or security requirements, then the appropriate Emergency Operations Controller assumes control; or the responsible Defence Force Commander transfers the responsibility to the appropriate Emergency Operations Controller. D6. Notwithstanding, because service aircraft accidents frequently occur at some location remote from military facilities, the Local Emergency Operations Controller may be required to provide response actions, similar to those which would be taken after a civilian aircraft accident. Page 20 of 48
ANNEX E AUSAVDISPLAN (ANNEX A) AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS INSIDE A STATE OR TERRITORY: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES BY TASK ANNEX A ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Department/Organisation Onshore Offshore Airservices Australia Command, Control, Hazard Management/Support Coordination roles Airservices Australia cont. Page 21 of 48 If an aircraft experiences an in flight emergency, responsibility for assisting the flight crew rests initially with Airservices Australia for a civil aircraft or ADF for a military aircraft. This agency provides advices to assist the aircraft to operate in safe airspace, resume normal operations, or land the aircraft safely During a suspected or confirmed terrorist act involving a civil aircraft, the arrangements outlined in the National Counter Terrorism Plan (NCTP) shall apply. Prior to this, Airservices Australia has responsibility for the provision of advice to the pilot in command of an aircraft in distress, to assist in bringing the aircraft to a safe landing. These arrangements will be coordinated between CIC, and the Aviation Security Response Group, established under the provisions of the NCTP. This does not apply to military aircraft Notifications Provide Air Traffic Services (ATS), including an In Flight emergency Response Service to relevant aircraft Notify relevant organisations of aircraft accidents Provide search and rescue alerting services for aircraft to AMSA, HQJOC/ADF and/or State or Territory Police and to assist in the provision of aeronautical communications services during search and rescue operations Communication/Information Management/Support roles Provide possible assistance with communications (e.g. radio relay and HF) and possible engineering and technical advice, expertise and equipment related to aeronautical communications, navigation and surveillance facilities.
Notify Aircraft owner/operator Notify AMSA S Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) for civilian aircraft Airservices Australia cont. Notify Search and Rescue Operations (SARO) Headquarters Air Command for military aircraft Notify Airport Owner Notify ATSB Notify CASA Carry out actions in accordance with extant In Flight Emergency Response procedures Notify Police and other agencies as appropriate Notify Search and Rescue Operations (SARO) Headquarters Air Command for military aircraft Hazard Management/Support roles Provide Air Traffic Services (ATS), including an In Flight emergency Response Service to relevant aircraft Provide rescue and fire fighting operations (including initial medical assistance where practicable) at capital city airports and some regional airports in accordance with Civil Aviation Regulations Page 22 of 48