Mining Projects Over Water in WA — Standby Rescue Vessel Requirements
Western Australia's mining industry is one of the most active in the world, and a significant proportion of mining construction and maintenance activity takes place over or near water. From port infrastructure at the Pilbara's bulk export terminals to tailings dams at inland mine sites and waterway crossings on haul roads, mining projects regularly require water safety planning and standby rescue vessel services.
For HSE managers and project managers working in WA's mining sector, understanding the standby rescue vessel requirements that apply to your project is essential — regardless of whether your site is coastal, inland, or remote.
Where water safety requirements apply on mining projects
Water safety obligations under WA work health and safety legislation apply to any mining project where workers are performing tasks over or near water. Common scenarios in the WA mining sector include:
Port infrastructure works at bulk export terminals in Port Hedland, Dampier, and Esperance
Shiploader and conveyor maintenance at port facilities
Tailings dam construction, maintenance, and inspection at mine sites
Waterway crossings and culvert works on mine site haul roads
Pump station construction and maintenance on rivers, lakes, and storage dams
Barge and marine vessel operations at coastal and inland mine site locations
Stacker and reclaimer maintenance at port and mine site facilities
What WA legislation requires
Under the WA Work Health and Safety Act 2020, PCBUs in the mining sector have the same duty of care as any other industry when it comes to working over or near water. This means having a documented rescue plan, appropriate rescue equipment, and qualified rescue personnel on site for the duration of any over-water work.
For mining projects, this obligation applies regardless of the size of the project, the remoteness of the site, or whether the water body is tidal, inland, or privately owned.
What a standby rescue vessel must demonstrate on a mining project
Mining companies and principal contractors have rigorous procurement and safety audit requirements. A standby rescue vessel provider working on a mining project in WA needs to demonstrate:
AMSA vessel registration and compliance
A qualified and experienced operator with relevant water rescue training
A Safety Management System that is certified and documented
Appropriate insurance including public liability, professional indemnity, commercial hull fleet, and workers compensation
Full compliance documentation including rescue plans, drill records, and daily safety logs
The ability to mobilise to remote or inland locations if required
Why Hardy Seas is suited to mining projects
Hardy Seas has extensive experience providing standby rescue vessel services on mining projects across Western Australia — from port infrastructure works at Port Hedland and Dampier to inland waterway and dam projects across the Pilbara and Mid West regions.
Our PWC rescue vessel and all associated safety equipment can be packed into a standard 20ft sea container and transported to project sites anywhere in WA. Our crews are trained to operate independently in remote environments, work within mining site safety management systems, and maintain full compliance documentation throughout the project duration.
Hardy Seas holds all required insurances and compliance documentation to meet the procurement requirements of major mining companies and principal contractors operating in Western Australia.
Get in touch
If you are planning a mining project that involves work over or near water in Western Australia, get in touch with Hardy Seas to discuss your standby rescue vessel requirements. We can advise on mobilisation logistics, crew requirements, and compliance documentation for your specific project.
