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Coasts and Oceans
Number 60
Australian Centre for Maritime Studies, July 1998
The Australian Maritime Digest is published monthly by the Australian Centre for Maritime Studies on behalf of the Kindred Maritime Organisations for the benefit of the Australian maritime community.
The Federal Government has called for comments on its Draft Marine Science and Technology Plan.
The Draft Plan is a culmination of many months' work by the Marine Science and Technology Plan Working Group, and is a companion document to Australia's Oceans Policy - Issues Paper, which was released on 19 May.
The Draft Plan identifies existing and emerging needs and priorities in Australian marine science, technology and engineering, and proposes strategies for responding to the challenges of understanding, managing and sustainably developing our marine resources and environment.
The Draft, by design, is not a complete document. Comments and submissions are invited from the public and professional groups to assist its completion and its improvement and should be provided no later than 15 July. This closing date has been set to match the consultation period for the Oceans Policy Issues Paper. Both documents will be developed and finalised as a parallel exercise.
Commonly identified priorities include the need for better national coordination of research; data acquisition, storage and handling, greater focus of research on priority areas; and improved collaboration between research agencies and the users of research. The Plan also proposes means for better coordinating research efforts, and identifies key resources necessary for the efficient and effective conduct of Australian marine science, technology and engineering. Under the broad umbrella of the Oceans Policy, the Marine Science & Technology Plan provides:
The Federal Government has instituted reforms to streamline the government administration of offshore petroleum exploration and production.
Announcing this recently at the Australian Gas Association's Gas Industry Forum in Sydney, Federal Resources and Energy Minister, Senator Warwick Parer, said the reforms would provide significant benefits to companies wishing to explore for and develop oil and gas resources in Australian waters.
The reforms are designed to ensure Australia remains an attractive investment location in the face of strong global competition and will enable industry to obtain the necessary Government approvals for their activities more quickly.
The Government has given an assurance that the protection of the environment in the development of Australia's petroleum resources and the provision of fair community returns will be fully maintained.
The Federal and State Governments jointly regulate petroleum exploration and development in Commonwealth waters, i.e. beyond the immediate State coastal waters, as provided for in the 1979 Offshore Constitutional Settlement.
The Government says a key thrust of the reforms is to clarify the roles of the State/Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments by removing areas of duplication and delay and clarifying each government's responsibilities for particular aspects of permits and licences.
More of the administration of the offshore regime will be progressively given over to the States, thereby creating a simpler process for industry, with the Commonwealth moving to a 'more strategic and policy-oriented role'.
The reforms arise from a review of the role of the Commonwealth Government in offshore petroleum exploration and development which was carried out by the Department of Primary Industries and Energy. The team oversighting the review included industry, State and Commonwealth government representatives.
A copy of the review's recommendations and the management response to them are available from Peter Livingston in the Department of Primary Industries and Energy.
A central element of the review was a survey of 27 companies involved in petroleum exploration and development, seeking their perspectives on the factors influencing investment decisions and on the regulatory regime applying to the industry in Australia.
Specific initiatives arising from the reforms include:
Senator Parer said the administrative reforms were consistent with the undertakings given in the Government's Minerals and Petroleum Resources Policy Statement in February this year.
For further information contact: Bob Baudino (Senator Parer's office), phone 0419 438818, Steve Payne (DPIE), phone (02) 6272 4595. Internet: www.dpie.gov.au/dpie/pr/media_ releases/parer/index.html.
Remote sensing techniques have uncovered gas hydrates in both Australian and French jurisdictions on the eastern margin of the Lord Howe Rise, southwest of New Caledonia. They were discovered during a recent geoscience survey by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation's (AGSO) Research Vessel Rig Seismic in cooperation with the French marine science institution, IFREMER.
The hydrates are the first detected in Australian waters and are potentially a major source of gas.
Recovering gas from hydrates commercially is a very difficult engineering challenge. It is likely it will take many years before they start to supplant other hydrocarbon resources.
The hydrates contain highly concentrated methane which may be an important future energy resource.
Recent scientific estimates of global gas resources in hydrates suggest they may hold twice the energy contained in all the world's oil, coal and natural gas.
The discovery may also provide clues to the petroleum potential of the Lord Howe Rise, which is an elongated continental block the size of Queensland, extending from New Zealand to the French Chesterfield Islands. The Rise lies in water depths of 1000-4000 metres.
Gas hydrates are ice-like crystalline solids formed from a mixture of water and natural gas, mostly methane. They occur widely beneath the deep ocean in the pores in sediments and sedimentary rocks where the pressure is high and the temperature is low.
They are detectable in reflection seismic profiles, which provide a cross-section through the strata below the seabed under the ship, because they form a reflective layer that roughly parallels the sea bed - a 'bottom simulating reflector' (BSR). Wherever BSRs have been sampled appropriately, at or below the sea bed, gas hydrates have been recovered.
The reconnaissance seismic reflection survey in the Tasman Sea, carried out under AGSO's Law of the Sea Project, included the areas of Australian jurisdiction to the north of Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands. Cruise leaders, George Bernadel of AGSO and Yves Lafoy of New Caledonia, report BSRs indicating that the hydrates cover at least 25,000 square kilometres (about half the size of Tasmania) on eastern Lord Howe Rise and in the western part of the New Caledonia Basin to the east.
There are very few seismic profiles of the region, so their true extent could be much greater. The gas hydrate layer is probably about 200 metres thick, lying 400-600 metres below the sea bed in water depths of 1500-3000 metres.
Further research is needed to map the extent of the deposits, characterise the entrapped gas and determine its origin. In the short term this could involve seismic surveying and sampling the surface sediments and the water column for gas. In the longer term, drilling would be needed to help establish the thickness of the hydrates and the amount of gas they contain.
The methane in gas hydrates is usually from one or two sources. It may come from bacterial activity in the shallow sediments (biogenic methane), or from the same processes that create petroleum deep in sedimentary basins (thermogenic). If any methane occurring at these sites proves to be thermogenic, it will provide a positive boost to the conventional hydrocarbon resources potential of this frontier region.
For further information contact Dr Neville Exon, phone (02) 6249 9347, fax (02) 6249 9933, email nexpn@agso.gov.au, or Philip Symonds, phone (02) 6249 9490 or 0150 087999; email psymond@agso.gov.au. Internet www.agso.gov.au/media.
The Federal and Northern Territory Governments have announced the names of successful bidders for three new petroleum exploration permits in the Timor Sea.
The three areas in the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands are in the general vicinity of the recent Cornea oil discovery, highlighting their potential.
Permits are being awarded to the following consortia and companies: Area AC97-5 West Oil NL; Area AC97-6 Japan Petroleum Exploration Co, Ltd; and Area AC97-7 BHP Petroleum (Australia) Pty Ltd.
Over the next six years, an estimated $160 million will be spent on exploration in these areas including the drilling of at least eight exploration wells.
There was keen interest shown in the permits with competitive bids being received for each of the three areas. Both Governments advised that the areas attracted bids from a wide range of Australian and overseas companies. This is turn indicated a continuing high level of interest in Australian exploration acreage flowing from Government policies to optimise exploration in Australian offshore areas, particularly at a time of high competition around the world.
For further information contact Bob Baudino (Senator Parer's office), phone (02) 6277 7440, Geoff Furnell (DPIE), phone (02) 62724695.
Internet http://www.dpie.gov.au/dpie/pr/media_releases/parer/index.html.
A major study into the marine life found on undersea mountains off Tasmania's south coast has strengthened the Federal Government's case to declare a new marine park in the area.
CSIRO Marine Research has recommended the protection of the unique marine life of the Tasmanian seamounts in what is likely to be Australia's first deep-sea marine protected area.
The seamounts have been identified as a priority in a CSIRO report entitled The Seamount Fauna off Southern Tasmania: Benthic communities, their conservation and impacts of trawling. The project was jointly funded by Environment Australia and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
The Tasmanian seamounts, which are in Commonwealth waters, include around 70 mountains which rise from water depths of between 1000 and 2000 metres on the continental slope, between 50 and 100 kilometres off southern Tasmania. They are 200 to 500 meters high and several kilometres across at their base.
The field of seamounts is a distinctive geological feature not known to occur anywhere else in Australian waters.
The research has found the seamounts support a wide range of bottom-living plants and animals such as corals and crabs, many of which are new to science and are not found anywhere else in the world.
Some of the species are of considerable scientific interest and may hold clues to understanding the taxonomy and evolution of major groups of Australia's marine life.
Environment Australia will now consult with the users of the region, including the fishing industry and all other interested parties, to establish a marine protected area to conserve a sample of this unique environment.
Proactive support from the fishing industry for the research into the Tasmanian seamounts has been an important factor in the project.
For further information contact Matt Brown (Senator Hill's office), phone (02) 6277 7640 or 0419 693515, or Peter Taylor (Environment Australia), phone (02) 6274 1759 or 0419293465.
Lloyd's Register (LR) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) agreeing to co-operate in promoting the timely development and implementation of an international greenhouse gas emissions trading system, in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol signed in December 1997.
The MOU, signed by LR chairman Patrick O'Ferrall and UNCTAD Secretary-General Rubens Ricupero, makes Lloyd's experience in accreditation and certification available to help regulate and monitor the scheme on behalf of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Kyoto Protocol requires industrialised countries to limit emissions, mainly carbon dioxide, through a variety of measures including emissions trading, which should be supplemental to domestic actions.
The role of a certification authority would be to validate the permits which would be traded internationally either by governments or the private sector and verify actual emissions from participating bodies.
Although emissions trading is not a new idea - there is a SO2 Allowance Trading Programme in the USA - this is the first time an international scheme has been proposed.
Notes
For further information contact Jeanette Jones (Press & PR), phone +44 171 423 2667, email jeanette.jones@lr.org.
All ships arriving in Australian ports from 1 July 1998 will contribute to the research and development of improved ballast water management systems under a new levy which the Federal Government says has the support of the Australian shipping industry.
The levy of $210 for bulk carriers and $140 for all other vessels will be collected by the Australian Customs Service on behalf of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) from all foreign and Australian ships more than 50 metres in length.
The levy will raise one million dollars a year for the next two years to support the Strategic Ballast Water Research and Development Program administered by AQIS.
The Program sponsors research and development activities that directly address ballast water management. The key project is the development of a risk assessment based Decision Support System (DSS), which will allow risk assessment of each individual vessel and voyage, and provide benefits to shipping as well as more effectively managing the ballast water risk.
For further information contact Robert Haynes (Mr Anderson's office), phone (02) 6277 7520, or Denis Paterson (AQIS), phone (02) 6272 4523.
The fifth ANZAC Class ship built by Tenix Defence Systems for the Royal Australian Navy was launched recently at Williamstown, Victoria.
Mrs Joy Willis, named the ship WARRAMUNGA. The name honours both the Warumungu aboriginal people from the Tennant Creek area of the Northern Territory, as well as the earlier Tribal Class destroyer, HMAS WARRAMUNGA, which served with distinction in both the Second World War and the Korean War.
Mrs Willis is the widow of Rear Admiral Alan Willis OBE RAN, the last Commanding Officer of the Tribal Class HMAS WARRAMUNGA.
Tenix Group Managing Director, Mr Paul Salteri said The ANZAC Ship Project had created opportunities for many Australian and New Zealand companies to gain access to new skills, new technologies and new markets. More than 1300 Australian and New Zealand companies are supplying products and services to the A$5 billion project.
The size of the contracts and the nature of the work involved is enabling companies on both sides of the Tasman to make long term investments in their companies, through improved equipment, production methods and training.
Tenix Defence Systems is building ten ANZAC Class Ships - eight for Australia and two for New Zealand. The project is the largest defence project in Australia.
HMAS ANZAC is already in service with the Royal Australian Navy and HMNZS TE KAHA is in service with the Royal New Zealand Navy. The third ship, ARUNTA, will be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy later this year. The fourth ship, TE MANA, launched in May last year, is undergoing further fitout before she undertakes sea trials at the end of the year.
HMAS WARRAMUNGA will now to be fitted out with sophisticated systems and equipment before she undergoes sea trials at the end of next year. She will be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy in 2000.
For further information contact Cath Templeton (Tenix Defence Systems), phone (03) 9244 4333 or 0418 105181.
A new Institute of Strategic Policy will be established to promote research and discussion on defence and security issues.
The institute, which will initially cost more than $1.5 million annually, will be funded from the existing Defence budget, but will not be precluded from seeking private sector support.
The Federal Government hopes the institute will stimulate a revitalised debate about defence and security and prove to be a valuable source of public policy ideas and expertise.
A major beneficiary will be the Defence Organisation itself - which will develop close research links with the institute, although the work of the institute will be conducted in an independent, non-partisan way.
It is hoped the Institute of Strategic Policy will be open for business early next year. Its location has not yet been decided.
The Defence Department will soon call for expressions of interest from universities and other institutions around the country to host the facility.
While the final shape of the institute has yet to be determined, it is anticipated a Board of Directors, including senior Defence and public service officials, academics, researchers and personnel from the private sector, will create and run the facility.
Institute staff is expected to comprise about a dozen researchers plus support personnel from academic, public and private sector backgrounds.
Defence Minister, Mr Ian McLachlan said the lack of in-depth discussion of strategic matters was disappointing as Defence represents a substantial national enterprise with a total of more than 100,000 employees and a budget of $10.96 billion.
'The new institute represents a significant level of Government support for an initiative that is long overdue,' he said. 'It should be able to contribute in a substantial way to improving public understanding and debate about strategic issues.'
For further information contact Liz Bennett, phone (02) 6277 7800 or 0419 438490.
Sea trials of HMAS HUON, the first of the six minehunter ships ADI Limited is building at Newcastle for the Royal Australian Navy, began on schedule in late June.
Equipped with the most advanced mine warfare and supporting electronic systems of any minehunter ship in the world today, HUON left Newcastle Harbour to test its capabilities during an intensive, six months trial program.
The trials will be centred off the Newcastle coast but HUON will deploy to the warm waters off Queensland to demonstrate its sonar capabilities in the demanding operational environment of Australia's north. It will also undergo trials using the Navy's test range facilities at Jervis Bay.
ADI personnel will manage the trials but HUON's officers and crew who have been trained on the ship's systems at ADI's Newcastle facility will man the ship.
The overall minehunter class project continues on schedule and within budget with the keel of the fifth ship, DIAMANTINA, to be laid in August and the sea trials of the second minehunter, HAWKESBURY, to commence next March.
For further information contact Leigh Funston (General Manager, Corporate Relations, ADI Limited), phone (02) 9365 9334 or 0414 866 697.
The Maritime Commander, Rear Admiral Chris Ritchie, has approved an extension until 7 August 1998 for the Naval Board of inquiry (BOI) to submit its report into the circumstances surrounding the tragic fire on board HMAS WESTRALIA.
Rear Admiral Ritchie granted the extension, on request from the President of the BOI, to allow the BOI adequate time to hear from all the relevant witnesses and to consider this evidence together with the documentary evidence it obtains.
To date the Board of Inquiry has called over 30 witnesses, but expects to hear evidence from approximately 120 witnesses, including a number of experts, before it concludes.
The BOI started on 11 May 1998 at HMAS STIRLING in Rockingham, Western Australia, and is conducting its proceedings in public.
For further information contact Ms Toni McLennan (BOI Public Affairs Officer), phone 0411 203579, or Mr Vic Jeffery (Navy Public Affairs WA), phone (08) 9553 2415.
A new luxury yacht manufacturing facility is to be established in Coomera, Queensland.
The $20 million investment by the Hong Kong and Pacific Group will create up to 300 new jobs and generate export revenue in excess of $200 million a year.
The company chose Australia over Malaysia and the Philippines because of the quality and abundance of skilled personnel, the quality of supporting facilities and the overall lower cost of operation.
The Hong Kong office of the Government's national investment agency, Invest Australia, worked closely with the Queensland Government to win the investment. The advice and assistance Invest Australia provided to the company was a key factor in the choice of location.
Hong Kong and Pacific Group, a private corporation based in Hong Kong, specialises in the design and construction of luxury yachts. It is the leader of a consortium of world-wide independent consultants and construction experts in the field of marine design, and provides marine project management and consulting services.
For further information contact Chris Wordsworth (Media Adviser), phone (02) 6277 7580 or 0419 982482, fax: (02) 62734104, email: word@dist.gov.au.
A 91-metre vessel build by Tasmanian ferry builder Incat Australia recently broke two major world passage records.
Incat Australia announced recently that its newest vessel, Catalonia, travelling at an average speed of 38.85 knots (71.95 km/h), won the Hales Trophy for the fastest average crossing of the Atlantic by a passenger vessel. The ferry also became the first vessel to cover more than 1000 nautical miles (1852 km) in a day.
The Catalonia is the second Incat ferry to win the Hales Trophy. In 1990 another Incat built vessel, Hoverspeed Great Britain, established the previous transatlantic record of 36.65 knots (67.88 km/h).
The latest records were broken during a non stop journey from New York to Tarifa, Spain, where Catalonia is to enter commercial service.
Federal Industry Minister, Mr John Moore, said Catalonia's success was further proof of the international competitiveness of Australia's shipbuilding industry. Yet again Australia had shown the world it was a leader in the construction of high-speed passenger vehicle ferries.
'Through its use of innovative technology and its reputation for providing fast, safe and reliable vessels, Incat Australia has now built around 40 per cent of the world's high speed passenger vehicle ferries,' he said.
For further information contact: Chris Wordsworth (Media Adviser), phone (02) 6277 7580 or 0419 982482, fax (02) 6273 4104, email word@dist.gov.au.
The Federal Government is intensifying its campaign against illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean with the help of both the fishing industry and conservation groups.
A $40,000 contribution has been made to ISOLFICH (International Southern Ocean Longline Fishing Information Clearing House), a joint initiative of the fishing industry and conservation groups which will play a key role in efforts to stop illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean by:
The ISOLFICH initiative will be jointly supported by the Australian Antarctic Division and the Natural Heritage Trust.
For further information contact James Shevlin, phone 0417 717935.
The Federal Government recently launched voluntary codes of conduct for the seafood industry and the Australian aquaculture industry. The codes were prepared by the Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC) and the Australian Aquaculture Forum (AAF), and emphasise the industries' environmental responsibilities.
They are aimed at reducing the need for government regulation and red tape and the Government has urged all fishing operators and aquaculturists to become conversant with and comply with the codes.
For copies of the codes contact ASIC, phone (02) 6281 0383.
For further information contact Bill McKinley (Senator Parer's office), phone (02) 6277 7440, Bill Nagle (ASIC), phone 0412 108616, or Jayne Gallagher (AAF), phone (02) 6281 0383.
The Federal Government recently introduced into Parliament the Navigation Amendment (Employment of Seafarers) Bill which seeks to repeal the provisions covering employment in the merchant navy.
The government says the provisions are already provided for in the Workplace Relations Act 1996 or are simply no longer relevant.
The Navigation Act 1912 had its origins in the British Merchant Shipping Act of 1894. the government says its provisions are 'quite archaic and more suitable for ships under sail than for a modern merchant fleet'.
Workplace Relations Minister, Mr Peter Reith, said the new Bill continued the process of reform in the maritime sector. The Workplace Relations Act was introduced for the specific purpose of giving employers and employees a new opportunity to make arrangements best suited to the needs of their enterprises or workplaces. It opens the way for more flexible working arrangements which Mr Reith says are best suited to the changing ways Australians are working.
He said the timing of the Bill was appropriate, with the forthcoming transition from pooled labour hire arrangements to company employment due on 1 July.
The shipping industry had been suffering from a serious cost disadvantage compared with its OECD competitors and one major cause was the continued existence of the Seamens' Engagement System (SES). The SES was identified by the Shipping Reform Group as having' a number of significant problems, including lack of employment continuity and the resulting high cost of training, the inability to transfer personnel within a company's structure, inadequate selection arrangements and barriers to promotion and the significant cost of operating the Engagement System.'
The Government withdrew from the operation of the SES in March, this year. At that time it was intended that the industry would adopt company employment. Since then there has been an interim arrangement that expired on 1 July.
The Government position with company employment was unchanged. The industry had to embrace it and other reforms in order to become cost competitive and survive. The government would not even consider the 'reform linked equity measures' proposed by the SRG until the industry had demonstrated its determination to help itself.
Adopting company employment from 1 July would be an important first step in that process.
For further information contact Ian Hanke, phone 0419 484095.
The Plan distinguishes three areas, defined as Programs, which deal respectively with understanding our marine environment, wisely using its resources, and providing the infrastructure necessary to achieve worthwhile outcomes in the first two programs.
Goals and objectives are defined for each of the three Programs. For each objective, the needs and priorities for action, together with strategies to meet the objectives, are described; and representative projects for some of the objectives are outlined. Significant priorities identified for each of the programs are set out below, in no particular order.
The Draft Plan stated that the future will contain unexpected events and developments that will impact on how we use our resources. It will also continue to influence priorities and demands for marine science, technology and engineering.
To meet the challenges of change and uncertainty, the Marine Science & Technology Plan emphasises the need for a sound infrastructure base, a strong and flexible skills base and a solid foundation of accumulated and accessible knowledge.
Monitoring and managing the implementation of the Plan will help to ensure it adapts to changing circumstances, maintains its relevance to the scientific and industry needs of the day, and contributes to economic growth.
For further information contact the Science & Technology Division, Industry Science Tourism, 20 Allara Street, Canberra ACT 2608, phone (02) 6213 6403, fax (02) 6213 6394.
14-16 July 1998
2nd Annual China Ports Conference
White Swan Hotel, Guangzhou, China
Organised by IBC Asia Limited, Asian subsidiary of IBC Group plc, UK.
The agenda will range from policies and priorities on port development to prospects in key regional areas, from the opportunities of investing in China ports to legal and taxation aspects for foreign participation, from financing strategies to investment evaluation, from the commercial issues and challenges facing the China ports in the next millennium to balancing the needs of the economic and environmental demands of operating ports, from safety within ports to technology application for ports.
Contact: IBC Asia Limited, No. 1 Grange Road, #08-02 Orchard Building, Singapore 239693, phone +65-7321970 or +65-83551376, fax +65-7335087 or +65-7364312, email rochelle@ibcasia.com.sg.
18-20 August 1998
Spillcon '98 - 7th International Oil Spill Conference: 'Oil Spills: Causes and Cures'
Cairns Convention Centre
Organised by the Australian Institute of Petroleum Ltd (AIP) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Endorsed by International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), International Maritime Organization (IMO), Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand (MSANZ).
The conference will cover the following themes: Causes and Prevention; Preparedness; Response Management; Post Spill Issues of Recent Incidents; Case Studies; Public Perception. An on-water demonstration of the latest in oil spill response equipment will be held.
Contact: Conference Secretariat, c/- The Meeting Planners, 108 Church Street, Hawthorn VIC 3122, phone (03) 9819 3700, fax (03) 9819 5978, e-mail spillcon@meetingplanners.com.au.
20-21 October 1998
Association of Maritime Education and Training Institutions in Asia Pacific: 2nd Annual General Meeting and Conference
Shanghai Maritime University.
The theme of the conference is 'Education for Safer Ships and Cleaner Oceans'.
Contact: Rod Short, Executive Secretary, PO Box 104, Legana, TAS 7277, phone/fax: (03) 6330 1834.
3-5 November 1998
Ausmarine '98 Exhibition and Conference
Function and Exhibition Centre, Victorian Quay, Fremantle.
Contact: Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
5-7 January 1999
Hydro 99 - Information Management
University of Plymouth, Devon, UK
Organised by The International Hydrographic Society.
Contact: Ron Whitmore, phone (02) 9489 2091, fax (02) 9489 2048, email seacon@sydpcug.org.au.
27-29 April 1999
Oceanology International 99 Pacific Rim, a marine science and ocean technology exhibition and conference focusing on the Indo and Pacific Regions. Theme: 'Enabling Technology for a Sustainable Environment'.
World Trade Centre, Singapore.
The Conference Committee invites speakers to present abstracts on Marine Environmental Management, Marine Information Technology, Marine Biology/Biotechnology, Acoustics, Operational Modelling and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The topics are intended as a guide and are not exclusive. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9 October 1998.
Copies of the call for papers and full information on all aspects of the Oceanology International series of events are available from Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd, owners and organisers of the OI series of events, Ocean House, 50 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3LZ UK, phone +44 (0)181 949 9222, fax +44 (0)181 949 8186/8168, email oi99@spearhead.co.uk , Internet www.spearhead.co.uk.
23-25 February 1999
Work Boat World Asia 99 exhibition and conference
World Trade Centre, Singapore
Contact: Mark Balla, Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
27-29 April 1999
Oceanology International 99 Pacific Rim, a marine science and ocean technology exhibition and conference focusing on the Indo and Pacific Regions. Theme: 'Enabling Technology for a Sustainable Environment'.
World Trade Centre, Singapore.
The Conference Committee invites speakers to present abstracts on Marine Environmental Management, Marine Information Technology, Marine Biology/Biotechnology, Acoustics, Operational Modelling and Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The topics are intended as a guide and are not exclusive. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is 9 October 1998.
Copies of the call for papers and full information on all aspects of the Oceanology International series of events are available from Spearhead Exhibitions Ltd, owners and organisers of the OI series of events, Ocean House, 50 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3LZ UK, phone +44 (0)181 949 9222, fax +44 (0)181 949 8186/8168, email oi99@spearhead.co.uk , Internet www.spearhead.co.uk.
6-8 July 1999
Asia-Pacific Fishing '99 exhibition and conference
Cairns Convention Centre
Contact: Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
31 January - 4 February 2000
Stability and Operational Safety of Ships and Ocean Structures: 7th International Conference on Stability of Ships and Ocean Vehicles
Launceston, Tasmania
Organised by the Australian Maritime Engineering CRC Ltd.
The conference will address a wide range of topics related to the theme, including: Damage stability of RoRo vessels; Capsizing of vessels in following and quartering seas; Stability of high speed craft; Design and regulatory aspects; Model testing and correlation; Computer techniques in research and operations; Stability of ocean engineering structure; Stability in operations; and The human/vehicle stability interface.
Call for papers: The deadline for abstracts to be submitted is 30 September 1998 and authors will be notified of acceptance by 30 November 1998. Complete papers will be required by 30 April 1999, giving time for review and final selection.
Contact/submit abstracts to STAB Conference Secretariat, AMECRC Ltd, PO Box 986, Launceston TAS 7250, fax (03) 6326 6261, email STAB2000@crc.amc.edu.au. Internet: www.amc.edu.au.
22-24 February 2000
Indo-Pacific Fishing 2000
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
The Conference will attract vessel designers and builders, operators and owners, fisheries research and development, management and markets, suppliers and financiers, processors and port operators. Every facet of the international commercial fishing industry will be invited and represented.
Contact: Exhibition Manager, Baird Publication Asia/Pacific Office, 135 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3141, phone (03) 9645 0411, fax (03) 9645 0475, email marinfo@baird.com.au. Internet: www.baird.com.au.
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