Harbour Evacuation Assistance in the Port Of Cairns
Where severe weather is concerned, preparation is key.
Vessel Towage / Marina Evacuation Assistance in Cairns Port
Based in Cairns, North Marine provides marine support in Far North Queensland. We can assist with vessel relocations, including harbour evacuation and marine towage services.
When the Port of Cairns is under an evacuation order, or ‘Red Alert’, boat owners and agents may contact us to arrange a tow of their vessel. We can help move your vessel to your designated location of shelter within Cairns Port.
Furthermore, in preparation for severe weather, we install cyclone moorings and inspect the condition of existing boat moorings.
Our spacious waterfront yard in Trinity Inlet “North Wharf“, is able to store small watercraft out of the water. For large commercial vessels, please get in touch to discuss options.
We recommend all Cairns boat owners and operators familiarise themselves with MSQ’s current ‘Extreme Weather’ plan:
» Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan, Cairns – 2023/2024 (PDF, 410 KB)
Your Marine Support Contractor of Choice
We can assist in moving your vessel safely to your designated location in the event of a harbour/marina evacuation order.
Please get in touch with our office to discuss the location of your craft, access and other important information.
Having a cyclone-ready plan in place is critical for the safety of your asset.
Contact us to discuss your vessel and emergency plan
* Evacuated Cairns Marlin Marina photograph, courtesy of Ports North
Video – Marina Evacuation in the Port of Cairns
Watch closely for the red barge and some tugboat maneuvers by the North Marine crew on vessels ‘Gulf Explorer’ and ‘Viking’.
This fantastic video captures the evacuation of the Port of Cairns, Marlin Marina vessels, to safer moorings up the Cairns Trinity Inlet.
The evacuation followed orders under the Regional Harbour Masters directive for cyclone Kimi. Big thanks to Jim Bradley of ‘Edge Smartech’ for capturing the action! ( Edge Smartech Website: https://orders.tbsd.com.au/ )
Harbour Evacuation Information
6 Ways To Prepare For Impending Tropical Cyclones
6 Ways To Prepare For Impending Tropical Cyclones
Have a PLAN – Get PREPARED – OBEY Directions
- Read the Extreme Weather Contingency Plan for your area.
- Check your boat mooring is well maintained with an up-to-date inspection – click here to learn more
- Know the location where you will shelter your vessel in cyclonic weather, and ensure it’s fit-for-purpose
- Revise your ‘extreme weather emergency plan’ – including essential contacts and procedures
- In advance, establish who will move your vessel in the event of an evacuation order and ready equipment such as spare rope – click here to learn more
- Charge boat batteries, remove loose items, secure hatches and ensure watertight integrity.
North Marine can assist with steps 2, 3 and 5.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance or if you have any questions.
Contact us for assistance or advice
Severe weather preparation - Links to useful websites and resources
Being prepared is essential to ensuring the safety of your vessel/s.
You can find Maritime Safety Queensland’s (MSQ) Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plans here.
Marine weather forecasts predict major weather events such as cyclones and severe weather such as high winds and surge.
Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website here for up-to-date forecasts on marine weather, tidal conditions, wind and coastal warnings.
Prepare your vessel for severe weather well in advance.
Know your Cyclone & Severe Weather Emergency Plan.
Ensure that a well-maintained, cyclone-secure mooring is available and fit for your boat.
» Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan, Port of Cairns – 2023/2024 (PDF, 410 KB)
Maintaining a vessel mooring - What is required to maintain a boat mooring?
Ensuring your boat mooring is well maintained is as important as installing one.
When you become a Mooring Authority Permit holder, you agree to maintain your boat mooring for the life of your permit.
Most permits require that buoy moorings and apparatus be inspected every year.
You are responsible for ensuring that your boat mooring and tackle remain in good condition, in the approved mooring location and that it can secure the vessel intended for use.
Consider additional mooring inspections:
- If your naval architect drawing suggests more frequent intervals
- After every significant weather event
- Before an anticipated weather event, if an assessment has not been recently conducted
- If an unauthorized vessel has been on your boat mooring
- If you notice signs of wear
Signs of wear that indicate your mooring needs to be inspected include, but are not limited to:
- Rusted Chain
- Chaffed Rope
- Worn Shackles
- Sun-damaged Rope
Contact us to discuss your boat mooring or arrange an inspection
Extreme Weather Warning – Red alert for vessels in the Port of Cairns
Extreme Weather Warning – Red alert for vessels in the Port of Cairns
When the Regional Harbour Master issues a ‘Red Alert’, destructive winds are forecast, and the port is closed.
Directions during extreme weather events and emergencies are laid out in the ‘Port of Cairns Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan’, available from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).
» Extreme Weather Event Contingency Plan, Cairns – 2023/2024 (PDF, 410 KB)
Contact us for assistance, advice or to move a vessel
Weather Updates - Bureau Of Meteorology for Cairns, Queensland
Where severe weather is concerned, preparation is key.
Marine weather forecasts are generally accurate when predicting major weather events such as tropical cyclones, but can be less accurate when predicting local severe weather such as high winds, storms and surge.
Being prepared is essential to ensuring the safety of your vessel/s.
Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website for up-to-date forecasts on marine weather conditions, tidal conditions, wind and coastal warnings.
Prepare your vessel for severe weather well in advance and have a cyclone mooring installation ready and well-maintained as a safe harbour.
Contact us for assistance, advice or to move a vessel
Related Pages
About North Marine – Tugboat Company in the Port of Cairns, Australia
North Marine is one of Queensland’s leading marine support contractors.
Our suite of services includes vessel charters, commercial diving, shipping industry support, boat mooring installation and marine consultancy.