Chris Watt

Responsible for transfer of marine Pilots to and from vessels at MWPA's Geraldton Port and operating lines boat service within the Port. I have a strong safety focus and have been responsible for writing many of the Policies and Procedures relevant to vessel operations, including Vessel SMS's and training programs. Together with other team members we ensure MWPA vessels meet AMSA standards and are maintained to a high standard. Carry out routine monitoring, inspection and maintenance of MWPA Aids to Navigation to IALA standards. Provide vessel support during 1st response to oil-spill incidents and other maritime emergency situations

• Manage the timely, safe and efficient mooring and provision of services to all vessels berthing within MWPA’s commercial harbour.
• Ensure compliance with the MWPA’s HSEQ and emergency response Policies and Procedures responsibilities to it’s staff, contractors and customers.
• Coordinate the Port-wide Permit to Work system
• Leadership role to Coordinate & supervise staff to ensure effective service provision.
• Ensure all GPA mooring equipment is suitable and effective for operations.
• Support the integrity of port entry requirements and the Maritime Security Plan.
• Support MWPA’s responsibilities and functioning of the Fishing Boat harbour
• Assist Pilots in communicating pilot boarding arrangements to inbound vessels
• During ships approach, board the ship to provide instruction and supervision to ships crew for shore mooring.

• Master of vessels providing support to dredging operations at Hay Pt & Dalrymple Bay.
• Hydrographic Surveys, Environmental Surveys, personnel transfers

• Master of demersal fish trawlers of between 22.5m to 32m in length, operating in a number of fisheries including Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery, Pilbara Finfish Trawl Fishery and Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery.
• manage crew of up to 6 persons, frequently from diverse backgrounds and nationalities to conduct fishing operations in a safe manner at times under arduous and stressful conditions
• Vessel operating on trips of between 7 to 14 days duration, in remote waters up to 100nm from land
• Maintain vessel to AMSA survey
• Assist in arranging unloading and transport to market and sales of catch.

• After ceasing my fishing career I went to Curtin University and completed a Town Planning Degree and then worked as Planning Officer in several roles, mainly State and Local Govt. After a few years I decided an office-based career was not to my taste.
• Investigate, report and provides recommendations on statutory planning proposals, including subdivisions, town planning schemes and amendments, development applications and related matters.