HEALTH AND SAFETY

This operating plan details how Water Nomads New Zealand integrates health and safety into its daily operations for long-term rentals and Surfari trips, specifically considering the experience level of your clients.

1. Legal Compliance & Client Experience Verification

• HSWA 2015: All operations will comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
• Maritime Transport Act 1994: Adherence to relevant maritime safety regulations.
• Client Experience Verification:
  • Rentals: Implement a clear system to verify clients are intermediate to advanced users (e.g., self-declaration of experience, previous rental history, brief discussion of conditions they can handle). Clearly state that equipment is for experienced users only.
  • Surfari Trips: Verify participants are advanced beginners to expert through pre-trip discussions, skill checklists, or demonstrated experience. This ensures group safety and appropriate trip selection.
  • Session Intel: Implement a clear system to verify clients are intermediate to advanced users (e.g., self-declaration of experience, brief discussion of conditions they can handle). Clearly state that advisory service is for experienced users only.

2. Management Structure and Responsibilities (Owners)

• Heidrun Bader and Bevan Thrower are directly responsible for all aspects of health and safety.
• Daily H&S Focus: Integrate health and safety considerations into all daily tasks, from equipment checks to trip planning.
• Emergency Contact: Clearly designate who is the primary emergency contact during operations.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Management

• Proactive Assessment: Continually identify hazards and assess risks for all operations:
  • Rental Equipment: Risks associated with equipment failure, incorrect usage (even by experienced users), or environmental hazards where equipment might be used.
  • Surfari Trips: Risks related to specific locations (swell, currents, rocks), weather changes, group management, and transport.
  • Virtual Guide Service: Risk of misinterpretation of guidance, reliance solely on advice, rapidly changing conditions.
• Risk Register: Maintain a comprehensive risk register (see Section 4) for identified hazards, assessed risks, and control measures.
• Control Measures: Focus on providing information, ensuring well-maintained equipment, and robust emergency plans, given clients’ inherent skills.

4. Client Information and Briefings

• Rental Briefings:
  • Provide clear instructions on the correct and safe use of your specific equipment, highlighting any unique features or handling requirements.
  • Emphasise the client’s responsibility for their safety, weather monitoring, and knowledge of local conditions at their chosen location.
  • Provide information on how to report equipment damage or issues.
• Surfari Trip Briefings:
  • Comprehensive pre-trip briefings covering the planned route, specific hazards of the location (e.g., rips, reef breaks, currents), communication protocols, emergency procedures, and expected conditions.
  • Reinforce individual responsibility for self-management in the water.
  • Advise on appropriate personal gear (e.g., wetsuits, sun protection).
• Session Intel Briefings:
  • All subscribers are provided with clear instructions about the advisory nature of Session Intel.
  • Session Intel includes recommended locations, itinerary suggestions, and daily weather updates.
  • Clients are reminded of their personal responsibility to monitor conditions and make safe decisions.

5. Equipment and Plant Management

• Selection & Suitability: Ensure all rental and trip equipment (surfboards, windsurf rigs, wingfoil setups, vehicles, trailers) is high quality and suitable for intermediate to expert use.
• Maintenance Program: Implement a rigorous, documented maintenance schedule for all equipment. This includes:
  • Pre-rental/Pre-trip checks: Visual inspection of every item before release/use.
  • Regular Servicing: Routine checks, repairs, and servicing of boards, sails, foils, and vehicles.
  • Damage Reporting: Clear process for clients to report damage, and for owners to document and address it promptly. Defective equipment must be immediately removed from service.
• Storage: Secure and appropriate storage to prevent damage and degradation.

6. Operational Procedures (Standard Operating Procedures – SOPs)

• General:
  • Client experience verification process.
  • Emergency contact procedures.
  • First aid kits and basic first aid knowledge for owners.
  • Contingency plans for adverse weather or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., trip cancellation/re-routing).
• Watersport Rentals (Long-Term Takeaway):
  • Client registration, identification, and a rental agreement/waiver that clearly outlines client responsibilities, risk acceptance, and acknowledges their advanced skill level.
  • Equipment issue and return procedures, including damage checks.
• Surfari Trips:
  • Thorough pre-trip reconnaissance: Detailed assessment of chosen locations (access, hazards, conditions).
  • Group management: While clients are expert, maintain oversight; clear rendezvous points, communication check-ins (e.g., headcounts at specific intervals, “check-in waves”).
  • Communication Protocols: Reliable communication devices (VHF radio, mobile phone, PLB for remote areas).
  • Vehicle and Trailer: Pre-trip inspections, secure loading, and safe driving practices.
• Session Intel Service:
  • Content Verification: Owners producing advice will use verified and reliable sources.
  • Communication: Advisory statements will be clear and consistent.
  • Client Queries: Owners will respond to questions emphasizing safety and personal responsibility.

7. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Emergency Response Plan (ERP):
  • Client injury/medical emergency (including remote locations).
  • Lost/missing person procedures (given self-sufficient nature of clients).
  • Equipment failure leading to distress.
  • Vehicle breakdown/accident.
• Communication: Clear internal and external communication channels for emergencies.
• Local Emergency Services: Have readily available contact details for local emergency services (Police, Ambulance, Coastguard).
• First Aid: One owner (minimum) to hold current first aid qualifications. Well-stocked first aid kits in vehicles and accessible during trips.

8. Incident Reporting and Review

• Reporting: All incidents and near misses, no matter how minor, will be documented by the owners. Any safety-related feedback or incidents arising from the Session Intel Service will be documented, reviewed, and used to update guidance procedures or improve communications.
• Review: Periodically review incident data to identify trends and implement preventative measures.
• Notifiable Events: Immediate reporting of “notifiable events” (as defined by HSWA) to WorkSafe NZ if they occur.