FWADC - Fixed Wing Aerial Dispersant Contract

For over 35 years, Aerotech First Response has held the FWADC. That involves assisting with the containment of an oil spill arising from any marine vessel or oil rig in Australian waters. 

Every year we participate in an activation exercise to test Aerotech’s capability to respond.  This year it was held in Pt Pirie, and we used the opportunity to educate and introduce a broader range of crews into the procedures.

It was a large exercise which involved a marine vessel, airbase shipping container, IBC set up for dispersant, 3 fixed wing aircraft and a rotary platform and approximately 20 personnel. 

Participants included AMSA, AMOSC, Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), SA CFS and Aerotech.

Fluorescence (green dye) is released into the water from the vessel to simulate an oil spill. The rotary wing platform and air attack provide guidance to the fixed wing aircraft who simulated spray runs to disperse the oil spill. 

A huge thank you to Hamish, Danny, Geordie, Andrew P, Jarred, Dave (D1), Craig, Cherie, Sam W, David Pearce and Dyson Taverner for your involvement and professionalism. 

AMSA & AMOSC were super impressed and very excited at the outcomes of this exercise.