Australian Reef Pilots (ARP) popularly known as ‘Guardians of the Reef’ and the country’s leading pilotage company has won a national accolade for its work to protect one of the planet’s most sensitive and treasured areas – the Great Barrier Reef.

ARP picked up this year’s esteemed Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Award (Safe Transport Category). Chief Executive Officer Simon Meyjes said the award recognised ARP’s unique world-class Safety Management System (SMS).“Our SMS gives access to real-time information on pilot schedules, histories and qualifications; customer ships; environmental factors; and regulatory requirements,” Mr Meyjes said.

“It automatically alerts staff to any aspects of a booking that may breach the company’s strict safety and fatigue management requirements. It involves extensive check lists with a focus on human error management as well as equipment and operational checks and balances.”

The prestigious awards also acknowledged ARP’s focus on pilot training and development. “ARP has created the only simulation model of the most complex section of Torres Strait, the Prince of Wales Channel and the reef,” Mr Meyjes said.

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