About the base
HMAS Cairns’ primary responsibility is to provide maintenance, logistic and administrative support for Cairns based Fleet Units. HMAS Cairns also provides refit and training support for neighbouring Pacific Island nations (Pacific Class Patrol Boats).
Access
Upon arrival you must present your current Defence Common Access Card (DCAC) to the staff at the Access Control Point (ACP)/front gate located on Draper Street. Access to base wharfs is prohibited unless authorised by Port Services.
All ADF, APS and visitors are to provide a copy of a valid National Base Induction (NBI) certificate (expires every 12 months). ACP staff will need to site the certificate before a visitor pass will be issued. ACP staff can provide a printed version of the NBI form for visitors to complete.
Valid photographic identification and justification for access is required. A visitors' sponsor/escort must be present for the issuing of the visitor pass.
Visiting hours
Pass Office:
2 Draper Street, Portsmith, QLD, 4870
Business hours - 6:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Road rules
Parking on base is limited and strictly controlled. Unless you hold an on base car pass you are required to park in the parking area located directly across from HMAS Cairns. Entry to the car park can be accessed via Cook Street. Speed limit is 10km/h throughout the base unless otherwise signposted and not to exceed 10km/h when overtaking formed military members.
Hazards
|
Hazard Name |
Description |
|
Plant & Machinery |
Avoid entering any areas where plant and machinery are located or operating. Not to be used without proper authorisation. |
| Draper Street Pedestrian Refuge | To be used at all times when crossing Draper Street. |
| Wildlife | Snakes, Asian honey bees, crocodiles. Caution should be taken when walking in the areas and avoid getting close. |
| Traffic | Roads utilised by range of vehicles. Maintain situational awareness at all times. Drivers observe speed limits and parking restrictions. Beware of areas where forklifts are operating and observe pedestrian markings. |
| Heat | Ensure adequate hydration to reduce dehydration and/or exposure to the sun. |
| Flammable store & ULP stowage | High risk area no ignition source within 3 metres. |
| Wharf areas | Separate induction required by host/escort due to increased hazards. |
| High risk areas | Restricted areas for defence fuel installation & construction sites |
Sirens will communicate information about the base security status and procedures. In the event you hear any of the following emergency warning tones, stop what you are doing immediately and follow the direction of your escort or ECO Warden. In the absence of direction, follow the procedures below and those detailed in the following pages of the National Base Induction.
|
Status |
Sounds |
Procedure |
|---|---|---|
|
Alert |
‘beep, beep, beep’ tone + ‘alert alert alert’ voice command |
Prepare to receive direction and maintain awareness. |
|
Evacuation |
‘whoop, whoop, whoop’ tone + ‘evacuate, evacuate, evacuate’ voice command |
Exit building and assemble at predetermined assembly area. Remain at assembly area and await further direction. |
|
Lockdown |
Rapid short ‘beeping’ tone + ‘lockdown, lockdown, lockdown’ voice command |
Follow the CLOSE procedure.
|
|
Stand down |
Low-pitched ‘buzzing’ tone + ‘stand-down, stand-down, stand-down’ voice command |
Resume normal activities. |
Call 000 for life threatening, critical or serious situations.