Working Groups

WORKING GROUPS

At the core of PIANC’s mission is the publication of high-quality Technical Reports realised by international Working Groups. PIANC Working Groups are composed of participants from multiple member countries who have expertise in the issue being investigated. The groups gather, analyse, and consolidate international, state-of-the-art, best practice material to provide evidence-based guidance.

Once a particular Working Group topic has been approved at PIANC HQ, and Terms of Reference established, national sections are invited to propose an expert member from their region. The PIANC A&NZ Board then invites interested members to apply to the Board, and reviews applications before nominating one member to the Working Group. 

An additional expert per country/organisation, being a young professional, can participate in the Working Group activities.

Costs of participation are met by the individual members or their employers. However there is some travel assistance. Please see PIANC A&NZ  TAP – Travel Assistance Policy for our members involved in Working Groups.

Many of our members are currently active on a number of PIANC Working Groups and they produce significant outcomes that benefit maritime matters in our region. See our video here and find out why you should get involved!

PIANC A&NZ members involved in PIANC Working Groups are listed in our Annual Reports:
Annual Report 2020
pp12-13  
Annual Report 2021 pp24-27
Annual Report 2022 pp32-34 

Process for Applications

Your application should include a detailed CV/Resume with a short covering letter outlining:

1. Your experience in the particular technical field; see expertise list above.
2. Why the WG is relevant for the Australian / NZ content and the direct benefits of participation;
3. A commitment that you will prepare (for distribution to all members) a short report providing an overview & outcomes of the WG etc;
4. Whether or not you are seeking to access Travel Assistance Policy (TAP )funding; and
5. Whether you qualify as a Young Professional.

Eligibility:
Please note that Working Group Members need to be Individual Members of PIANC, working for a Corporate Member or Platinum Partner, be an invited expert or a be a member of a Sister Organisation.

Process:
A Selection Committee will review all nominations received and make a final recommendation to the PIANC A&NZ Chair.

Responsibilities:
Please be aware that membership of a Working Group does require your active participation. This includes attending Working Group meetings (pre-Covid -19 this was usually at international locations) or as a ‘Corresponding Member’ if you do not want to undertake the normal travel requirements of full membership. If you are expert in the field and would like to influence the outcome of the Working Group we encourage you to participate as fully as you are able.

Costs:
All costs associated with membership must be borne by either yourself or your employer, however PIANC Australia & New Zealand has a Travel Assistance Policy to partially assist with travel & attendance at Working Group meetings, in order to promote Australian and New Zealand technical input into these important WG activities. 

Under the PIANC A&NZ Travel Assistance Policy (TAP), up to $2,000 funds may be payable post travel upon the successful completion of a WG Summary Report and production of relevant travel receipts.

Terms of Reference:
Please view information below for Terms of Reference for recent PIANC Working Groups, many with Australia & New Zealand involvement. For all PIANC working groups, please refer to the links to PIANC International website in the sidebar.

Terms of References for Working Groups (ToRs)

WG184: Design Principles for Dry Bulk Marine Terminals

Australian nominations:

  • Richard Morgan, Aspec Engineering
  • Peter Kastrup, Arup
  • Bob Lamont-Smith, Aecom

This report is now published.

WG176: A Guide to Applying Working with Nature to Navigation Infrastructure Projects

Australian nominations:

  • Jason Sprott, Sprott Planning and Environment

WG175: A Practical Guide to Environmental Risk management for Navigation Infrastructure Projects

Australian nominations:

  • Kevin Kane, North Queensland Bulk Ports

This report is now published.

WG174: EnviCom -Sustainability Reporting for Ports

Australian nominations:

  • Craig Wilson, Port of Brisbane

WG171: Ship Handling Simulation Dedicated to Channel and Harbour Design

Australian nominations:

  • Neil Lawson, Neil Lawson and Associates

WG170: Best Practice in How to Manage Turtles & Mammals in Marine Waterways and Port Construction Activities

Australian nominations:

  • Wayne Young, Pilbara Ports Authority

WG164: Upgrade of Berths by Increasing Dredge Depths

Australian nominations:

  • Ross Newcombe, Arup

WG164: MarCom – Port Berths increasing dredged depth ToR

April 2021 call for additional members

PIANC ANZ nominations: Michael Coull, Andrew Harvey (alternate), Scott Minahan (YP).

WG157: Environmental Aspects of Dredging and Port and Waterway Construction around Coastal Plant Habitats

Australian nominations:

  • Paul Erftemeijer, Damco Consulting

WG153C: MarCom: Recommendations for the Design and Assessment of Marine Liquid and Gas Terminals Handling Green Fuels and Fossil-Based Cargoes’ – ToR April 2023

WG149: RecCom – Guidelines for Marina Design & sections completed/required. ToR