Category Archives: Uncategorized

Behind the scenes at the Pasha Bulker salvage operation

The worst of the unforgettable storm that pulverised Newcastle was over but gusting wind and spluttering rain persisted as I made my way to a meeting at Honeysuckle with then NSW Treasurer and Hunter Minister Michael Costa. The meeting, with my client Port Waratah Coal Services, was a routine affair until a staffer poked her …

You’ve got to be ready to face the media

Ask anyone else who’s been at the pointy end of a big maritime crisis what the worst part was, and their response will typically be “Dealing with the media!” After reliving the terrors of standing before packs of demanding journalists and camera’s, the recount usually takes this course: “Things happened so quickly. We just felt …

Lloyd’s List Australia – The Grill

This week’s subject of the Grill is managing director of Repute Communications, Matthew Watson. He was ‘Highly Commended’ by the Public Relations Institute of Australia for crisis, media and stakeholder management during the Rena container ship crisis of New Zealand. On behalf of Svizter Salvage, Matthew lead the PR consultancy’s response to the ship’s grounding. …

Maritime salvage and media engagement tips

Turning to two recent maritime salvage scenarios from the Australasia region, Matthew Watson, Managing Director, Repute Communications, Australia writes. Scenario one: Cronulla, 17 nautical miles south of Sydney Harbour, February, 2013 A large fishing vessel runs aground on rocks at this populated locality, a stone’s throw from a busy public walk way. Media outlets and …