Journey Management

Background

A recent fatal incident shows that Journey Management is not used by everyone. In the incident, a driver on a private journey became lost during a sandstorm and his vehicle broke down. He had not filed a journey management plan. He tried to attract attention by burning two car seats and writing HELP! in large letters on the ground. He stayed with the vehicle for more than 24 hours. He left the vehicle and tragically his body was later found in the sand after extensive air and land searches.

Recommendations to prevent recurrence

Journey Management Plans must be used by PDO, contractors and sub-contractors for travelling in the interior. Use the new PDO System. It lays out plans for travel, rest breaks and sets in place a method for initiating searches. The system also requires that adequate supplies and emergency equipment are on board before the journey begins. Should you not arrive at your destination, search and rescue teams will be alerted early if a Journey Management Plan is filed.

Learning Points

The desert is dangerous. The sun is intense, there is no water, and often there is no one to help should you need it. It is easy to get lost in a sandstorm. They happen often. Be prepared. Use PDO's Journey Management System, even for private journeys. Check the vehicle and bring at least 10 litres of water for each person travelling. If you become lost, stay with your vehicle. The vehicle provides shelter and is more easily spotted by search and rescue teams.

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