More than 60 people were involved in the exercise on Sunday morning to test the response to any incidents involving passenger vessels.

Operation Princeton tested the Peel Water Police, Surf Life Saving WA, Mandurah Water Rescue Group, Rockingham Sea Rescue, the Department of Transport, Fire and Rescue Services, St John Ambulance, Department for Community Development Family Protection and the State Emergency Service.

“We wanted to prepare all parties involved for a possible worse case scenario as many people will be out on the water over the summer months,” Peel Water Police senior constable Ken Robertson said.

The scenario involved an explosion followed by a fire on passenger ferry the Dancing Dolphin.

A water police vessel arrived at the scene with support from Mandurah Water Rescue, Rockingham Sea Rescue and the State Emergency Service

There were 12 people onboard with two people flung into the water.

One was winched to safety by the Surf Life Saving helicopter.

St John Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Services established a staging area on the eastern foreshore.

Possible incidents were created including an oil spillage and the fire reigniting.

Sen-const. Robertson said the operation was a success and Water Police were now preparing for the formal debrief by Local Emergency Management Committee.

“Thanks to everyone involved including the assistance of the community and ranger services,” sen-const. Robertson said.

“In the near future we are planning to do a similar exercise in the ocean.”