Safety Alert

SA.No.2012 - Maritime - 02

NOTICE TO MASTERS OF RECREATIONAL BOATS

Safety alerts are published by Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) under section 197 of the Transport Integration Act 2010 (Vic) to promote the safe operation of transport services. Safety alerts are intended to provide information only and must be read in connection with obligations under relevant legislation.

Subject

Danger of collision between small boats and big ships

Issue There have been a number of alarming near miss incidents in recent weeks which highlight the dangers of small boats anchoring or operating in areas where big ships navigate. These incidents occur when recreational boats are anchored or operated in and/or adjacent to shipping channels and fairways. Large commercial ships may not be able to alter course to avoid colliding with these boats as they may be constrained by their draft or unable to easily slow or stop. Masters of recreational boats must share port waters, shipping channels and fairways responsibly and operate their boat in a manner which avoids any chance of collision with large commercial ships. Safety duty obligations for masters of recreational vessels (Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic)) Masters of recreational boats, when carrying out vessel operations, must take reasonable care of his or her own safety and take reasonable care for the safety of persons who may be affected by the Masters acts or omissions. Masters of recreational boats must not willfully or recklessly place the safety of another person on board or in the vicinity of their vessel (including on other vessels) at risk.

Masters of recreational boats must stay well clear of ships because: It takes a lot of distance for a ship to stop or avoid a small boat. It is dangerous, and often impossible, for ships to change course quickly. Just because you can see the ship, don't assume the ship can see you. A ships speed can be deceptive - ships are often travelling faster than you think.

Operating or anchoring in shipping channels (including the Port of Melbourne Transit Only Zone and in the high shipping hazard zone)

No anchoring is allowed in shipping channels.

No anchoring or drifting is allowed in the Transit Only Zone in the north of Port

Phillip Bay.
PO Box 2792, Melbourne VIC 3001 www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au T. 1800 223 022 | F. (03) 9655 6611 | E. information@transportsafety.vic.gov.au

Masters of recreational boats are strongly advised not to anchor or drift in the high shipping hazard zone in Port Phillip Bay (from Hovell Pile in the south of the bay to the Transit Only Zone in the north of the bay) or any other port waters.

Navigation lights Navigation lights (including anchor lights) must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and in times of restricted visibility during daylight hours.

Penalties Penalties may apply to breaches of safety duties. Penalties may also apply to breaches of the Prevention of Collisions Convention (Coll Regs) such as not keeping clear of big ships and not displaying navigation lights (including anchor light/s).

Further information Port of Melbourne For information about the Steer Clear campaign and maps delineating the Port of Melbourne channels, the Transit Only Zone and the high shipping hazard zone, visit http://www.portofmelbourne.com Ports of Geelong For further information about the Keep Clear of Big Ships campaign and maps delineating the Port of Geelong channels, visit www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au Port of Hastings For further information about the Keep Clear of Big Ships campaign and maps delineating the Port of Hastings channels, visit www.portofhastings.com

THIS ADVICE IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY Approved:

PETER CORCORAN Director Maritime Safety

9 November 2012

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