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Safety AlertSA.No.2012 - Maritime - 02
PO Box 2792, Melbourne VIC 3001 www.transportsafety.vic.gov.auT.
1800 223 022 | F. (03) 9655 6611 | E.
[email protected]
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 readin 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 thedangers 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 toshipping channels and fairways.
Large commercial ships may not be able to alter course to avoid
colliding with these boats as theymay be constrained by their draft
or unable to easily slow or stop.
Masters of recreational boats must share port waters, shipping
channels and fairways responsiblyand 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 reasonablecare of his or her own safety and
take reasonable care for the safety of persons who maybe affected
by the Masters acts or omissions.
Masters of recreational boats must not willfully or recklessly
place the safety of anotherperson 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.
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Masters of recreational boats are strongly advised not to anchor
or drift in the highshipping hazard zone in Port Phillip Bay (from
Hovell Pile in the south of the bay to theTransit 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 intimes 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 (CollRegs) 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 ofMelbourne channels, the Transit Only Zone
and the high shipping hazard zone,
visithttp://www.portofmelbourne.com
Ports of GeelongFor further information about the Keep Clear of
Big Ships campaign and mapsdelineating the Port of Geelong
channels, visit www.regionalchannels.vic.gov.au
Port of HastingsFor further information about the Keep Clear of
Big Ships campaign and mapsdelineating the Port of Hastings
channels, visit www.portofhastings.com
THIS ADVICE IS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Approved:
PETER CORCORANDirector Maritime Safety 9 November 2012
