World Vessel Traffic Services Guide - Australia - Melbourne VHF Procedures Port of Melbourne VTS Area is divided into two Sectors. Sector 1: Lonsdale VTS (LVTS) Located at: POINT LONSDALE SIGNAL STATION On: VHF Ch 12 For Traffic: South of 38 05 S Sector 2: Melbourne VTS (MVTS) Located at : Shipping Management Centre HARBOUR CONTROL On: VHF Ch 12 For Traffic: North of 38 05 S Call Lonsdale VTS two (2) hours before arrival at Pilot Station. Permission to change frequency or to end VHF watch should be obtained from MVTS. Reports PRE-ENTRY REPORTS 24 hours before arrival VIA: AGENTS (Through Port View) Arrival Notice must contain mandatory information for Port View including: Vessel s name, Call Sign, ETA Pilot Station, Max Draft, Max Air Draft, Any deficiencies that may affect the Safe Navigation of Vessel and DUKC documentation if draught of 11.6m and over. WHEN: 2 hours before arrival off Port Philip Pilot Station GIVING: IMO SRS ITEMS: Alpha, India, Oscar, Quebec, X-ray (Air Draft)
Note: Inward bound vessels approaching Port Phillip Heads - must obtain clearance from LVTS of readiness to proceed - must display signal/s appropriate for vessel - must not proceed until LVTS grants permission - Vessel s with draught greater than 11.60m must submit via agent and comply with DUKC - must comply with Victorian Notices to Mariners - Automatic Identification System (AIS) is on at all times. MOVEMENT REPORTS - Inbound: BEFORE: Passing Point Lonsdale Signal Station GIVING: ETA at Hovell Pile Light and Fawkner Beacon or Pt Richards if proceeding to Geelong or Anchor Position if proceeding to anchor. WHEN: 30 mins south of Fawkner to obtain clearance to enter and use Port Melbourne Channel WHEN: Passing Fawkner Beacon, Breakwater Pier, West Gate Bridge, or Anchorage (if applicable after anchoring), Beacon 70 (for vessels bound for Station Pier). Departure Reports DEPARTURE REPORTS 4 hours before departure Provide DUKC documents if draught of 11.6m and over. 3 hours before departure Book a departure via the agent through Port View. Departure Notice must contain mandatory Information for Port View including: Vessel s name, Call Sign, ETA Pilot Stn, Max. Draft, Max. Air Draft, Any Deficiencies that may affect the safe Navigation of Vessel. 1 hour before departure GIVING: Confirming vessel s readiness at the ordered time of departure. On departure
NOTE: Outward bound vessels leaving a berth: - must obtain clearance from MVTS of readiness to proceed - must display signal/s appropriate for vessel - must not proceed until MVTS grants permission - Vessels with draught greater than 11.60 metres must submit via the agent and comply with DUKC - must comply with Victorian Notices to mariners - Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) is on at all times MOVEMENT REPORTS - Outbound Obtain clearance to depart and use the Port Melbourne Channel. Report At: West Gate Bridge, Breakwater Pier, (Beacon 70 for vessels using Station Pier), Fawkner Beacon (ETA Hovel pile & Pt. Lonsdale), or Anchorage (if applicable after anchoring) From Geelong: Pt Richards From Anchor: Departure Anchor location When passing: Hovel Pile and Beacon 6 in the South Channel requesting clearance and advice on the ship channel usage Pilotage Pilotage by licensed pilots is compulsory for all ships and is provided by Port Phillip Sea Pilots (PPSP). This does not apply to a vessel less than 35 metres in length or a pilot exempt master. Send ETA Message via agents - 24 and 4 hours before arrival TO: PORT PHILLIP SEA PILOTS SERVICE Send Arrival message - 2 hours before arrival TO: PILOT STATION VIA: VHF CH 16 and/or 12 Pilot Vessel will contact ship on VHF CH 16 and switch to CH 12 PILOT BOARDING GROUND Melbourne: 3 to 5 nautical miles SW of Point Lonsdale DEPARTURE
A minimum of 3 hours notice is required prior to departure. Anchoring Port Phillip Bay Anchorage Inner Anchorage A1, A2 & A3 Outer Anchorage S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 & S11 The master of a vessel must: - obtain permission from MVTS to anchor in a designated anchorage - obtain permission to move from the anchorage - maintain a continuous anchor and VHF watch whilst at anchor - not allow vessel to drag anchor cable over subsurface services and underwater gas pipeline in the vicinity of the anchorage. Services Offered Port Of MELBOURNE Radar and AIS coverage extends over whole of Port Phillip Bay. Radar coverage extends seaward from Point Lonsdale to a 20 nautical mile radius. LVTS at Point Lonsdale Signal Station covers areas South of 38 05 S to Port Phillip Pilot Boarding Ground. MVTS at Shipping Management Centre (Harbour Control) covers area North of 38 05 S to Bolte Bridge, Webb Dock & station Pier. Port of Melbourne VTS provides an Information Service and Traffic Organisation Service in the Port Phillip Bay. CONTACTS MVTS: VHF CH 12 and 16 Tel: (61 3) 96449700 VHF CH 02, 06, 08, 12, 13, 16, 19, 67 and 74 for auxiliary services FAX: (61 3) 96449710 LVTS: VHF CH 12 and 16
Additional Information Information on the Port of Melbourne and allied services may be obtained from: Port Of Melbourne Corporation - http://www. Portofmelbourne.com Harbour Masters Directions - http://www.portofmelbourne.com/publications/portopshbook.asp Port Customers Handbook - http://www.portofmelbourne.com/publications/portcusthbook.asp Australian Custom and Border Protection Services - http://www.customs.gov.au/ Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services - http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/ Australian Maritime Safety Authority - http://www.amsa.gov.au/