Local Ports Update

Be prepared

1. Refresh your skipper skills and know the rules and regulations.
2. Carry safety equipment according to regulations and check that lifejackets are in good condition, appropriate to the purpose and properly fitted. Do the Lifejacket Test.
3. Check your vessel and ensure you have the means to raise the alarm if needed.
4. Check the weather and  local conditions.  
5. Plan where you are going with current charts and let someone know before you go.

On the water

1. Always wear a lifejacket. 
2. Keep a safe speed.   Slow to 5knots when close to the shore, other vessels including boats at anchor, swimmers, divers and fixed structures such as ramps and jetties.  Watch this video for an overview of speed and distance rules on the water.
3. Observe boat zone boundaries and restrictions and follow signs and buoys marking local zones.
4. Keep to the right of channels and steer clear of big ships. 
5. Look after the environment. Take your rubbish home with you, don’t discharge sewage or other waste from the vessel, observe regulations around protected marine animal and plant life.  

Did you know?

Maritime Safety Victoria, a branch of Transport Safety Victoria, expanded the Designated Hazardous Area for Port Phillip Heads in 2015 – Lifejacket wear is mandatory in this area.  Safety Alert: New definition of Port Phillip Heads

PWCs Ride Right

While many personal watercraft (PWC) operators are compliant, a small number of PWC riders continue to operate illegally with significant consequences. PWC use leading to serious injury incidents continue to increase. So remember, speed and distance regulations must be observed on all waterways, unless a specific local rule says otherwise.  Compliance operations will be targeting speed and distance this summer. Learn how to Ride Right

Port Phillip Foreshore alcohol bans

The City of Port Phillip has extended its alcohol ban to include the entire St Kilda Foreshore, between St Kilda Marina car park to West Beach Pavilion, from 1 November until 31 March 2019.  Parks Victoria has also introduced the same controls for St Kilda Pier and Breakwater Reserve.  

The City Council has also extended the alcohol ban for the rest of the foreshore between 8:00pm on 30 December 2018 to12:00am on 2 January 2019, and these revised controls also apply to Kerferd Road and Lagoon Piers. 

Diver beware, Driver beware

Any vessel with divers operating from it must always display signals by day or night to inform other vessel users.  During night diving, a vessel must show the international signal for a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre. 

Always be aware that divers in the water may not be near a vessel.  Vessels must not operate at a speed exceeding 5knots within 100m of a vessel or a buoy on which a dive flag is displayed.

Tackling the Northern Pacific Seastar invasion and other marine pests

It may be pretty but the Northern Pacific Seastar, Asterias amurensis is a highly voracious predator that feeds on a wide variety of native marine species including bivalves (e.g. pippies and mussels), other molluscs, crabs and barnacles. With few known predators, it reproduces quickly and rapidly spreads to new areas. 

Marine pests in general are spread by both natural means and with human help. Moving boats and other water craft from areas with marine pests to new locations increases the risk of spread.  Every action you take can reduce the chances of spreading pests.  More.    Watch this video on some simple ways you can help combat marine pests in out waters

Volunteers helping to protect St Kilda's penguin colony

St Kilda Breakwater is home to a colony of up to 1400 Little Penguins. The isolation provided by the breakwater from mainland predators (eg. foxes) makes it an ideal location for them to live. Just before dusk you can view the colony coming ashore from the promenade on the St Kilda Breakwater.  Through EarthCare St Kilda over 180 volunteers assist with managing visitors to the breakwater, delivering important messages to protect the penguins.  EarthCare also undertake valuable research into the health and wellbeing of the colony.

Did you know?   To help protect you and the Little Penguins, it is now an offence to leave the formed paths and boardwalks on the breakwater.

Wheelchair to boat access now available in Port Phillip

Electric hoists to assist wheelchair users safely in and out of boats at Patterson River have been installed making this is the first publicly accessible marine hoist in Victoria.  Based on a swimming pool hoist, the custom designed hoist has been adapted to make it suitable for outdoor marine conditions as well as vandal and theft proof.   Users need to complete an induction session to learn how to safely operate the hoist. Induction sessions are offered by Parks Victoria community partner AQA Victoria.  More.

Pier upgrades and repairs

Parks Victoria has commenced a $900,000 program to repair the almost century old Seaford Pier. The head of Seaford Pier has been closed to the public since last year due to storm damage.  Restoration works at the pier will include removing moving damaged piles, crossheads, beams, and installing new structural timbers to withstand future storm events.   The works are expected to be completed early next year, and when reopened, will provide a safe, amenable and accessible structure for visitors and locals to enjoy.

Repairs to the Kerferd Road Pier will commence shortly. The works will include replacement of poor condition piles, crossheads and beams, combined with a new deck. Check in here for works updates.

Wyndham Harbour entrance guide

Wyndham Harbour is a new, all weather safe harbour on the North-western shore of Port Phillip.  Protected by a fully enclosing and overlapping breakwater, the harbour is a great place to visit or moor your boat for an extended period. If you are new to the Harbour, there is an Entrance Guide available providing tips for navigating the entrance.   

New channel navigation Governor Reef – Give us your feedback

Parks Victoria is seeking feedback on the recent establishment of a channel marked by lit lateral buoys (x2 port and x2 starboard) near Governor Reef, Indented Head.   The channel is intended to assist mariners in identifying safe passage for vessels transiting this area.  The creation of a channel also means vessels may not be anchored in those waters defined as the channel by beacons or buoys.  Send us your feedback to info@parks.vic.gov.au.   View the Notice to Mariners 321-18. 

New Port Manager directions – Portarlington Harbour

The major capital transformation of Portarlington Harbour is complete.  Minor works to enhance local operations such as installation of water supply at berths and an automated security gate to provide separation between public and commercial activities will complete the final stages.  Up to nine berths are available for visiting vessels for period of up to 48 hours.  A number of new  Port Manager Directions and Set Asides have been created for this area by Parks Victoria.  Vessel operators using this local port should familiarise themselves with these Directions and ensure compliance or report any deviations in writing to Parks Victoria.  Port Direction 1.0 /2018.

Vessel and mooring maintenance

Regular checking and maintenance of boats and mooring tackle could save you time and money, not to mention potentially lives and protect the environment. Poor motor maintenance alone is responsible for thousands of calls for assistance each year. Equally, poorly maintained moorings can cause vessels to become adrift and lead to costly repairs or salvage. Review the seasonal maintenance check list. To request a copy of Parks Victoria's authorised Mooring Inspections Contractors list, email us at info@parks.vic.gov.au.

No Permit, No works or Events

Are you planning to undertake works within a local port area such as dredging, construction works, or scientific research? You may need a Works Permit.  Parks Victoria is responsible for assessing all works proposals within the local port waters of Port Phillip, Western Port and Port Campbell (excluding areas managed by commercial ports) to ensure that Port operations remain safe, efficient and effective.  More   

If you are planning an event in the local ports area, contact Parks Victoria to check if an Event Permit is required.  There is a 12 week lead time on applications. Temporary exclusion zones or closures around vessel access may also apply for selected events and activities, such as fireworks and organised sailing or swimming events. Keep up to date with Parks Victoria issued Notice to Mariners.