Recreational boaters have a responsibility to stay well clear of large vessels. You are prohibited from impeding the passage of big ships in shipping channels. Show
All boat operators should take note of the following:
A transit only zone is a regulated area of water in the vicinity of a commercial shipping channel or fairway. Recreational craft must not anchor or drift within these zones. The purpose of designating a transit only zone is:
Learn about the transit only zone and how to get set for a trip on Port Phillip Bay, on the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) website.
Harbour Master's Directions (HMDs) can include specific directions for recreational vessels to keep out of the way of ships and vessels engaged in port operations. In port waters the relevant harbourmaster may make special directions concerning the navigation and operation of recreational vessels. In port waters for Port of Geelong, Port of Melbourne and Port of Portland the following directions apply. The master of a vessel less than 25m in length shall ensure that the vessel keeps out of the way of:
Visit the Department of Transport website to learn more: About Victoria's commercial ports. Local port managementPort managers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of local ports, including:
Victoria's local ports
Visit the Department of Transport website to learn more: About Victoria's local ports.
Thank you, your feedback is valuable to us. Supersedes 14/2015 PurposeTo remind vessel owners, operators, masters, skippers, watchkeepers, and other personnel involved in the navigation of vessels, of the importance of adhering to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (known as the Collision Regulations or COLREGs ); as amended. Application of COLREGsIn Australia, the COLREGs are implemented through Commonwealth, state and territory laws. COLREGs apply to all vessels, regardless of their size or nature of operation, in all navigable waters, from inland waters to the high seas. Contravention of COLREGs may jeopardise the safety of life and endanger the environment. Under the Navigation Act 2012, it is an offence for an owner or a master to operate a vessel, if it contravenes the COLREGs (implemented by Marine Order 30 (Prevention of collisions) 2016). General responsibilityVessel owners, operators and masters are responsible for ensuring that personnel involved in the navigation of vessels have an in depth knowledge of navigational practices and a full understanding of the COLREGs. Incident historyAustralian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigations into 41 collisions over 26 years identified failure to maintain a proper lookout and to take early avoiding action as common contributing factors to collisions. Maintaining a proper lookoutMaintaining a proper lookout is a vital element of good watchkeeping practice, particularly when visibility is restricted. A proper lookout by sight and hearing should involve the use of all available means, to detect the presence of other vessels. AMSA considers the following as ways to keep a proper lookout:
Watchkeepers need to be aware that any distraction from their duties can have a negative impact on safety. Managing fatigue is a recognised way of minimising distraction. Visibility of small vesselsSmall vessels and vessels constructed of fibreglass, carbon fibre, and/or wood, are not easily detectable by radar. Operators of these vessels should never assume approaching vessels have detected them by radar.
Vessels less than 20 metres, sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishingA person navigating these vessels should observe the practices of good seamanship and in particular:
The master and crew of such vessels must be familiar with Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) and Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) of the COLREGs, including obligations to not impede the passage of other vessels when navigating in or near narrow channels, fairways, and traffic separation schemes. Sachi Wimmer Deputy Chief Executive Officer 13 July 2020
Boating in rivers is different than operating on an open waterway. Boating in rivers presents its own unique hazards and conditions. Some rivers may exhibit strong currents, which can affect your boat’s steering and the predictability of your craft. There are a number of activities that are prohibited while in a canal:
Safety around dams Shipping LanesThe Collision Regulations require that boaters be aware of shipping lanes (traffic lanes) and use extreme caution when near vessel traffic lanes. Large commercial ships often cannot see small pleasure craft operating ahead of them from the bridge. You should always proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. Boaters should join or leave a traffic lane at its termination, but when joining or leaving from either side you should do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable.
You should avoid crossing traffic lanes but if you must, cross at a right angle to the general direction of traffic flow. If navigating near a shipping lane or near the termination of a shipping lane you should use caution and avoid the lane with as wide a margin as practicable. Always avoid anchoring in a shipping lane or near its termination. To increase your visibility to larger vessels in or near a shipping lane, you should stay in groups with other small boats, if possible. Less Maneuverable VesselsWhen operating in the vicinity of large commercial vessels, remember that these vessels have limited visibility, turning and stopping capabilities. The Collision Regulations require that all smaller pleasure craft less than 20 m in length (including sailboats) must give right-of-way to larger, less manoeuvrable vessels. This is one of a few instances in which a motorized vessel has the right-of-way over a non-powered vessel.
Large vessels, those towing a barge and those engaged in fishing activities with nets and trawls always have the right-of-way and are considered to be the stand-on craft. Pleasure power boats and sailboats must take early and substantial action to stay well clear of these types of vessels. Remember: Navigating at SeaBoaters are required to follow the International Regulations for preventing collisions at sea and the Canadian modifications upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith and navigable by vessels as described in the Collision Regulations Rules 1 and 2 and the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 Section 562. For more information visit www.tc.gc.ca.
When traveling to the United States by sea or inland waterway, Canadian citizens are required to present a single document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). These requirements came into effect on June 1, 2009. Boaters should check with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for up-to-date requirements. |