There are currently two cruise vessels laid up in the port of Melbourne. The two vessels are the GOLDEN PRINCESS and the VIKING ORION. Both vessels have disembarked their passengers and are in lay-up awaiting orders from their Owners.
The terms laid up or in lay-up are commonly used term in the maritime industry and is means that the vessel is temporarily idle due to lack of cargo/passengers and is not undertaking commercial operations. Vessels in lay-up or laid up are normally manned, that is the crew is on-board and performing normal operations and maintenance tasks. This is the case with these two vessels.
Both vessels have sufficient crew on-board to:
• maintain safe watch keeping either alongside or at anchor,
• respond to any emergency situations,
• comply with the VPCM Harbour Master’s Directions, and
• comply with the international maritime codes of practice (ISM and ISPS).
When the vessels move from anchor to alongside Station Pier and vice-versa there is a Marine Pilot embarked. Depending on the berth that is being used the vessels may also use tugs to assist their manoeuvring in accordance with the Harbour Master’s Directions and any applicable Operating Instructions.
The GOLDEN PRINCESS is alongside Station pier and is berthed on the Outer West Berth. The VIKING ORION is at anchor in the Inner Anchorage. VIKING ORION is expected to come alongside Station Pier during the week to discharge waste and load fresh water and provisions. This is scheduled for Wednesday 01 April 2020. On the same day GOLDEN PRINCESS is expected to take on stores and provisions.
Whilst the vessels are alongside Station Pier a Landside Restricted Zone (LRZ) is in place. Whilst an LRZ is in place Station Pier is closed to public access.
VPCM does not have any indication from the Owners or their Agents when the vessels will depart the port of Melbourne. During this time in the port of Melbourne both vessels are taking on fuel, stores and provisions as needed.
The operations of vessels in the port of Melbourne are monitored by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE). DAWE are responsible for biosecurity and together with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are ensuring that the vessels comply with the applicable Commonwealth and Victorian Government legislation and regulations.
VPCM is complying with the normal Australian and Victorian Government legislation and regulation. In addition, the following directions are in place:
Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Amendment Determination (No 1) 2020 dated 27 March 2020 issued by the authority of the Minister for Health.
Cruise Ship Docking Direction from the Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Diseases) in accordance with the emergency powers arising from declared state of emergency. Cruise Ship Docking. Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic) Section 200.