Aquatic Events Advice
Notification
As detailed in section 2.14 of the
Harbour Master’s Directions - Melbourne, the Harbour Master must receive advance notification of aquatic events held within port of Melbourne waters.
An Aquatic Event Advice (AEA) form must be lodged
no less than 7 days before the event is due to take place. Applications requesting temporary waterway rule change, exemptions or an exclusion zone for an on-water event, boating activity or works need approval from Safe Transport Victoria.
Application process
- Download the AEA (PDF 1.8 Mb). (This is an interactive PDF. Please download the file, open it in
Adobe Acrobat Reader, type in your information, save it and email directly to Ports Victoria via the link on the form.)
- Fill in the relevant sections on both pages of the AEA. In the section titled ‘Other relevant information’ include the specific area in which the event is to take place, routes, turning marks and any other information related to the event.
- Ensure the on-water contact details section is completed and correct. Failure to submit correct on-water event contact details may result in a delay to your AEA application.
- Attach a map or chartlet with the proposed route or location of the event.
- Attach a risk assessment for the event.
- Email the completed AEA form, map or charlet and risk assessment to navservices@ports.vic.gov.au
- The Navigation Services department will review the AEA and:
- add the appropriate comments in the Ports Victoria comments section
- allocate a number to the permit, and return via email
- distribute the permit to Melbourne VTS, Lonsdale VTS, Pilot Service Providers, exempt masters on coastal ships, government agencies, shipping agencies, port service providers and other port stakeholders.
Risk assessment
Pursuant to section 23 of the
Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic), event organisers must provide evidence that a risk assessment has been undertaken for the event, to:
- eliminate risks to safety so far as is reasonably practicable; and
- if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks to safety, to reduce those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Harbour Master’s authority
The Harbour Master is empowered under the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) to control and direct the navigation and other movements of vessels in port waters.
For more information or help with applications, contact:
Navigation Services
Tel: +61 3 9644 9758
Email:
navservices@ports.vic.gov.au
Events held outside port of Melbourne waters
Permission must be sought from the relevant waterway manager.