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​Maritime security

The port of Melbourne is a security regulated port as set out in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act (MTOFSA) 2003 (Cth).

The port currently operates under Maritime Security Level 1 which is the lowest designated security alert level.

Working in collaboration with Victorian and Australian Government agencies, Ports Victoria participates in, and contributes to, a wide variety of collaborative forums and exercises to strengthen and share expertise and knowledge to monitor and safeguard Ports Victoria infrastructure and operations.

Stakeholders that operate within the port, as well as operators of Australian or foreign registered ships who are unsure of their obligations under MTOFSA, should seek advice from:

Department of Home Affairs Aviation and Maritime Security Guidance Centre
Tel: 1300 791 581 (Option 1)
From outside Australia - Tel: +61 2 5127 8991
Email: guidancecentre@homeaffairs.gov.au

Maritime security threat levels

Current Maritiem Security Level 1

  • Level 1 - The default level at which ships, ports and offshore facilities normally operate.
  • Level 2 - Applies while there is a heightened risk of a security incident.
  • Level 3 - Applies when there is a probable or imminent risk of a security incident, even though it may be not possible to identify the specific target.

Masters of ships within the port of Melbourne will be notified of any change to the Maritime Security Alert Level (MARSEC) via a broadcast message to shipping. Information will also be posted on this website.

Breaches of security, criminal activity or suspicious behaviour

Ship's Masters, all operators and other stakeholders in the port must report these immediately to the following:

  1. Victoria Police emergency
    Tel: 000
  2. Melbourne – VTS
    Tel: +61 3 9644 9700 (24 hours)
     VHF: Channel 12 (156.600 MHz) or Channel 16 (156.800 MHz), call sign: 'Melbourne - VTS'

Ships in port

Report security concerns, suspicions and incidents to either:

  • Melbourne - VTS
    VHF: Channel 12 (156.600 MHz) or Channel 16 (156.800 MHz), call sign: 'Melbourne - VTS'
  • Port Security Officer
    Tel: +61 3 9612 3646 (24 hours)

Facilities managed by Ports Victoria

Ports Victoria is responsible for all security related issues for facilities which it manages.

For a visiting ship to Station Pier, Ports Victoria’s Port Facility Security Officer (or their delegate), is responsible for implementing the agreed security measures and resolving any issues with the Ship Security Officer or Master.

Facilities/Terminals managed by other operators

The operator's Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is responsible for security.

For a visiting ship, the terminal operator's PFSO or his/her delegate, is responsible for implementing the agreed security measures and resolving any issues with the Ship Security Officer or Master.

Restricted zones

There are land-side, waterside and ship restricted zones within the port in accordance with MTOFSA and associated regulations.

The locations may change depending on the security level. Unauthorised access to restricted zones is an offence under MTOFSA and severe penalties apply.

For details of restricted zones within Ports Victoria’s control, contact:

Duty Port Officer
Tel: +61 3 9644 9744

Maritime security