Under Keel Clearance Management
Management of under-keel clearance for ships transiting Torres Strait
The current maximum draught and under keel clearance (UKC) limitations in the Torres Strait are based on long experience of safe transits. The draught limitation of 12.2 metres reflects the previous imperial measure of 40 feet, which was arrived at after a study of hydrographic data and tidal information in the 1970s by the then Federal Department for Transport. Vessels with a draught of 12.2 metres are able to pass through Torres Strait on any day of the year whilst maintaining the required UKC, but will be restricted to periods around times of high water.
The study carried out by Thompson Clarke Shipping Pty Ltd was commissioned to investigate whether a more comprehensive and scientifically based method could be implemented to provide better knowledge of the current margin of safety. It is recognised that having such knowledge to a high level of confidence may also give potential economic benefits to the shipping community through increased draught limits being permissible in future.
The report deals comprehensively with the issues surrounding accurate management of UKC in the Torres Strait and obstacles to be overcome before any reduction in margins could be considered.
Report
UKC Final TCS Report [
PDF: 2192Kb]
Appendix A - AHO Controlling Depth Accuracies [ PDF: 13Kb]
Appendix B - NTC Tidal Residual Graphs [ PDF: 1156Kb]
Appendix C - Data on available draft [ PDF: 21Kb]
Appendix D - List of Risks [ PDF: 54Kb]
Appendix E - Legal Issues Summary [ PDF: 77Kb]
Development of a UKC governance framework for the Torres Strait
Since AMSA’s initial consideration of the TCS report on the use of UKC management systems in the Torres Strait, work has been progressing on the development of a suitable governance framework for the operation of UKC management systems. In developing a UKC governance framework AMSA has been mindful of input received from several interested stakeholders, including that of pilotage providers, the shipping industry and the office of the Hydrographer of Australia. AMSA has also consulted with other government departments on the legal aspects of the operation of UKC systems.
AMSA has prepared a Public Brief which describes the UKC management framework that is being developed and outlines the implementation process.
Public Brief on Torres Strait UKC governance arrangements
Public Brief (October 07) [ PDF: 195Kb]
last updated: 16 October 2007