Pre-Entry Reports to REEFVTS
Marine Notice 15/2007
This Marine Notice applies to the REEFVTS area which essentially includes Torres Strait and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef north of latitude 21º 54’ S.
AMSA Marine Orders Part 56 specifies reporting obligations to REEFVTS. Included in these obligations is the requirement for vessels to provide pre-entry reports at least two hours before entering the REEFVTS area.
Pre-entry reports are required for vessels entering the REEFVTS area from seaward and also before departing a port within the area.
An important function of REEFVTS is to provide Ship Traffic Information (STI) to vessels transiting the area. STI gives advance warning to all vessels of when and where they may expect to encounter other vessels. This is important information to assist with onboard decision making.
A number of vessels fail to provide their pre-entry report until well after entering the area, or not at all. This has the effect of diminishing the quality of the STI at the entry/exit points to the area as REEFVTS will not have knowledge of the incoming vessel’s intended route.
Masters of vessels which will be passing through the REEFVTS area are reminded that they must provide the pre-entry reports as required by the Marine Orders. Note that the requirement to make a pre-entry report is a penal provision under the Navigation Act and its Regulations; penalties may apply under Australian law for non-compliance.
Reporting requirements for REEFVTS may be found in:
- Admiralty List of Radio Signals Vol 6 (4);
- Australian Annual Notice to Mariners No 22, which may be downloaded from the Australian Hydrographic Office web-site: www.hydro.gov.au; and
- Section 6 of the GBR and Torres Strait VTS User Manual which is available on request from offices of AMSA and Maritime Safety Queensland.
Section 6.1 of the User Manual, which refers to the requirement for Pre-entry Reports, is attached for information.
Graham Peachey
Chief Executive Officer
12 August 2007
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
CANBERRA ACT 2601
File No: 037504
Internet address for all current Marine Notices: www.amsa.gov.au