Navigating coastal waters

Become a coastal pilot, or find a coastal pilot to navigate safely through sensitive marine areas.

Pilot advisory notes (PANs) inform coastal pilots.

As the competent authority for vessel traffic services (VTS) in Australia, we ensure that VTS providers operate in accordance with Marine Order 64 (Vessel traffic services).

Environmentally fragile areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Torres Strait are considered particularly sensitive sea areas. We have mandatory regulations you must follow when navigating through these areas.

There are limitations on where commercial fishing vessels are allowed to undertake voyages in and around Australian coastal areas.

All offshore exploration and production titleholders must consult with us before conducting activities so we can assess the implications to the safety of marine navigation.