Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)

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Navigating coastal waters

There are aids and rules for navigating Australian coastal waters, particularly in sensitive sea areas. Coastal pilots and vessel traffic services aid in preventing incidents and restrictions apply to operating commercial fishing and offshore exploration and production activities.
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Coastal pilots

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

  • About coastal pilotage

    As a coastal pilot, you are a mariner with expertise in handling large ships in dangerous or...
    Read more
    [1]
  • Navigation through the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

    Knowledge of regulations and duties will help you navigate safely on the seas.
    Read more
    [2]
  • About the Queensland coastal passage plan

    The Queensland coastal passage plan (QCPP) seeks to improve pre-pilotage communications between...
    Read more
    [3]
  • Under keel clearance management for coastal pilots

    Tutorials and fact sheets for coastal pilots about the under keel clearance management (UKCM)...
    Read more
    [4]
  • Coastal pilot fatigue management

    You must manage fatigue properly to avoid major shipping incidents.
    Read more
    [5]
  • Coastal pilotage review

    Information about the joint review of the delivery of coastal pilotage services in the Torres...
    Read more
    [6]
  • Coastal pilotage exemptions

    A master or owner of a vessel may apply for an exemption from the requirement to navigate a vessel...
    Read more
    [7]

Pilot advisory notes

Pilot advisory notes (PANs) inform coastal pilots.

  • Pilot advisory notes

    Pilot advisory notes provide guidance specific to coastal pilotage.
    Read more
    [8]
  • Coastal pilot continuing professional development (CPD) framework update—advisory note

    This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) updates AMSA-licensed coastal pilots and pilotage providers on the...
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    [9]
  • Bridge resource management and the reduction of single person errors—advisory note

    This advisory note reminds coastal pilots of the importance of well executed Bridge Resource...
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    [10]
  • Close proximity manoeuvres and overtaking situations in coastal pilotage areas—advisory note

    This advisory note reminds pilots about risks and obligations when manoeuvring in close proximity...
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    [11]
  • Counterfeit pilot ladders and certificates—advisory note

    This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) advises AMSA-licensed coastal pilots and pilotage providers about...
    Read more
    [12]
  • Coastal pilot license issue and renewal—advisory note

    This advisory note is reminds all AMSA-licensed coastal pilots of the procedure to issue or renew...
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    [13]
  • Interactions between piloted vessels and fishing vessels—advisory note

    This advisory note reminds pilots about risks and obligations when interacting with vessels engaged...
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    [14]
  • Please call pilot (PCP) positions and waypoint arrival alarms—advisory note

    This advisory note reminds coastal pilots of the importance of correctly placing ‘Please Call Pilot...
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    [15]
  • Operational Pilot Guidance—advisory note

    This Pilot Advisory Note clarifies who AMSA considers to be the ‘Operational Pilot’ (and therefore...
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    [16]
  • Definition of loaded vessel—advisory note

    This advisory note sets out AMSA’s position on the meaning of “loaded” for the purposes of...
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    [17]
  • “All ships” VHF radio broadcasts—advisory note

    This advisory note reminds coastal pilots of the locations at which “All Ships” broadcasts should...
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    [18]
  • AMSA fatigue risk management plan—advisory notice

    The purpose of this advisory note is to inform coastal pilots and pilotage providers of the...
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    [19]
  • Pilot reporting procedures—advisory notice

    Clause 6 to Schedule 3 of Marine Order 54 (Coastal pilotage) 2014 (MO54) specifies requirements for...
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    [20]
  • Use of mobile phones—advisory notice

    The purpose of this advisory note is to remind all AMSA licensed coastal pilots to be cognisant of...
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    [21]
  • Incident reporting—advisory notice

    To provide guidance to coastal pilots and pilotage providers on incident reporting obligations...
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    [22]
  • Tug and tow operations—coastal pilotage requirements—advisory note

    This advisory note informs coastal pilotage stakeholders about requirements for embarking AMSA-...
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    [23]
  • Vessel-sourced sewage discharge restrictions in the Great Barrier Reef marine park and Torres Strait—advisory note

    This advisory note provides guidance to coastal pilots about vessel-sourced sewage discharge...
    Read more
    [24]
  • Carriage of electronic charting systems by coastal pilots—advisory notice

    The purpose of this advisory note is to inform pilots and pilotage providers of AMSA’s requirements...
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    [25]
  • Automatic shallow water alerts—advisory note

    This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) reminds AMSA-licensed coastal pilots to contact REEFVTS if a planned...
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    [26]
  • Under keel clearance management regulatory framework and system usage update—advisory note

    This notice provides and update for coastal pilots and pilotage providers on using the Under Keel...
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    [27]
  • Under keel clearance requirements—advisory note

    The purpose of this note is to clarify with all licensed coastal pilots the requirements for under...
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    [28]
  • Access to reference materials and resources by coastal pilots—advisory note

    This advisory note reminds coastal pilots about the requirement to have access to appropriate...
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    [29]
  • Depiction of charted information—electronic navigation chart vs paper chart—advisory note

    This Pilot Advisory Note (PAN) informs AMSA-licensed coastal pilots about circumstances where the...
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    [30]
  • AIS Aids to Navigation

    The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a communication system that enables the automatic...
    Read more
    [31]

Vessel traffic services

As the Competent Authority for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) in Australia, our aim is that VTS authorites operate in accordance with international and national standards.

  • Australian legislative framework for VTS

    We are responsible for leading national policy on vessel traffic services (VTS).
    Read more
    [32]
  • VTS areas in Australia

    We authorise and audit vessel traffic service (VTS) authorities in Australia.
    Read more
    [33]
  • Accredited VTS training organisations

    A training organisation must apply to be accredited to provide approved VTS Training.
    Read more
    [34]
  • How to become a VTS authority

    An entity must apply to be authorised to provide a vessel traffic service.
    Read more
    [35]
  • VTS compliance and enforcement policy

    Mariners are responsible for complying with relevant Vessel Traffic Services procedures and...
    Read more
    [36]
  • VTS duty of care and liability

    High level guidance is provided to VTS authorities regarding their legal obligations.
    Read more
    [37]
  • Qualifications and training for VTS operators

    Guidance is provided to VTS Authorities on the qualifications and training of VTS Operators in...
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    [38]
  • Communication with VTS stakeholders

    We engage on VTS matters both at a national and international level.
    Read more
    [39]
  • Australian Vessel Traffic Service award

    Nominations are now open for the 2020-21 award.
    Read more
    [40]

Particularly sensitive sea areas

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.

  • Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Coral Sea

    A particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA) is given special protection because of its vulnerability...
    Read more
    [41]
  • Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait vessel traffic service

    The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait vessel traffic service (REEFVTS) improves the safety and...
    Read more
    [42]
  • Coastal pilotage in environmentally fragile areas

    Mandatory coastal pilotage is a protective measure used in environmentally fragile or areas...
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    [43]
  • IMO documents for particularly sensitive sea areas

    IMO guidelines about Australia's particularly sensitive sea areas—the Great Barrier Reef, Torres...
    Read more
    [44]
  • Marine navigation

    We are responsible for providing navigational systems and services to facilitate the safe and...
    Read more
    [45]
  • Torres Strait maps

    Two way route in Torres Strait and the Torres Strait particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA).
    Read more
    [46]
  • Tide tables

    Tide tables and predictions for the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef are available from the...
    Read more
    [47]

Commercial fishing

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

  • Commercial fishing vessels travelling in the exclusive economic zone

    Domestic commercial fishing vessels may transit between the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around...
    Read more
    [48]

Offshore activities

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.

  • Offshore oil and gas exploration

    Our role in working with the offshore industry.
    Read more
    [49]
  • Offshore petroleum industry advisory note

    Advisory note for the offshore petroleum industry on environmental plans and oil pollution...
    Read more
    [50]

Source URL: https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters

Links
[1] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/about-coastal-pilotage
[2] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/navigation-through-great-barrier-reef-and-torres-strait
[3] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/about-queensland-coastal-passage-plan
[4] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/under-keel-clearance-management-coastal-pilots
[5] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/coastal-pilot-fatigue-management
[6] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/coastal-pilotage-review
[7] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/coastal-pilotage-exemptions
[8] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/pilot-advisory-notes
[9] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/coastal-pilot-continuing-professional-development-cpd
[10] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/bridge-resource-management-and-reduction-single-person
[11] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/close-proximity-manoeuvres-and-overtaking-situations
[12] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/counterfeit-pilot-ladders-and-certificates-advisory
[13] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/coastal-pilot-license-issue-and-renewal-advisory-note
[14] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/interactions-between-piloted-vessels-and-fishing
[15] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/please-call-pilot-pcp-positions-and-waypoint-arrival
[16] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/operational-pilot-guidance-advisory-note
[17] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/definition-loaded-vessel-advisory-note
[18] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/all-ships-vhf-radio-broadcasts-advisory-note
[19] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/amsa-fatigue-risk-management-plan-advisory-notice
[20] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/pilot-reporting-procedures-advisory-notice
[21] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/use-mobile-phones-advisory-notice
[22] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/incident-reporting-advisory-notice
[23] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/tug-and-tow-operations-coastal-pilotage-requirements
[24] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/vessel-sourced-sewage-discharge-restrictions-great
[25] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/carriage-electronic-charting-systems-coastal-pilots
[26] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/automatic-shallow-water-alerts-advisory-note
[27] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/under-keel-clearance-management-regulatory-framework
[28] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/under-keel-clearance-requirements-advisory-note
[29] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/access-reference-materials-and-resources-coastal
[30] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/depiction-charted-information-electronic-navigation
[31] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/ais-aids-navigation
[32] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/australian-legislative-framework-vts
[33] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/vts-areas-australia
[34] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/accredited-vts-training-organisations
[35] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/how-become-vts-authority
[36] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/vts-compliance-and-enforcement-policy
[37] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/vts-duty-care-and-liability
[38] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/qualifications-and-training-vts-operators
[39] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/communication-vts-stakeholders
[40] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/australian-vessel-traffic-service-award
[41] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/great-barrier-reef-torres-strait-and-coral-sea
[42] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/great-barrier-reef-and-torres-strait-vessel-traffic
[43] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/coastal-pilotage-environmentally-fragile-areas
[44] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/imo-documents-particularly-sensitive-sea-areas
[45] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/marine-navigation
[46] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/torres-strait-maps
[47] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/tide-tables
[48] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/commercial-fishing-vessels-travelling-exclusive-economic
[49] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/offshore-oil-and-gas-exploration
[50] https://www.amsa.gov.au/safety-navigation/navigating-coastal-waters/offshore-activities/offshore-petroleum-industry-advisory