On the first weekend in October Ports Victoria kicked off its Keep Clear Program on the water.
The program delivers proactive marine safety activities across Port Phillip and Western Port. It is designed to improve the safety of recreational vessel operators by increasing awareness of the risks associated with navigating near commercial shipping channels, port infrastructure, and large vessels.
The Ports Victoria team engage directly with boaters, monitor activity in high-risk locations and reinforce safe operating practices within designated shipping areas – both out in the water and on-shore.
Head of Critical Infrastructure and Emergency Management, Col Strawbridge said the program run each summer season raises compliance with navigational rules and encourages recreational users to remain clear of shipping channels and restricted operational areas.
“Many recreational boaters underestimate the speed, stopping distance and manoeuvring limitations of large commercial vessels.
“With Keep Clear we are focused on reducing the likelihood of collisions, near misses and other unsafe interactions between recreational craft and commercial shipping.
“Our visible on-water presence, targeted education and direct engagement with vessel operators promotes compliance and awareness of navigational rules and why it’s important to remain clear of our shipping channels.”
Ports Victoria’s Patrol crews work closely with Vessel Traffic Services, Harbour Masters teams, pilots, towage operators and other port stakeholders to identify periods of heightened risk.
“We focus patrol activities where they are most needed. In addition to providing advice and education, patrol officers observe vessel movements, identify emerging safety trends and collect information that supports future marine safety initiatives.”
Over the first weekend, patrol crews observed recreational boating activity across both northern and southern patrol areas in Port Phillip and Corio Bay.
If you’re out on the water this summer, be safe and keep and eye out for Ports Victoria’s crews who will be a visible safety presence on the water this summer.
The Keep Clear program forms an important component of Ports Victoria’s broader commitment to maritime safety and risk reduction. By combining education, engagement and operational monitoring, the program helps foster safer behaviour on the water while supporting the efficient movement of commercial shipping through Victoria’s ports.
Through continued patrols throughout the boating season, the program aims to build greater awareness among recreational vessel operators and further reduce the potential for serious marine incidents.
