Aquatic Event notification – now online
Ports Victoria has implemented a new online notification system for persons intending to conduct aquatic events in port waters. The online notification process consolidates all aquatic event notifications across all three ports (Melbourne, Geelong and Hastings) into a single platform, streamlining notifications into one efficient process.
Users access all notifications through one online portal, with supporting documents easily uploaded and available on both desktop and mobile.
For further information on the new online notification system, including how to submit online, please refer to the stakeholder fact sheet below.
Aquatic Event Advice Fact Sheet
Aquatic Event notification
Ports Victoria requires advance notification of aquatic events planned to take place within, or entering, the port waters¹ of the port of Melbourne, port of Geelong and port of Hastings.
Processing of an Aquatic Event notification may take up to 5 business days. To prevent delays to events, organisers are encouraged to submit with consideration of required time frames.
For events outside of port waters¹, please contact Parks Victoria.
How to submit
- To submit an Aquatic Event notification, use the online form
- Complete form details and attach risk assessment and supporting documentation
- Your notification will enter a workflow, you will be notified by email when your notification has been processed
Need more information
Contact the Navigation Services department at Ports Victoria for further assistance or information.
Email: NavigationServices@ports.vic.gov.au
¹ Information of declared port waters can be found at Port of Melbourne – Ports Victoria
Guidance for risk assessment
Step 1 – Define the risk Interaction between commercial vessels, including domestic commercial vessels and recreational vessels
Step 2 – Implement risk mitigations
Risk mitigations for consideration:
- A dedicated event officer to provide support and vessel traffic information to event participants and;
- Event participants are briefed on the requirements of Harbour Master’s Directions and the requirement to keep clear of shipping and;
- Event participants are made aware before the start of the event of any commercial vessel traffic expected within the vicinity of the event during the expected event time and/or,
- Reporting points for event participants at designated waypoints throughout the event to a dedicated event officer, who will provide the event participant an up-to-date commercial vessel traffic report.
- For consideration when event participants are required to cross a shipping channel or fairway when transiting to or from the event area:
- Event participants are advised of commercial vessel traffic when transiting to and from event when required to cross a shipping channel or fairway and/or;
- Muster vessel is used to hold event participants clear of the channel or fairway when commercial vessel traffic is present.
- For consideration when event course crosses shipping channel, fairway or anchorage:
- When required, delaying the start time of the event should commercial vessel traffic be present in the shipping channel, fairway or anchorage and/or;
- Muster vessel is used to hold event participants clear of the channel, fairway or anchorage when commercial vessel traffic is present.
- For consideration when event occurs during the hours of darkness:
- Vessel navigation lights are confirmed operational prior to start of the event and;
- Consider participating event vessels be fitted with automatic identification system (AIS).