From today, Ports Victoria now managing permissions for marine pilots to guide ships safely into, out of, and through our ports and waterways.
Marine pilots provide local knowledge and navigational expertise to help vessels move safely through Victorian commercial port waters.
Pilotage helps manage navigational risks, protect port infrastructure and support the safe movement of maritime traffic.
Ports Victoria has taken over as the regulator for marine pilot licences, pilot exemption certificates and local knowledge certificates, which were previously managed by Safe Transport Victoria.
Ports Victoria is now the primary contact for applications, renewals and enquiries relating to these licences and certificates.
Safe Transport Victoria retains regulatory responsibility for its remaining maritime functions.
Chief Operating Officer Nick Ellul said that Ports Victoria is pleased to be expanding the services we deliver for marine pilots.
“Given the close relationship our operations team already has with these navigational experts, it is a natural extension of what we do and enables us to deliver an end-to-end service to these providers.”
“We look forward to working with Victoria’s pilots who play an essential role in keeping Victoria’s shipping trade moving safely by providing specialist knowledge of our commercial ports in Melbourne, Geelong, Hastings and Portland.”
All applications should now be submitted through the Ports Victoria website https://ports.vic.gov.au/pilotage/
