Notices to mariners
Notices to Mariners (NTMs) provide advice on general navigation and safety issues.
- View all Victorian NTMs on the Victorian Regional Channels Authority website
- View all Australian NTMs on the Australian Hydrographic Service website
Current notices issued by the Director, Maritime Safety are available below. View Safety Alerts
NTM 246(T)/2020 | East Bass Strait - Port Albert
Australia – Victoria
No. 246 (T) of 2020
EAST BASS STRAIT
Port Albert - Shoal Inlet Entrance
Date: 8 September 2020 - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised of the existence of a navigational hazard at the entrance to Shoal Inlet.
A previously destroyed navigational structure (pile) has been located at the approximate location:
38 o.40.497’ S,146 o 50.128’ E (WGS84)
An Isolated Danger light has been established on the structure.
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 181.
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued.
NTM 223(P)/2020 | West Bass Strait - Barwon Heads
Australia – Victoria
No. 223 (P) of 2020
WEST BASS STRAIT
Barwon Heads
Date: 12 August 2020 - Effective Immediately
Details: Mariners are advised that the previously issued Notice to Mariners 179(T) 2017 is referred and cancelled.
Mariners are advised that the Orungal Wreck, South Cardinal buoy has been reestablished and relocated to 38 o17.316’ S,144 o 30.632’ E (WGS84)
The Orungal Wreck light characteristics remain unchanged: (Q6+LFI W 15s).
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity of the Orungal Wreck.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 143.
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued.
NTM 203(P)/2020 | East Bass Strait - Port Albert
Australia – Victoria
No. 203 (P) of 2020
EAST BASS STRAIT
Port Albert - Shoal Inlet Entrance
Date: 8 July 2020 - Effective Immediately
Details: Mariners are advised that the previously issued Notice to Mariners 007(T) 2018 is referred and cancelled.
Mariners are advised that the Aid to Navigation has been reestablished and relocated to 38 o.40.5583’ S,146 o 50.1483’ E (WGS84)
The light characteristic, FI W 2s 6M remains unchanged.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 181.
Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals: NP 83 (Vol K, K2540)
Admiralty Sailing Directions: Australian Pilot Volume 2.NP14
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued.
NTM 149/2020 | East Bass Strait - Snowy River
Australia – Victoria
No. 149 of 2020
EAST BASS STRAIT - Snowy River, Near Entrance
Date: 18 May 2020
Details: Mariners are advised that the Aid to Navigation previously located at 37°.48.12’S, 148°31.98’ E has been relocated to -37°47.8133’ S, 148° 33.0567’ E.
The light characteristic, FI W 6s remains unchanged.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 357.
Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals: (Vol K, K2554)
Sailing Directions: NP14
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued.
NTM 151(P)/2020 | Bass Strait - Golden Beach
Australia – Victoria
No. 151 (P) of 2020
BASS STRAIT – GOLDEN BEACH
Date: 12 May 2020
Mariners are advised that CSIRO have deployed three moored structures for research purposes approximately 2.5 NM south-east off shore of Golden Beach, East Gippsland in Bass Strait.
One structure is an orange surface float approximately 1.2 metres wide and 1 metre high, marked by a white flashing light (Fl W (1.0) 4s). This structure will be accompanied by two subsurface landers positioned 350 metres on either side.
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area, given the nature of the mooring and to ensure the safe operation of vessels, it is recommended not to anchor or trawl and to keep clear of the surface structure within a 500 metre radius.
It is expected the moorings will be removed by November 2020.
Surface Float | 38° 15.366’S | 147° 25.345’E |
|---|---|---|
Lander | 38° 15.366’S | 147° 25.107’E |
Lander | 38° 15.366’S | 147° 25.580’E |
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 357
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued when the moorings have been removed.
Further Information: For further information contact David Hughes, Moored Sensor Systems Team Leader, Oceans & Atmosphere, CSIRO Hobart, (03) 6232 5439.
NTM 079(T)/2020 | Portland Bay - Offshore Fitzroy River
Australia – Victoria
No. 079 (T) of 2020
PORTLAND BAY – OFFSHORE FITZROY RIVER
Date: EFFECTIVE 26 February 2020
Details: Mariners are advised of three acoustic receivers being deployed approximately 600-650 metres offshore from the Fitzroy River estuary, east of Portland.
The three acoustic receivers are being deployed to help track eel migrations and will be deployed in the following locations at a depth of 8-10 m.
Receiver | Coordinates (WGS 84) |
|---|---|
1 | 38° 16' 3.252'' S, 141° 50' 48.912'' E |
2 | 38° 16' 6.024'' S, 141° 51' 10.295'' E |
3 | 38° 16' 8.436'' S, 141° 51' 33.3'' E |
Each acoustic receiver is moored to a 50kg piece of steel railway track, and has a float attached that extends approximately 3 m from the sea floor. The top of the floats are 5+ m below the water surface.
Mariners should be aware when fishing or trawling in the area.
The expected duration of the deployments is until November 2020.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 140, 349
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued
Further Information: Contact David Dawson, Technical Officer, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) on 03 9450 8675 or david.dawson@delwp.vic.gov.au
NTM 283(T)/2019 | Bass Strait – Lorne & Aireys Inlet
Australia – Victoria
No. 283 (T) of 2019
BASS STRAIT – LORNE & AIREYS INLET
Date: Effective 25 November 2019
Details: Mariners are advised of two special buoys established in the positions below to mark Fish Aggregation Devices (FAD). One FAD will be anchored approximately 3.75 nautical miles east of Lorne and the other FAD will be anchored approximately 4 nautical miles south east of Aireys Inlet. Each special buoy is 1.26 metres high and 800 mm in diameter and displays flashing yellow lights as detailed below.
FAD | Location | Light Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
6 | 38° 32.264’ S 144° 01.940’ E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
7 | 38° 29.143’ S 144° 09.728’ E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
The two buoys will be temporarily withdrawn for the winter months in May 2020 and re-established in position in December 2020.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 788.
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued in relation to the removal and redeployment.
Further Information: Contact Brent Womersley, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Technical Officer. Email: brent.womersley@vfa.vic.gov.au
NTM 282(T)/2019 | Bass Strait - Torquay
Australia – Victoria
No. 282 (T) of 2019
BASS STRAIT – TORQUAY
Date: Effective 20 November 2019
Details: Mariners are advised of five special buoys re-established in the positions below to mark an offshore recreational fishing reef, approximately two nautical miles east-south-east of Torquay.
Each special mark buoy is 1.26 metres high and 800mm in diameter and displays yellow flashing lights as detailed below.
FAD | Location | Light Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
1 | 38° 19.934’ S 144° 22.530 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
2 | 38° 19.940’ S 144° 22.446 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
3 | 38° 19.993’ S 144° 22.437 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
4 | 38° 20.021’ S 144° 22.372 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
5 | 38° 20.075’ S 144° 22.354 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
All five buoys will be temporarily withdrawn for the winter months in May 2020 and re-established in position in December 2020.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 143 and AUS 788.
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil.
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued in relation to the removal and redeployment.
Further Information: Contact Brent Womersley, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Technical Officer. Email: brent.womersley@vfa.vic.gov.au
NTM 275(T)/2019 | Bass Strait - Apollo Bay
Australia – Victoria
No. 275 (T) of 2019
BASS STRAIT– APOLLO BAY
Date: 7 November 2019. Effective IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised of a new wave buoy mooring deployed by Deakin University off the coast of Apollo Bay located in position 38° 45.2504’S, 143° 43.3915’E.
The buoy will measure wave height, direction and spread. It will consist of a solar powered yellow buoy, 42 cm wide and 31 cm high. The buoy will display a flashing yellow light Fl.Y.(2.5s) operating 24 hrs. The buoy will be at a depth of 30 metres. Attached to this buoy will be two 200 mm orange surface floats.
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area and keep clear when fishing and trawling.
The expected duration of the deployment is until December 2021.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 141
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued when the buoy is removed.
Further Information: For further information contact Paul Tinkler, Senior Marine Technical Officer, Deakin University on 0435 079 173 or paul.tinkler@deakin.edu.au
NTM 230(P)/2019 | Bass Strait – Gabo Island and Tullaberga Island
Australia – Victoria
No. 230 (P) of 2019
Bass Strait – Gabo Island and Tullaberga Island
Date: 24 September 2019. Effective IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised of two aquaculture sites established in the positions (below), off the SW corner of Gabo Island and the NW corner of Tullaberga Island.
The aquaculture site off Gabo Island is located between the following points adjacent to the western end of the Gabo Island airfield, extending approximately 100 metres from shore for a distance of 600 metres, and over an area of 6 hectares:
Point | GDA94 | Mark |
|---|---|---|
1. On shore site point – northern end | 37° 33.935’ S 149° 54.325’ E | Painted mark on rock on shore |
2. On water site point – northern end | 37° 33.953’ S 149° 54.253’ E | Concrete boundary block on seabed (approximate depth 60 m) |
3. On water site mid-point | 37° 34.103’ S 149° 54.354’ E | No mark |
4. On water site point – southern end | 37° 34.159’ S 149° 54.556’ E | Concrete boundary block on seabed (approximate depth 60 m) |
5. On shore site point – southern end | 37° 34.114’ S 149° 54.598’ E | Painted mark on rock on shore |
The aquaculture site off Tullaberga Island is located between the following points, extending approximately 120 metres from shore for a distance of 355 metres, and over an area of 3 hectares:
Point | GDA94 | Mark |
|---|---|---|
1. On shore site point – northern end | 37° 33.298’ S 149° 50.685’ E | Painted mark on rock on shore |
2. On shore site point – southern end | 37° 33.415’ S 149° 50.596’ E | Painted mark on rock on shore |
3. On water site point – southern end | 37° 33.458’ S 149° 50.503’ E | Concrete boundary block on seabed (approximate depth 30 m) |
4. On water site point – northern end | 37° 33.264’ S 149° 50.604’ E | Concrete boundary block on seabed (approximate depth 30 m) |
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity of the two sites and to avoid navigating within these areas when drilling or infrastructure works are being undertaken.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 805
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued.
Further Information: Paul Menke, Managing Director, Mallacoota Abalone Pearls Australia, info@mapapearls.com
NTM 224(T)/2019 | Portland – Dutton Way and Cape Nelson
Australia – Victoria
No. 224 (T) of 2019
Portland – Dutton Way and Cape Nelson
Date: 12 September 2019. Effective IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised of two new wave buoy moorings deployed by Deakin University at Cape Nelson and Dutton Way, Portland Bay.
The mooring at Cape Nelson is located at 38° 25.4002’S, 141° 30.6854’E and is at a depth of 30 metres.
The mooring at Dutton Way is located at 38°19.1991’S, 141° 39.4273’E and is at a depth of 18 metres.
The two buoys will measure wave height, direction and spread. They will consist of a solar powered yellow buoy, 42 cm wide and 31 cm high. Attached to these buoys will be two 250 mm orange surface floats. These two buoys will display a flashing yellow light Fl.Y.(2.5s) operating 24 hrs.
Mariners are to be aware when fishing and trawling in the area.
The expected duration of the deployments is until December 2021.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 349, 140
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued.
Further Information: For further information contact Paul Tinkler, Senior Marine Technical Officer, Deakin University on 0435079173 or paul.tinkler@deakin.edu.au
NTM 165(T)/2019 | Portland - Cape Bridgewater
Australia – Victoria
No. 165 (T) of 2019
PORTLAND – CAPE BRIDGEWATER
Date: 8 July 2019. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised of mooring deployments made last week approximately 5NM WSW of Cape Bridgewater, which is west of Portland. The two sets of deployments by Deakin University are part of the National Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) for Victoria (VICIMOS).
- IMOS Bonney Upwelling Mooring (VBM100) - a substantial sub-surface oceanographic mooring that measures: ocean currents, conductivity, temperature, depth, ocean acidification, is located at 38° 24.516’ S, 141° 16.260’ E. This mooring is at a depth of 100 m and rises from the sea floor to a depth of 25 m.
- Ten (10) IMOS Acoustic Curtain receivers are moored to a 50kg piece of steel railway track. The receivers have a float attached that extends approximately 3 m from the sea floor.
Mariners be aware when fishing or trawling in the area.
The expected duration of deployments is until December 2023.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 140, 348
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued
Further Information: Contact Paul Tinkler, Senior Marine Technical Officer, Deakin University, telephone 03 5563 3527 or email paul.tinkler@deakin.edu.au
NTM 127(T)/2019 | Bass Strait - Port Fairy
Australia – Victoria
No. 127 (T) of 2019
BASS STRAIT – PORT FAIRY
Date: 4 June 2019. Effective IMMEDIATELY
Details: Notice to Mariners No. 281 (Temporary) of 2018 is referred and cancelled.
Mariners are advised the Wave Rider buoy established in position: 38°22.914’S, 142°17.2332’E (WGS84) will remain in place until 31 December 2020.
The yellow buoy measures 42 cm in width and is attached to two (2) orange floats, then anchored at a depth of 28 metres. It will display an amber light with characteristic: Fl.Am.2.5s.
The Wave Rider buoy is measuring swell heights as part of a project undertaken by Deakin University.
Mariners are further advised to keep clear of the area.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 141, 349
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued.
Further Information: For further information contact School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus, telephone (03) 5563 3527.
NTM 124(T)/2019 | Bass Strait West – Childers Cove
Australia – Victoria
No. 124 (T) of 2019
Bass Strait West – Childers Cove
Date: 30 May 2019. Effective Immediately
Details: 104 (T) -2019 is referred and cancelled
Mariners are advised of the grounding of the vessel Patricia Mary at Childers Cove Allensford within the Bay of Islands Coastal Park in the approximate position 38.26.316' S, 142. 35.422' E.
Maritime Safety Victoria has established an enlarged exclusion zone with a radius of 1000 metres from the location of the Patricia Mary under section 211(1)(b) of the Marine Safety Act 2010. All vessels and persons are prohibited from entering or remaining in the waters within the exclusion zone. The exclusion zone will remain in place until the vessel is salvaged.
A person must comply with a notice under section 211(1) (b). Penalties apply.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 787
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued.
NTM 238(P)/2018 | Victorian State Waters
Australia – Victoria
No. 238 (P) of 2018
Victorian State Waters
Date: EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Details: Legislation passed by the Victorian Parliament in November 2017 (effective as of 30 June 2018) introduced safety duties for a range of persons specifically:
- Local port managers who must, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure the safety of marine safety infrastructure operations carried out by the local port manager or supplied to that manager. Section 224 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
- Persons who are responsible for managing boating activity events (event managers) under Section 25 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).
The safety duty for local port managers and event managers requires them to:
(a) eliminate risks to safety so far as is reasonably practicable; and
(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risks to safety, to reduce those risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Maritime Safety Victoria is developing a Code of Practice to assist local port managers and event managers to understand and comply with the new safety duty.
If you have any questions, please email waterways@transportsafety.vic.gov.au.
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued.
NTM 179(T)/2017 | Bass Strait – Barwon Heads
Australia – Victoria
No. 179 (T) of 2017
BASS STRAIT – BARWON HEADS
Date: Effective IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised that the Orungal wreck south cardinal mark buoy (Q6+LFI W 15s) is off station
The established position of the buoy was:
Lat. 38° 17.276’ South
Lon. 144° 30.572’ East
(Datum WGS84)
The buoy shall be re-positioned as soon as practicable.
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity of the Orungal wreck.
AUS Charts and publications affected: AUS 143
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further notice: A further Notice will be issued.
NTM 264(P)/2015 | Port Phillip Heads
AUSTRALIA, VICTORIA
No. 264 (P) 2015
PORT PHILLIP HEADS
DATE: 24 December 2015. Effective immediately.
Mariners are advised that the definition of Port Phillip Heads has been amended.
Port Phillip Heads means all the waters between an imaginary line drawn between Shortland Bluff and Point Nepean, and the seaward limits of an imaginary line constituting the arc of a circle with a radius of 3 nautical miles centred on Point Lonsdale; (Regulation 4(a) of the Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic)).
Recreational and hire and drive vessel operators and passengers are advised that:
Port Phillip Heads is a designated hazardous area as detailed in Regulation 4(a) of the Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic).
Regulation 101.4 Marine Safety Regulations 2012 (Vic) requires that all persons in the open area of a recreational vessel or hire and drive vessel must wear a PFD when "the vessel is crossing or attempting to cross an ocean bar or operating within a designated hazardous area".
LIFEJACKET WEAR IS MANDATORY IN THE RED HATCHED AREA SHOWN ON THE MAP BELOW
AUS Charts and publications affected:
- AUS 144
Further Notice:
- No further notice will be issued