Important The mariner is cautioned that information provided by REEFVTS is to a large extent based upon reports provided by vessels and can be no more accurate than the information received REEFVTS may not be aware of all hazardous situations within the region The mariner can encounter unreported hazards at any time Any conflicting situations or hazardous conditions should be reported to REEFVTS immediately The master of a vessel remains at all times responsible for the manner in which the vessel is operated and manoeuvred, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel under all circumstances Nothing in this manual is intended to relieve any vessel, owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel from the consequences of any failure to comply with any applicable law or regulation or of any neglect of precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of the case Contact for enquiries and proposed changes If you have any questions regarding this document or if you have a suggestion for improvements, please contact: REEFVTS Hay Point Operations Centre Tel: 61 4956 3581 Fax: 61 4956 3367 Email: reefvts@rcs1.amsa.gov.au or Manager, REEFVTS C/- Maritime Safety Queensland GPO Box 2595 Brisbane Qld 4001 Email: neil.trainor@amsa.gov.au Publishing Details First published December 2004 Second Edition March 2005 © Maritime Safety Queensland & Australian Maritime Safety Authority Contents 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 User Definitions Purpose and Intent Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) Introduction REEFVTS Area Competent Authority .4 Administration .4 Mandatory Reporting Requirements 3.5.1 3.5.2 Ships required to report to REEFVTS Warships, Naval Auxiliaries and Government ships 3.6 4.1 Reporting Offences .5 Services Provided Ship Traffic Information 4.1.1 Receiving Ship Traffic Information 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 Navigational Assistance Maritime Safety Information (MSI) .8 Communication with REEFVTS Vessel Operating Requirements Primary Communications 5.2.1 5.2.2 Inmarsat C VHF Communications 5.3 5.4 6.1 6.2 6.3 Alternative Communications 10 AIS 11 Ship Reporting Obligations 12 Pre-Entry Position Report 12 Entry Report 13 Route Plan 14 6.3.1 6.3.2 6.3.3 Standard Route Plan 14 Mandatory Reporting Points 15 Waypoints 15 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 7.1 Mandatory Reporting Points - Interaction with REEFVTS 16 Route Deviation Report 16 Intermediate Position Reports 17 Defect Report 17 Final Report 18 Summary of REEFVTS Reports 19 Standard Route Plans 21 Ships transiting the Inner Route 21 7.1.1 7.1.2 7.1.3 Inner Route - Deep Draught .22 Inner Route - Moderate Draught 23 Inner Route - Shallow Draught 24 7.2 7.3 7.4 Inner Route Chartlets 25 Vessels transiting the Great North East (GNE) Channel 29 Great North East (GNE) Channel Chartlet 30 REEFVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition User Definitions AIS Automatic Identification System AMSA Australian Maritime Safety Authority established by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 APR Automated Position Reporting via Inmarsat C AUSREP means the Australian Ship Reporting System established under Division 14 of Part IV of the Navigation Act Chemical tanker means a ship to which the BCH or IBC Code referred to in Marine Orders, Part 17 (Liquefied Gas Carriers and Chemical Tankers) applies Combination carrier means a ship designed to carry either oil or solid cargoes in bulk IMO International Maritime Organization IMN Inmarsat Mobile Number Length of tow means the distance between the stern of the towing vessel and the after end of the tow Liquefied gas carrier means a ship to which the EGC, GC or IGC Code referred to in Marine Orders, Part 17 (Liquefied Gas Carriers and Chemical Tankers) applies MSI Maritime Safety Information MSQ Maritime Safety Queensland Navigation Act means the Navigation Act 1912 Oil tanker means: (a) a ship constructed or adapted primarily to carry oil in bulk as cargo; or (b) a combination carrier when it is carrying oil in bulk as cargo; or (c) a chemical tanker when it is carrying oil in bulk as cargo; or (d) any other ship fitted with cargo spaces which are constructed and used to carry oil in bulk of an aggregate capacity of 200 cubic metres or more Overall length in relation to a ship, means the distance between: (a) a vertical line passing through a point that is the foremost part of the stem; and (b) a vertical line passing through a point that is the aftermost part of the stern; except that if the overall length of the ship cannot be so ascertained, the overall length is taken to be 110 per cent of the length as shown on the ship’s load-line certificate REEFREP means the mandatory ship reporting system established by IMO Resolution MSC.52(66), as amended by Resolution MSC.161(78), and specified in Marine Orders, Part 56 (REEFVTS) Issue REEFVTS The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) established by Australia as a means of enhancing navigational safety and environmental protection in Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef SEI Ship Encounter Information STI Ship Traffic Information (includes SEI and MSI) VTS Vessel Traffic Service VTSO Vessel Traffic Service Operator ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page Purpose and Intent This manual is intended to provide users of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) with information to assist them in optimising the service provided For vessels subject to the mandatory ship reporting system within the area, the manual serves to aid the shipmaster’s reporting obligations This manual is not intended to replace or alter any legislative requirements imposed by the Navigation Act 1912 in any respect to waters within the REEFVTS Area Any apparent conflict between the manual and relevant legislation should be resolved in favour of the respective legislation Vessel traffic services provide the mariner with information relating to safe navigation in a waterway This information, coupled with the mariner's compliance with regulations, guidelines and instructions, enhances the safe passage of vessels through congested waterways or waterways with particular hazards Under certain circumstances, a Vessel Traffic Service Operator (VTSO) may initiate interaction with an individual ship and provide other information available to REEFVTS that may assist on-board decision-making This may include circumstances where information suggests a ship may be standing into shallow water (e.g in areas of restricted navigation where there is radar coverage) or deviating from a recommended route The master of a vessel remains at all times responsible for the manner in which the vessel is operated and manoeuvred, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel under all circumstances Nothing in this manual is intended to relieve any vessel, owner, operator, charterer, master, or person directing the movement of a vessel from the consequences of any failure to comply with any applicable law or regulation or of any neglect of precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of the case ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) 3.1 Introduction The environmental and cultural significance of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Torres Strait region are nationally and internationally renowned The protection of the outstanding natural qualities of the region was enhanced with the establishment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1975 It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981, and was designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the world’s first Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas in 1990 In 1996, REEFREP was established as an interactive mandatory ship reporting system which, in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V regulation 8-1, that was formally adopted by the IMO under a Resolution of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC52.66) Since that time the Queensland and Australian Governments have established a suite of measures to assist in enhancing navigational safety, thereby minimising the risk of a maritime accident and consequential pollution and major damage to the marine environment from shipping incidents The introduction of a Coastal Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) as a means to enhance navigational safety in Torres Strait and the GBR is one of these measures The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) is comprised of two major components: A mandatory Ship Reporting System (the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Ship Reporting System (REEFREP); Monitoring and surveillance systems including radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Automated Position Reporting via Inmarsat C (APR) and VHF Reporting 3.2 REEFVTS Area The area serviced by REEFVTS is the same area as defined for REEFREP (Figure 1) and includes: ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Figure 1: REEFVTS area Page a) The Torres Strait between longitude 141° 45' E and 144° 00' E, including the Endeavour Strait and the Great North East Channel; b) The waters of the Great Barrier Reef between the Australian coast and the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, starting from the outer edge of the Reef at latitude 10° 44' S, longitude 144° 00' E, and extending southwards to latitude 22° 00' S 3.3 Competent Authority REEFVTS is operated under joint Federal and State arrangements between the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) 3.4 Administration The system is manned and operated on a 24 hour a day basis by Maritime Safety Queensland personnel operating from the REEFVTS Centre, Radio Call Identity “REEFVTS” Radio Callsign “VZQ 641”, situated at Hay Point near Mackay The VTSOs have completed the minimum competency standards of Certificate III VTS operations extending to Certificate IV Advanced Vessel Traffic Operations These courses and standards have been provided and set by an accredited Maritime Training College and comply with the IALA Guidelines 3.5 Mandatory Reporting Requirements Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS, Chapter 5) Governments may establish a VTS when, in their opinion, the volume of traffic or the degree of risk justifies such services The legislative basis for REEFREP is the general power within the Navigation Act to make regulations to implement SOLAS (s191), and the related power to make Marine Orders (s425(1AA)) Marine Order 56 is the resulting source of obligation 3.5.1 Ships required to report to REEFVTS The following categories of ships are required to report to REEFVTS: a) All ships of 50 metres or greater in overall length; b) All oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers, chemical tankers or ships coming within the INF Code, regardless of length; c) Ships engaged in towing or pushing where it, or the ship being towed or pushed is a ship described in a) or b) or where the length of the tow is or exceeds 150 metres Marine Order 56 applies to all ships in the categories set out above, irrespective of whether they are on overseas, interstate or intrastate voyages Other vessels transiting the REEFVTS area are encouraged to report on a voluntary basis 3.5.2 Warships, Naval Auxiliaries and Government ships SOLAS regulation V/8-1 does not apply to any warship, naval auxiliary or government owned or operated ship; however SOLAS does state that “such ships are encouraged to participate in ship reporting systems adopted in accordance with this regulation” This approach is fully supported by the Australian Government, and all ships of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) are expected to participate in REEFVTS on a voluntary basis, along with other ships owned or operated by the Australian Government ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 3.6 Reporting Offences Any Master, or Officer of the Watch at the time, who fails to report in accordance with the reporting requirements, as specified in Marine Orders Part 56, or who wilfully transmits information which is incorrect, false or misleading, will have committed an offence subject to a penalty Regulation of the Navigation (Orders) Regulations provides: '4 A person who contravenes a provision of an order made under subsection 425(1AA) of the Act that is expressed to be a penal provision is guilty of an offence and is punishable, upon conviction: (a) if the offender is a natural person - by a fine not exceeding $2,000; or (b) if the offender is a body corporate - by a fine not exceeding $5,000 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page Services Provided The objectives of REEFVTS are to: ƒ Enhance navigational safety in the Torres Strait and the inner route of the Great Barrier Reef by interacting with shipping to provide improved information on potential traffic conflicts and other navigational information; ƒ Minimise the risk of a maritime accident and consequential ship sourced pollution and damage to the marine environment in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef region; ƒ Provide an ability to respond more quickly in the event of any safety or pollution incident In support of these objectives the following services are provided to shipping: Ship Traffic Information; Navigational Assistance; Maritime Safety Information Much of the information processed by REEFVTS is collected from vessels in the area and hence mariners are cautioned that advisories based on such information are only as accurate as the provided information Further, REEFVTS may not have first hand knowledge of all hazardous situations that exist in the REEFVTS area Ships encountering a hazardous situation, such as a malfunctioning aid to navigation not already included in Maritime Safety Information should immediately advise REEFVTS 4.1 Ship Traffic Information Through the integrated use of AIS, radar, APR via Inmarsat C and route plans provided by vessels, REEFVTS generates and disseminates ship encounter predictions in the form of Ship Traffic Information (STI) Because of the extensive size of the area, REEFVTS does not routinely broadcast STI across the whole area but rather advises individual ships as necessary In addition, REEFVTS will actively contact vessels to advise of any significant changes to STI Ships transiting the region receive STI under the following business rules: ƒ Upon entry to the REEFVTS area a ship will receive STI identifying the predicted ship encounters and Maritime Safety Information (Section 4.3) for the next six hours of their transit As shown in the example below (using the Inmarsat C Messaging option described in Section 4.1.1) the STI identifies the vessel, the time and location of the predicted encounter Expected STI (EST): Meet SILVER ZHANG (P) in your area now Overtake ENDEAVOUR RIVER (P) at 10 1215 Meet FAR EASTERN SILO (P) at 10 1240 Meet GLORIOUS HALO (P) at 10 1325 Light altered Auscoast warning 340 at 10 30s 142 13e Nardana Patches Buoy replaced by Beacon ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page Note: The meaning of phrases commonly used when STI is delivered are: Pass – The word “Pass” is used to indicate that the ship is stopped Overtake – “Overtake” means that the ships are heading in roughly the same direction at the position of the predicted encounter Meet – The word “Meet” is used to describe all other situations (P) – Indicates piloted vessel (NP) – Indicates a non-piloted vessel (DD) – Deep Draught ƒ New/changed traffic information – After receiving the STI upon entry to the area REEFVTS monitors the transit of the vessel to identify any significant changes to the traffic information previously provided such as a new vessel, a change in ETA due to an increase or decrease in speed Where new or changed traffic information is predicted for a vessel, the vessel is provided with updated traffic information for the next six hours, identifying the predicted encounters as either: - New; - Changed or; - Unchanged, that is where information provided previously has not changed Expected STI (EST): Meet JAVA SEA (P) at 25 0755 (Changed) pass OOCL ENVOY (P) at 25 0925 (New) meet CHAMPION (P) at 25 1125 ƒ Hour Update – Where a vessel has transited for a period of hours without any new or changed traffic information predicted, the vessel is provided with updated traffic information for the next six hours as described under Upon Entry above The Hour update will also indicate situations where there are no predicted ship encounters for the next six hours, that is, there is no new STI for the vessel 4.1.1 Receiving Ship Traffic Information Mariners have the option to receive STI by one of two methods: ƒ Inmarsat C Messaging Important Note: Ships who choose to receive STI updates by this method must: ƒ - Provide REEFVTS the ship’s Inmarsat-C terminal IMN to be used for email - Ensure that incoming messages from REEFVTS are read on receipt VHF voice communications Ships are reminded to maintain a listening watch on the appropriate channel frequency for that section of the REEFVTS area Refer to section 5.2.2 for a list of channels and associated reporting points ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page Note: Mariners are reminded that: 4.2 ƒ Updated ship traffic information can be obtained at any time by contacting REEFVTS; ƒ They should advise REEFVTS if they are not receiving STI to arrange for an alternative means for the information to be provided (e.g VHF communications) Navigational Assistance In circumstances where information available to REEFVTS may assist on-board decision making, REEFVTS may initiate interaction with an individual ship This may include circumstances where information available suggests a ship may be standing into shallow water (e.g in areas of restricted navigation where there is radar and/or AIS coverage) or deviating from a recommended route 4.3 Maritime Safety Information (MSI) REEFVTS provides vessels with MSI relevant to their location and intended movement Should mariners notice a hazardous situation that may impact on the navigational safety of other vessels, this should be communicated to REEFVTS In addition, MSI is issued in the appropriate broadcasts from RCC AUSTRALIA in the form of navigational warnings (AUSCOAST Warnings) ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page Line Q Information Required Example Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations Include details as required Description and details of any damage, failure or breakdown suffered: (i) collision, grounding, fire, explosion, structural failure, flooding, cargo shifting; (ii) failure or breakdown of steering gear, propulsion plant, electrical generating system, essential shipborne navigational aids R Pollution / dangerous goods lost overboard Include details as required Brief details of type of pollution (oil, chemicals etc.) or dangerous goods lost overboard Position to be expressed as in item C X Remarks Include details as required Any additional information, which would contribute to the navigational safety of other shipping in the REEFVTS area, should also be reported, where possible This may include details of any Safety Messages (navigational safety, abnormal weather, unserviceable aids to navigation) or DG, HS, MP incident reports using the recognised IMO reporting formats 6.8 Final Report A Final Report must be made in respect of a ship: a) When exiting the REEFVTS area; b) Arriving at a port within the REEFVTS area Upon exiting the REEFVTS area it is necessary to indicate whether the ship intends continuing to report to AUSREP for the remainder of its voyage and, if so, the time of its next report or, if arriving at a port within the area, whether this is its Final Report to AUSREP The following information must be provided in the Final Report: Line Information Required Example A Ship name, call sign and IMO number A/HAPPY SAILOR/ ABCD/1234567 B Date and Time (UTC) B/041320UTC C Current Position C/HIGH PEAK Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point X Remarks Any additional information, which would contribute to the navigational safety of other shipping in the REEFVTS area Indicate whether the ship intendsContinuing with AUSREP (indicate “Yes” or “No”) and, if affirmative, date and time (UTC) of next AUSREP position report Arriving at a port within the REEFVTS area, advise if this report is also an AUSREP Final Report (indicate “Yes” or No”) ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Include relevant details For example: X/YES AUSREP NEXT REPORT 051320UTC or X/YES AUSREP FINAL REPORT or X/NOT AUSREP Page 18 6.9 Summary of REEFVTS Reports These key fields need to be provided for following REEFVTS Reports: PER Pre-Entry Report ER Entry Report RP1 Route Plan – Standard Route Plan RP2 Route Plan – Mandatory Reporting Points RP3 Route Plan – Waypoints DR Deviation Report (if applicable) PR Intermediate Position Reports IR Defect Report (if applicable) FR Final Report Line Information Required PER ER RP1 RP2 RP3 DR PR IR FR A Ship name, call sign and IMO number R R R R R R R R R B Date and Time (UTC) R R R R R R R R R C Current Position R R R R R R R R R F Speed R R R R R R R H Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Entry to REEFVTS area J Pilot K Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from REEFVTS area L Route Information R R R R M Communication Methods O Draught R P Cargo on Board R Q Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations I R Pollution / dangerous goods lost overboard U Ship Size and Type X Remarks R R R R R R I I I I R I I I I I I I I I Where R = Required, I = If appropriate A summary of the reporting requirements is provided in Figure ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 19 Pre-Entry Position Report Report required hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M Entry Report Report required when vessel enters the REEFVTS area or departs from port Where a standard route plan is known this can be advised in line ‘L’ if known at time of entry Lines: A, B, C, F, J**, K, L, O**, P**, Q*, U**, X* * If appropriate ** Items need not be reported if provided in AUSREP Sail Plan Has Route Plan Report been provided with Entry Report? NO YES Route Plan Report Provide a route plan report, either: • Standard route plan • Progressively at Mandatory Reporting Points Lines: A, B, C, F, L Is the ship sending position reports by APR via Inmarsat C? YES NO Intermediate Position Reports Position Reports are required hourly or as otherwise advised by a VTSO Lines: A, B, C, F Has ship deviated from previous Route Plan Report provided? NO YES Deviation Report Has ship suffered from any defects or observed an incident? YES NO Final Report Report required when vessel exits the REEFVTS area or arrives at a port within the area Lines: A, B, C, X Defect Report required Lines: A, B, C, F, Q*, R*, X* * As appropriate or submit special IMO reports; Dangerous Goods, Harmful substances or Marine Pollutants reports Figure Summary of reporting requirements ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 20 Standard Route Plans This section provides a guide to assist ships to communicate standard route plans to REEFVTS The longest possible routes that may be used to transit the Inner Route or the Great North East Channel are shown in the following figures They are designed to be multi-directional with the routes building from the location at which a ship enters and exits the REEFVTS area Therefore, the standard route plan can be used to describe a ship’s entire route plan or a portion of its transit within the area All mandatory reporting points within the REEFVTS area are represented in bold capital letters (eg BOOBY) Where there are two or more alternatives to the recommended routes these are represented in italics (eg Via Fairway Channel) and in some cases they may also be mandatory reporting points (eg Via HEATH) 7.1 Ships transiting the Inner Route Ships transit the REEFVTS area based on predefined routes that are related to the vessels draught Standard Route Plans have been categorised into three draught based routes of Deep (Figure 4), Moderate (Figure 5) and Shallow (Figure 6) The predefined route for a particular draught is represented by a series of shaded legs from Booby to High Peak Where a ship is not varying from a predefined route then the route can be easily communicated as “Inner Route, Deep draught” If it is necessary to deviate from a predefined route, this can be communicated to REEFVTS by stating the name of the alternative leg(s) For example, a deep draught transit via Heath would be communicated as “Inner Route, Deep draught via Heath” The standard route plan should be communicated to REEFVTS by stating: i Inner Route; ii Predefined route by communicating the ship’s draught of Deep, Moderate or Shallow; iii The name of any alternative legs intended to be taken that vary from the standard route (eg shaded boxes) for that draught category When approaching or leaving the ports of Hay Point or Mackay there is a choice of three alternate legs; West of St Bees, East of St Bees or Three Rocks as shown in Figures 4, or These alternate legs have not been shaded, as a ship entering or exiting through High Peak will not use these legs unless the ship is approaching or leaving from Hay Point or Mackay Mariners can contact REEFVTS at any time to advise any changes to route plans ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 21 7.1.1 Inner Route - Deep Draught The predefined standard route for a deep draught ship entering at Booby and departing via High Peak is shown in Figure If it is intended to take the deep draught predefined route, this can be communicated to REEFVTS as “Inner Route, Deep Draught” Similarly, if it is intended to deviate from the predefined route plan (eg to transit via Heath) the route plan can be communicated simply as “Inner Route, Deep Draught, Via Heath” BOOBY Entry/Exit Points Via Gannet Passage Entry/Exit Points Via Varzin Passage Via ALPHA SOUTH Via ALPHA NORTH Via West of Cairncross Via East of Cairncross HANNIBAL INSET Via HEATH Via Fairway Channel PIPON CAPE FLATTERY Via Petherbridge Via Miles Via Howicks(Nth Channel) Via Mid-Decapolis Via Palfrey CAIRNS MOURILYAN TWO ISLES Via GUBBINS WEST LUCINDA TOWNSVILLE ABBOT POINT MACKAY Via North of Nymph Via GUBBINS EAST GRAFTON PASSAGE BARNARD Via BOWLING SOUTH Via BOWLING NORTH Via MOLLE/SHAW Via EDWARD Via West of St Bees HAYPOINT Via East of St Bees Via Three Rocks PALM PASSAGE BLOSSOM HIGH PEAK Figure – Inner Route, Deep Draught ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 22 7.1.2 Inner Route - Moderate Draught The predefined standard route for a moderate draught ship entering at Booby and departing via High Peak is shown in Figure If its intended to take the moderate draught predefined route this can be communicated to REEFVTS as “Inner Route, Moderate Draught” Similarly, if its intended to deviate from the predefined route plan (eg to transit via Howicks and North of Nymph) the route plan can be communicated simply as “Inner Route, Moderate Draught, Via Howicks and Via North of Nymph” BOOBY Entry/Exit Points Entry/Exit Points Via Gannet Passage Via Varzin Passage Via ALPHA SOUTH Via ALPHA NORTH Via West of Cairncross Via East of Cairncross HANNIBAL INSET Via HEATH Via Fairway Channel PIPON Via Miles CAPE FLATTERY Via Petherbridge Via Mid-Decapolis CAIRNS MOURILYAN ABBOT POINT MACKAY HAYPOINT Via Palfrey Via North of Nymph TWO ISLES Via GUBBINS WEST LUCINDA TOWNSVILLE Via Howicks(Nth Channel) Via GUBBINS EAST GRAFTON PASSAGE BARNARD Via BOWLING SOUTH Via BOWLING NORTH Via MOLLE/SHAW Via EDWARD Via West of St Bees Via East of St Bees Via Three Rocks PALM PASSAGE BLOSSOM HIGH PEAK Figure – Inner Route, Moderate draught ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 23 7.1.3 Inner Route - Shallow Draught The predefined standard route for a shallow draught ship entering at Booby and departing via High Peak is shown in Figure If its intended to take the moderate draught predefined route this can be communicated to REEFVTS as “Inner Route, Shallow Draught” Similarly, if its intended to deviate from the predefined route plan (eg to transit via West of Cairncross) the route plan can be communicated simply as “Inner Route, Shallow Draught, Via West of Cairncross” BOOBY Entry/Exit Points Entry/Exit Points Via Gannet Passage Via Varzin Passage Via ALPHA SOUTH Via A Via West of Cairncross Via East of Cairncross HANNIBAL INSET Via HEATH Via Fairway Channel PIPON Via Miles CAPE FLATTERY Via Petherbridge Via Howicks(Nth Channel) Via Mid-Decapolis CAIRNS MOURILYAN Via GUBBINS WEST LUCINDA TOWNSVILLE ABBOT POINT MACKAY Via Palfrey Via North of Nymph TWO ISLES Via GUBBINS EAST GRAFTON PASSAGE BARNARD Via BOWLING SOUTH Via BOWLING NORTH Via MOLLE/SHAW Via EDWARD Via West of St Bees Via East of St Bees HAYPOINT Via Three Rocks PALM PASSAGE BLOSSOM HIGH PEAK Figure – Inner Route, Shallow draught ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 24 7.2 Inner Route Chartlets ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 25 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 26 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 27 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 28 7.3 Vessels transiting the Great North East (GNE) Channel Vessels transiting the Great North East Channel enter or exit the REEFVTS area in three main locations These are Booby, Bramble or Daru It is necessary to state the first and second intended leg for transits through the Great North East Channel For example, a ship enters at Booby and exits at Bramble, the first leg is via Varzin Passage and the second leg is via West of Coconut Island This would be communicated to REEFVTS as “GNE, Via Varzin and West of Coconut Island.” In Varzin and Gannet Passages ships are generally restricted by their draught As a guide, deep draught ships normally transit through the Varzin Passage Moderate and shallow draught ships normally transit through Gannet Passage The standard route plan should be communicated to REEFVTS by stating: i GNE Channel ii The first set of alternative legs intended to be taken, and iii The second set of alternative legs intended to be taken BOOBY Via Gannet Passage Via Varzin Passage TWIN Via West of Coconut Is Via East of Coconut Is BRAMBLE DARU Figure – Standard routes for GNE Channel ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 29 7.4 Great North East (GNE) Channel Chartlet ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 30 Notes ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 31 Summary of Reporting Requirements Pre-Entry Position Report Report required hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M Entry Report Report required when vessel enters the REEFVTS area or departs from port Where a standard route plan is known this can be advised in line ‘L’ if known at time of entry Lines: A, B, C, F, J**, K, L, O**, P**, Q*, U**, X* * If appropriate ** Items need not be reported if provided in AUSREP Sail Plan Has Route Plan Report been provided with Entry Report? NO YES Route Plan Report Provide a route plan report, either: • Standard route plan • Progressively at Mandatory Reporting Points Lines: A, B, C, F, L Is the ship sending position reports by APR via Inmarsat C? YES NO Intermediate Position Reports Position Reports are required hourly or as otherwise advised by a VTSO Lines: A, B, C, F Has ship deviated from previous Route Plan Report provided? NO YES Deviation Report Has ship suffered from any defects or observed an incident? NO Final Report Report required when vessel exits the REEFVTS area or arrives at a port within the area Lines: A, B, C, X YES Defect Report required Lines: A, B, C, F, Q*, R*, X* * As appropriate or submit special IMO reports; Dangerous Goods, Harmful substances or Marine Pollutants reports [...]... Route, Shallow draught ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 24 7.2 Inner Route Chartlets ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 25 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 26 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 27 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 28 7.3 Vessels transiting the Great North East (GNE) Channel Vessels transiting the Great North East Channel enter or exit the REEFVTS area in three main... Channel ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 29 7.4 Great North East (GNE) Channel Chartlet ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 30 Notes ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 31 Summary of Reporting Requirements Pre-Entry Position Report Report required 2 hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M Entry Report Report required when vessel enters the REEFVTS area... sent to REEFVTS using special access code (SAC) 861 via the Perth LES (222) will be reverse charged to REEFVTS; b) VHF Radio - Depending on a ship’s position REEFVTS can be contacted on VHF channels 5, 18 or 19 (Radio call sign - REEFVTS) 24 hours a day The language to be used when communicating with REEFVTS is English, using the IMO’s Standard Marine Communication Phrases where necessary 5 .2.1 Inmarsat... (ETA) at final Mandatory Reporting Point or position of exit from the REEFVTS area K Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS area K/041300UTC/HIGH PEAK Point of exit can be provided as the name of final Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and longitude) of anticipated exit from the REEFVTS area ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 14 Line L Information Required Example Route... Book ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 10 5.4 AIS Vessels are requested to ensure that their AIS information is updated before entering the REEFVTS area When setting a ship’s name in an AIS transceiver, do not insert M/V or M/T prior to the ship’s name Following this advice will enhance the usefulness of AIS information at REEFVTS Figure 2: Mandatory Reporting Points and associated VHF channels ReefVTS... reported to REEFVTS as soon as practicable Mariners must ensure that a listening watch is maintained on the appropriate VHF radio channel as described in Section 5 .2.2 of this User Manual The mariner must also maintain a listening watch on VHF radio channel 16 in the international maritime mobile band throughout the REEFVTS area 5.2 Primary Communications The primary means of communication with REEFVTS: a)... Required, I = If appropriate A summary of the reporting requirements is provided in Figure 3 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 19 Pre-Entry Position Report Report required 2 hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M Entry Report Report required when vessel enters the REEFVTS area or departs from port Where a standard route plan is known this can be advised in line... Mackay Mariners can contact REEFVTS at any time to advise any changes to route plans ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 21 7.1.1 Inner Route - Deep Draught The predefined standard route for a deep draught ship entering at Booby and departing via High Peak is shown in Figure 4 If it is intended to take the deep draught predefined route, this can be communicated to REEFVTS as “Inner Route, Deep Draught”... route plan must be provided to REEFVTS, preferably prior to the deviation However, it is recognised that some deviations may be made with little notice and in such instances these must be reported to REEFVTS within 15 minutes of the deviation taking place The deviation is to be reported and a route plan report provided using one of the reports in section 6.3 ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Page 16... to the navigational safety of other shipping in the REEFVTS area Indicate whether the ship intendsContinuing with AUSREP (indicate “Yes” or “No”) and, if affirmative, date and time (UTC) of next AUSREP position report Arriving at a port within the REEFVTS area, advise if this report is also an AUSREP Final Report (indicate “Yes” or No”) ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition Include relevant details For example: