New Reporting Scheme In Port Of Melbourne Area

5.8.3 Rowing shells and dragon boats

Rowing shells and dragon boats engaged in formal training are permitted to operate from the Bolte Bridge to the River Entrance, and in the Maribyrnong River.

Rowing shells and dragon boats when operating more than 50 m downstream of Bolte Bridge or in the Maribyrnong downstream of Shepherd Bridge must comply with the following:

 All rowing shells and dragon boats must be accompanied by a motorised support

vessel.

 The motorised support vessel must be equipped with a VHF marine radio fitted with

Channel 12.

 Before entering the River, communication must be established with Melbourne VTS

on VHF Channel 12.

 When in port waters maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12.

 Be mindful of the wash created by other vessels, particularly tugs.

 Maintain safe distances from vessels manoeuvring in swing basins, or arriving at or departing from a berth.

The motorised support vessel is responsible for the conduct and safe navigation of all the craft it is accompanying.

When operating during hours of darkness, the motorised support vessel and the rowing craft should be equipped with lights of sufficient intensity, range and elevation to be seen by other vessels.

As a minimum the rowing craft shall exhibit between sunset and sunrise:

 a light in accordance with Rule 25 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea; or

 a fixed 180 degree white light located on the bow of the vessel and a flashing 180 degree white light located on the stern of the vessel.

Rowing shells and dragon boats should not operate in the River during periods of restricted visibility.

Reporting requirement

In addition to establishing VHF contact with Melbourne VTS, a series of 2 SMS text messages must be sent to a dedicated VTS reporting number: +61 428 64 0602.

The first text message, to be sent just before entering the port area at the Bolte/Shepherd Bridge, should contain the following information:

 Name of the rowing club

 Number of rowing shells

 Total number of persons in the group (i.e. those manning the escort/support vessel(s) plus all the rowers involved).

The second text message is to be sent at the completion of the session as the rowing group passes back under the Bolte/Shepherd Bridge and clears the port area. This message

should contain the following information:

 Name of rowing club

 The word ‘out’.

Carriage of safety equipment and wearing of PFDs

Pursuant to Exemption Notice 1 of MSV’s Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules, all operators and occupants of a rowing boat or canoe (excluding dragon boats) or kayak engaged in

formal training or competition on the River between the Bolte Bridge and River Entrance are exempt from both the carriage of safety equipment requirements and PFD wearing

requirements, as specified in Regulation 96 of the Marine Safety Regulations (2012,) providing:

 communications have been established with Melbourne VTS before entering the

area defined above, and

 each occupant wears a PFD Type 1, 2 or 3 at all times or

 is accompanied by an inshore rescue boat or powered rescue craft in

accordance with the specifications of Surf Life Saving Australia or

 is accompanied by an appropriate powered rescue craft carrying the following

equipment:

 lifesaving appliances sufficient to support all persons that may be required to be

rescued or

 PFD Type 1, 2 or 3 sufficient to support all persons that may be required to be

rescued

For full details click below.

http://www.vicports.vic.gov.au/publications/Documents/hm-directions-10th-edition.pdf