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 118 2023 | West Bass Straight - Port Fairy
Date: Effective from 09 March
Details: Mariners are advised that the entrance port lateral buoy located approximately 0.4 nm north east of the entrance to the Moyne River with a configuration of FL (1) R 5s is reinstated.
The approximate position of the buoy is: 38°22.989’ S,142°15.294’ E
Mariners be aware 096(T) OF 2023 is now referred and cancelled
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 141, AUS 349, AU439142, AU5FRY01 Admiralty Sailing Directions, Australia Pilot, Volume 2 NP 14
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued Further Information: For further information contact Cameron Brown, Coordinator of the Port of Port Fairy, P: 0408 529 190
NTM 115 2023 | Local Port of Barwon Heads Construction Works - Ocean Grove Boat Ramp - Works Completed
Date: Effective from 9 March 2023
Details: Mariners and boat ramp users are advised that construction works have been completed at the Ocean Grove Boat Ramp at approximate location (WGS84) 38°15.768’S 144°30.478’E. This notice cancels NtM No.329(T) - 2022.
Charts & Publications Affected: AUS143
Further Notice: No further Notice will be issued.
This Notice to Mariners is issued by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management Incorporated,
delegated Local Port Manager. If you require any further information, please contact Barwon Coast on
(03) 5254 1118.
NTM 096(T) 2023 | Bass Straight - Port Fairy
Date: Effective from 27 Feb
Details: Mariners are advised that the entrance port lateral buoy located approximately 0.4 nm north east of the entrance to the Moyne River with a configuration of FL (1) R 5s is off station.
The approximate position of the buoy was: 38°22.989’ S,142°15.294’ E
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution when approaching the Moyne River, Port Fairy.
The buoy will be re-established as soon as practicable.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 141, AUS 349, AU439142, AU5FRY01
Admiralty Sailing Directions, Australia Pilot, Volume 2 NP 14
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued
Further Information: For further information contact Cameron Brown, Coordinator of the Port of Port Fairy, P: 0408 529 190, E: cameron.brown@moyne.vic.gov.au
NTM 053 2023 | Bass Strait – Lorne & Aireys Inlet
Details: Mariners are advised that Notice to Mariners No. 389 (Temporary) of 2021 is referred and cancelled. Mariners are advised that two special buoys have been re-established in positions (refer locations below) to mark Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs).
One buoy is located approximately 3 nautical miles east of Lorne and the other buoy is approximately 3.2 nautical miles southeast of Aireys Inlet.
| # | Location | Position | Light Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3NM E of Lorne | 38° 32.407’ S 144° 02.264’ E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
| 7 | 7 3.2NM SE of Aireys Inlet | 38° 29.382’ S 144° 09.904’ E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
The two buoys will be temporarily withdrawn for the winter months in May 2023 and reestablished again in December 2023.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS 788, ENC AU 439144
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued in relation to the next deployment
Further Information: For further information contact Brent Womersley Victorian Fisheries Authority, Technical Officer. Email: brent.womersley@vfa.vic.gov.au
NTM 410 2022 | Barwon Heads – Ozone Jetty
Details: Mariners and jetty users are advised that Ozone Jetty maintenance works have been completed, approximate location (WGS84) 38°16.752’S 144°29.782’E.
This notice cancels NtM No. 400(T) Charts & AUS143
Further information: If you require any further information, please contact Barwon Coast on (03) 5254 1118.
NTM 490(T) 2022 | Barwon Heads – Barwon River Boating Channel
No 490(T)
Barwon Heads – Barwon River Boating Channel
Date: 23 December 2022
Details: Mariners are advised that two (2) new temporary lit Starboard Buoys have been placed and one (1) temporary lit Port Starboard buoy has been re-positioned in the Barwon River Boating Channel to provide a safer navigable route for all transiting vessels.
Temporary buoy approximate positions are as follows (WGS84):
1.Starboard Buoy No.17 38°16.557'S 144°29.975'E
2.Starboard Buoy No.19 38°16.543'S 144°30.027'E
3.Port Buoy No.12 38°16.547'S 144°29.969'E
Charts & AUS143 Publications Affected: Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued.
Further information: If you require any further information, please contact Barwon Coast on (03) 5254 1118.
NTM 466 (T) 2022 | Bass Strait – Torquay
Australia – Victoria
No. 466 (T) of 2022
Bass Strait - Torquay
Date: 16 December 2022
Details: Mariners are advised that Notice to Mariners No. 386 (Temporary) of 2021 is referred and cancelled.
Mariners are advised that five special buoys have been re-established in position (refer locations below) approximately two nautical miles east-south-east of Torquay to mark an offshore recreational fishing reef approximately is 26-28 metres below the surface.
Each special mark buoy is marking a fish aggregation device (FAD). The buoys are 1.26 metres high and 800mm in diameter and display yellow flashing lights as detailed below:
| # | Location | Light Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38° 19.930’ S 144° 22.553 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
| 2 | 38° 19.941’ S 144° 22.464 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
| 3 | 38° 20.006’ S 144° 22.449 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
| 4 | 38° 20.025’ S 144° 22.382 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
| 5 | 38° 20.077’ S 144° 22.369 E | Fl Y 5s 2-3 NM |
All five buoys will be withdrawn for the winter months in May 2023 and re-established in December 2023.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS143, AUS788, AU439144
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued in relation to the next deployment
Further Information: For further information contact Brent Womersley, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Technical Officer. Email: brent.womersley@vfa.vic.gov.au
CAMERON TOY
Director Maritime Safety
16/12/2022
NTM 461 2022 | Port of Warrnambool – Entrance to Port
Australia – Victoria
No. 461 of 2022
Port of Warrnambool – Entrance to Port
Date: 12 December 2022
Details: Mariners are advised that port access will not be available via the channel during the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, being launched from the Breakwater.
The 125m exclusion zone has been determined by WorkSafe Victoria.
Charts: The exclusion will take effect from 1900hrs 31 December 2022 and conclude at 0100hrs Sunday 1 January 2023.
Affected: AUS 141, AU5WMB01
Further Information: For further information contact Don Allen, Port Engineer 0419 389 638 or dallen@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
NTM 462 2022 | Port of Warrnambool – Breakwater and surrounds
Australia – Victoria
No. 462 of 2022
Port of Warrnambool – Breakwater and surrounds
Date: 12 December 2022
Details: Mariners are advised that the works have been completed and access to port facilities including the boat ramp is now available.
Charts Affected: AUS 141, AU5WMB01
Further Information: For further information contact Don Allen, Port Engineer 0419 389 638 or dallen@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
NTM 417(T) 2022 | Bass Straight East – Inverloch
No 417 of 2022
Bass Straight East - Inverloch
Date: 25 September 2022 - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised of a mooring deployment of a Sofar Spotter wave buoy, collecting wave data for the Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program (VCMP), deployed by Deakin University and funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
The deployment is expected to be of a 12 month duration.
Approximate buoy location: 0.5 NM South of Inverloch Surf Beach Position: 38°39.294'S, 145° 42.247'E Approx. depth: 10 m.
The Special Mark Buoy has the following light characteristic: FL (1) 5s. 2-3 NM Special Mark Buoy measures 42 cm in width and is attached to two (2) orange floats It displays an amber light with characteristic: Fl.Am.2.5s.
Mariners are further advised to keep clear of the area where the buoys are deployed.
AUS Charts and Publications Affected: AUS801, AU439145
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued
Further Information: For further information contact contact Jak McCarroll, Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 0418 873 854, jak.mccarroll@delwp.vic.gov.au
CAMERON TOY
Director Maritime Safety
25/11/2022
NTM 302(T) 2022 | West Bass Straight - Barwon Heads
Australia - Victoria
No. 302 of 2022
VICTORIAN COAST
WEST BASS STRAIT – BARWON HEADS
Date: 5 September 2022 - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Details: Mariners are advised that the Orungal Wreck south cardinal mark buoy (Q6+LFI W 15s) is missing.
The established position of the buoy was: 38° 17.316’ S,144° 30.632’ E (WGS84)
The buoy shall be re-established 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, AU439144
Victorian Charts and publications affected: Nil
Further Notice: A further Notice will be issued.
CAMERON TOY
Director Maritime Safety
05/09/2022
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 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 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