pdf_reefvts_user_manual

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 Manager, REEFVTS Hay Point Operations Centre C/- Maritime Safety Queensland Tel: 61 7 4956 3581 or GPO Box 2595 Fax: 61 7 4956 3367 Brisbane Qld 4001 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Publishing Details

First published December 2004 Second Edition March 2005 Third Edition May 2007

© Maritime Safety Queensland & Australian Maritime Safety Authority

mailto:[email protected]

Contents

1 User Definitions ................................................................................................................ 1

2 Purpose and Intent........................................................................................................... 2

3 Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) ..................... 3 3.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................3 3.2 REEFVTS Area......................................................................................................................3 3.3 Competent Authority ..........................................................................................................4 3.4 Administration.....................................................................................................................4 3.5 Mandatory Reporting Requirements ...............................................................................4 3.5.1 Ships required to report to REEFVTS .............................................................................................4 3.5.2 Warships, Naval Auxiliaries and Government ships ...................................................................4 3.6 Reporting Offences.............................................................................................................5 4 Services Provided............................................................................................................. 6 4.1 Ship Traffic Information.....................................................................................................6 4.1.1 Receiving Ship Traffic Information ................................................................................................7 4.2 Navigational Assistance.....................................................................................................8 4.3 Maritime Safety Information (MSI) ..................................................................................8 5 Communication with REEFVTS....................................................................................... 9 5.1 Vessel Operating Requirements.......................................................................................9 5.2 Primary Communications..................................................................................................9 5.2.1 Inmarsat C .........................................................................................................................................9 5.2.2 VHF Communications ......................................................................................................................9 5.3 Alternative Communications ..........................................................................................10 5.4 AIS .......................................................................................................................................11 6 Ship Reporting Obligations ...........................................................................................12 6.1 Pre-Entry Position Report ................................................................................................12 6.2 Entry Report .......................................................................................................................13 6.3 Route Plan .........................................................................................................................14 6.3.1 Standard Route Plan ..................................................................................................................... 14 6.3.2 Mandatory Reporting Points ........................................................................................................ 15 6.3.3 Waypoints ....................................................................................................................................... 15 6.4 Mandatory Reporting Points - Interaction with REEFVTS ...........................................16 6.5 Route Deviation Report ...................................................................................................16 6.6 Intermediate Position Reports........................................................................................17 6.7 Defect Report ....................................................................................................................17 6.8 Final Report .......................................................................................................................18 6.9 Summary of REEFVTS Reports .......................................................................................19 7 Standard Route Plans....................................................................................................21 7.1 Ships transiting the Inner Route.....................................................................................21 7.1.1 Inner Route - Deep Draught ......................................................................................................... 22 7.1.2 Inner Route - Moderate Draught ................................................................................................. 23 7.1.3 Inner Route - Shallow Draught..................................................................................................... 24 7.2 Inner Route Chartlets .......................................................................................................25 7.3 Vessels transiting the Great North East (GNE) Channel..............................................29 7.4 Great North East (GNE) Channel Chartlet......................................................................30

REEFVTS User Manual

1 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 2.

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 Page 1

2 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.


3 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:

1. A mandatory Ship Reporting System (the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Ship Reporting System (REEFREP);

2. 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:

Figure 1: REEFVTS area


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.


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 4 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.


4 Services Provided The objectives of REEFVTS are to:

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;

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;

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:

1. Ship Traffic Information;

2. Navigational Assistance;

3. 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:

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


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

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

5 Hour Update – Where a vessel has transited for a period of 5 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 5 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:

Inmarsat C Messaging

Important Note: Ships who choose to receive STI updates by this method must:

- 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.


Note: Mariners are reminded that:

Updated ship traffic information can be obtained at any time by contacting REEFVTS;

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).

4.2 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).


5 Communication with REEFVTS

5.1 Vessel Operating Requirements Mariners shall comply with all measures established or directions issued by REEFVTS subject to the urgent needs or demands of safe navigation. If, in a specific circumstance, a mariner is unable to safely comply with a measure or direction issued by REEFVTS, the mariner may deviate only to the extent necessary to avoid endangering persons, property or the environment. The deviation shall be 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) Inmarsat C - messages sent to REEFVTS using special access code (SAC) 861 via the Burrum LES (212) 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 C

Messages sent to REEFVTS will be reverse charged if ships use special access code (SAC) 861 via Burrum LES (212). When setting up the Inmarsat C address book, select ASCII, or 7-bit or IA5 for data presentation or character code.

Note – Mariners are requested to ensure that Inmarsat C terminals are logged into the Pacific Ocean Region (POR).

Alternatively, messages can be sent to REEFVTS at a cost to the vessel to:

telex +7146483

email: [email protected]

5.2.2 VHF Communications

A VHF radio network is employed along the Queensland coast and on islands in the Torres Strait to allow mariners to communicate with REEFVTS. REEFVTS maintains a listening watch at all times on the working VHF radio channels listed below. The relationship between VHF channels and associated Mandatory Reporting points are dependant on a ship’s position in relation to the area of that reporting point (Figure 2).


Name of reporting point and AUS chart designation

VHF Working Channel

Name of reporting point and AUS chart designation

VHF

Working Channel

Bramble (A) 18 Barnard (Q) 18

Daru (B) 18 Palm Passage (R) 18

Twin (C) 19 Lucinda (R1) 18

Thursday Island (D1) 19 Townsville-Nth (S1) 19

Alpha North (F) 19 Townsville-Sth (S2) 19

Booby (D) 19 Bowling North (S) 19

Alpha South (G) 19 Bowling South (T) 19

Endeavour (E) 19 Blossom (U) 5

Shortland (H) 19 Abbot Point (T1) 5

Hannibal (I) 5 Molle (southbound) (V) 18

Inset (J) 18 Edward (X) 18

Heath (K) 18 Cid Harbour (V1) 18

Pipon (L) 5 Shaw (northbound) (W) 18

Cape Flattery (M1) 19 Creal (Y) 19

Two Isles (M) 19 Mackay (Y1) 19

Gubbins East (N) 19 Hay Point-Nth (Y2) 19

Gubbins West (O) 19 Hay Point-NthEast (Y3) 19

Grafton Passage (P) 5 Hay Point-Sth (Y4) 19

Cairns (P1) 5 High Peak (Z) 18

Mourilyan (Q1) 18

Mariners are reminded of the duty, only if practical, under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention provisions to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF radio channel 16 while at sea and for a radio watch to be maintained for broadcasts of MSI on the appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which they are navigating.

5.3 Alternative Communications If for any reason communication is not possible via Inmarsat C or the appropriate VHF radio channel, the required information must be passed by alternative means to REEFVTS using one of the following:

a) Other INMARSAT phone/fax/telex service;

b) Other (non-Inmarsat) satellite phone/fax/ telex service.

Contact details for REEFVTS are:

Telephone +61 7 4956 3581

Facsimile +61 7 4956 3367

Telex +7146483

Email: [email protected]

Any failure of a ship’s radio equipment that prevents the communication of required reports by either primary or alternative communication means is to be recorded in the ship’s radio log book or the Official Log Book.


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


6 Ship Reporting Obligations The following reports must be provided to REEFVTS:

a) Pre-Entry Position Report;

b) Entry Report;

c) Route Plan Report, if route details have not been previously provided in the Entry Report;

d) Route Deviation Report, where applicable;

e) Intermediate Position Reports;

f) Defect Reports, where applicable;

g) Final Report.

6.1 Pre-Entry Position Report A Pre-Entry position report must be made in respect of a ship at least two hours prior to:

a) Entering the REEFVTS area;

b) Departing from a port within the REEFVTS area.

The following information must be provided in the Pre-Entry position report:

Line Information Required Example

A Ship name, Call sign and IMO number A/HAPPY SAILOR/ ABCD/1234567

B Date and Time (UTC) B/010200UTC

C Current position (latitude and longitude)

or where vessel is departing a port, the port name.

C/1036S/14144E

H Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Entry to REEFVTS area.

Point of entry can be provided as the name of the first Mandatory Reporting Point upon entry to the REEFVTS area, or position (latitude and longitude) if not entering in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.

H/010400UTC/BOOBY

K Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS area.

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.

K/041300UTC/HIGH PEAK

M Communication Methods

Primary Inmarsat C details (including Inmarsat C Mobile Number (IMN), manufacturer and model).

M/450111333/JRC /JUE-75C

Note: Mariners are requested to ensure that the vessels Inmarsat C terminal is logged into the Pacific Ocean Region (POR).


6.2 Entry Report An Entry Report must be made in respect of a ship as soon as it:

a) Enters the REEFVTS area;

b) Departs from a port within the REEFVTS area.

This report covers a ship’s details, and its intentions and passage through the REEFVTS area. Where some information has been previously provided to AUSREP the fields highlighted with an ‘ ** ’ are not required.

Ship’s masters are encouraged to provide a route plan (see section 6.3 for more detail) when providing an Entry Report. However, it is understood that for some ships this may not be possible until a pilot boards.

If the required passage details are supplied using one of the methods described in section 6.3, then it will not be necessary to provide a separate route plan report within an hour of entering the REEFVTS area.

The following information must be provided in the Entry Report:




C Current Position

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.

C/BOOBY

F Speed

Ship’s anticipated average speed until next report in knots & tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at next Mandatory Reporting Point.

F/13

J Pilot **

Pilotage details including whether a coastal pilot is on board (indicate “Yes” or “No”) and if so, the pilot’s last name and licence number.

J/NO

or J/YES/BROWN/9876543

K Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS area

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.


L Route Information

Route Plan (see section 6.3) or, if that is not available name of next two Mandatory Reporting Points or course if not tracking between reporting points.

L/INNER ROUTE DEEP

or L/ALPHA NORTH VIA VARZIN PASSAGE/ HANNIBAL

O Draught**

Draught fore and aft (in metres and decimetres).

O/FORE 11.5/AFT 11.3

P Cargo on Board**

If required, may be passed by non-voice means prior to the first REEFVTS report. Details to include normal name of the cargo and whether cargo is classified as hazardous (indicate “Yes” or “No”).

P/BULK CHEMICALS/DG YES

Q Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations Include details as required.



U Ship Size and Type**

Ship description details including ship type, length (metres) and gross tonnage.

U/TANKER/180/28000

X Remarks

Any additional information, which would contribute to the navigational safety of other shipping in the REEFVTS area, should also be reported, where possible.

Include details as required.

** These items need not to be reported by a ship that has provided these details previously in a sailplan report to AUSREP.

6.3 Route Plan Route plan details are to be provided by one or more of the following ways:

i. Standard Route Plan;

ii. Mandatory Reporting Points;

iii. Waypoints.

If a Route Plan is not included in the Entry Report, then a route plan report must be provided within one hour of a ship’s entry into the REEFVTS area, or departure from a port within the REEFVTS area.

6.3.1 Standard Route Plan

Standard route plans have been developed to enable the communication of intended routes. Standard routes are based on the name of the route taken (e.g. Inner Route or the Great North East Channel), vessel draught, Mandatory Reporting Points and, where there are two or more recommended routes between Mandatory Reporting Points, the names of the alternative legs between these.

Route plan tables and associated chartlets for the Inner Route and the Great North East Channel are detailed in Section 7.

For a ship using a standard route plan, the following information must be provided:




C Current Position

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position (latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.

C/BOOBY

F Speed

Ship’s anticipated average speed (in knots and tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at final Mandatory Reporting Point or position of exit from the REEFVTS area.

F/13






L Route Information

Standard Route: For example, a south bound deep draught ship entering at Booby and departing via High Peak can simply provide the route plan as: “Inner Route, Deep draught”. Similarly, where it is intended to deviate from a predefined standard route plan (e.g. transit via Heath) the route plan can be communicated simply as: “Inner Route, Deep draught via Heath”.

L/INNER ROUTE DEEP

And where there are alternatives: L/INNER ROUTE DEEP VIA HEATH

6.3.2 Mandatory Reporting Points

Route plans can be provided using the mandatory reporting points as a vessel progresses through the REEFVTS area. When a vessel reports at a mandatory reporting point, the next two mandatory reporting points need to be provided to REEFVTS. Where there are two or more recommended routes between mandatory reporting points, the names of the alternative legs between these are to be provided (eg. Mandatory Reporting Point X to Mandatory Reporting Point Y via ZZZ).

The following information must be provided when a ship is providing a route plan using the mandatory reporting points:




C Current Position

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position (latitude and longitude) at that position if not in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point

C/BOOBY

F Speed

Ship’s anticipated average speed (in knots and tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the next two Mandatory Reporting Points.

F/13




L Route Information

Name of next two Mandatory Reporting Points or course if not tracking between reporting points.

Where there are two or more recommended routes between Mandatory Reporting Points, the proposed route (for example, Mandatory Reporting Point Booby (D) to Mandatory Reporting Point Alpha North (F) via Varzin Passage).

L/ALPHA NORTH VIA VARZIN PASSAGE/ HANNIBAL

6.3.3 Waypoints

The use of non-standard routes is accommodated, using a list of intended waypoints in the format of latitude and longitude of the proposed waypoints, mandatory reporting points, or a combination of both.


The following information must be provided:



B Date and Time (UTC) B/010400

C Current Position

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position (latitude and longitude) at that position if not in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.

C/BARNARD

or C/1742S/14618E

F Speed

Ship’s anticipated average speed in knots and tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the position (latitude and longitude) of anticipated exit from the REEFVTS area or at the final Mandatory Reporting Point.

F/13

L Route Information

List of intended waypoints for the transit, using actual latitude and longitude of the proposed waypoints, the mandatory reporting point names, or a combination of both.

Where there are two or more recommended routes between Mandatory Reporting Points, the proposed route (for example, Mandatory Reporting Point Booby (D) to Mandatory Reporting Point Alpha North (F) via Varzin Passage.

Include details as required

6.4 Mandatory Reporting Points - Interaction with REEFVTS The requirement for vessels to report at the Mandatory Reporting Points is dependant on the type of route plan provided by the vessel. In summary:

If a standard route plan (Section 6.3.1) is provided and intermediate position reporting is via APR (Section 6.6), reporting to REEFVTS at the Mandatory Reporting Points is not required.

If a Mandatory Reporting Point Plan (Section 6.3.2) is provided for the entire transit including alternate sections (if applicable), and intermediate position reporting is via APR (Section 6.6), reporting to REEFVTS at the Mandatory Reporting Points is not required.

However, if only partial route information is provided, vessels must report to REEFVTS at the Mandatory Reporting Points to provide subsequent route information.

Note: The minimum route information that must be provided under the Mandatory Reporting Point plan (Section 6.3.2) is the current Mandatory Reporting Point and the subsequent two Mandatory Reporting Points, including any alternate routes.

6.5 Route Deviation Report Any deviation from a previously submitted 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.


6.6 Intermediate Position Reports APR via Inmarsat-C is the primary mechanism for ships to provide Intermediate Position Reports. REEFVTS will generally carry out APR remotely without any intervention by a ship’s crew.

Note: Mariners are requested to ensure the vessel’s Inmarsat C terminal is logged into the Pacific Ocean Region (POR).

Ships fitted with first generation Inmarsat-C terminals that do not support remote programming, will be required to be programmed onboard for Intermediate Position Reports to be sent automatically. Instructions relating to programming of these terminals can be obtained from REEFVTS. When exiting the area ships fitted with first generation Inmarsat-C terminals should ensure that Automated Position Reporting has been stopped.

Ships providing Intermediate Position Reports via APR must still comply with the other REEFVTS reporting requirements of Pre-Entry position reports, Entry report, Route Plan report (if appropriate), Route Deviation report (if appropriate), Defect report (if appropriate), and Final report.

If a ship is unable to provide intermediate position reports via APR, brief position reports must be provided on an hourly basis or as advised by REEFVTS with the following information:




C Current Position

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position (latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.

C/BARNARD

or C/1742S/14618E

6.7 Defect Report Safety related reports must be provided without delay in the event of a ship suffering damage, failure or breakdown affecting the safety of a ship, or if a ship makes a marked deviation from a route, or changes a course or alters speed from that previously advised.

Reports of pollution or cargo lost overboard must also be reported to REEFVTS without delay using lines Q and R, or special reports as defined by IMO for incidents involving Dangerous Goods (DG), Harmful Substances (HS) or Marine Pollutants (MP).

Defect reports require the following information:




C Current Position


C/TWO ISLES

or C/15252S/145241E



F Speed

Ship’s anticipated average speed until next report in knots & tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at next Mandatory Reporting Point.

F/5

Q Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations

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

Brief details of type of pollution (oil, chemicals etc.) or dangerous goods lost overboard. Position to be expressed as in item C.


X Remarks

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:


A Ship name, call sign and IMO number A/HAPPY SAILOR/ ABCD/1234567


C Current Position


C/HIGH PEAK

X Remarks Any additional information, which would contribute to the navigational safety of other shipping in the REEFVTS area. Indicate whether the ship intends-

Continuing with AUSREP (indicate “Yes” or “No”) and, if affirmative, date and time (UTC) of next AUSREP position report.

Include relevant details

For example: X/YES AUSREP NEXT REPORT 051320UTC

or X/YES AUSREP FINAL REPORT



Arriving at a port within the REEFVTS area, advise if this report is also an AUSREP Final Report (indicate “Yes” or No”).

or X/NOT AUSREP

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

R

J Pilot R

K Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from REEFVTS area

R R

L Route Information R R R R R

M Communication Methods R I I

O Draught R

P Cargo on Board R

Q Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations

I I

R Pollution / dangerous goods lost overboard

I

U Ship Size and Type R

X Remarks 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 3.


Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M

Pre-Entry Position Report Report required 2 hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving

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

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.

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

Deviation Report

Lines: A, B, C, F, L

Has ship deviated from previous Route Plan Report provided?

NO YES

Is the ship sending position reports by APR via Inmarsat C?

YESNO

Has ship suffered from any defects or observed an incident?

Lines: A, B, C, F, Q*, R*, X* * As appropriate or submit special IMO reports; Dangerous Goods, Harmful substances or Marine Pollutants reports.

Defect Report required

Lines: A, B, C, F

Intermediate Position Reports Position Reports are required hourly or as otherwise advised by a VTSO.

NO YES

Lines: A, B, C, X

Final Report Report required when vessel exits the REEFVTS area or arrives at a port within the area.

Figure 3. Summary of reporting requirements


7 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 1), Moderate (Figure 2) and Shallow (Figure 3).

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 1, 2 or 3. 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.


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”.

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

Via Varzin Passage Via Gannet Passage

Via ALPHA NORTH Via ALPHA SOUTH

Via East of Cairncross Via West of Cairncross

HANNIBAL

INSET

Via Fairway Channel Via HEATH

PIPON

Via Howicks(Nth Channel) Via Miles

Via Palfrey Via Mid-Decapolis Via North of Nymph Via Petherbridge

TWO ISLES

Via GUBBINS EAST Via GUBBINS WEST

BARNARD

Via BOWLING NORTH Via BOWLING SOUTH

Via EDWARD Via MOLLE/SHAW

Via East of St Bees Via West of St Bees Via Three Rocks

HIGH PEAK

Entry/Exit Points Entry/Exit Points

GRAFTON PASSAGE

PALM PASSAGE

BLOSSOM

CAPE FLATTERY

HAYPOINT

MACKAY

ABBOT POINT

TOWNSVILLE

LUCINDA

MOURILYAN

CAIRNS

Figure 4 – Inner Route, Deep Draught


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 5.

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


Via ALPHA NORTH Via ALPHA SOUTH


HANNIBAL

INSET


PIPON



TWO ISLES


BARNARD




HIGH PEAK


GRAFTON PASSAGE

PALM PASSAGE

BLOSSOM

CAPE FLATTERY

HAYPOINT

MACKAY

ABBOT POINT

TOWNSVILLE

LUCINDA

MOURILYAN

CAIRNS

Figure 5 – Inner Route, Moderate draught


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 6.

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


Via A

Via ALPHA SOUTH


HANNIBAL

INSET


PIPON



TWO ISLES


BARNARD




HIGH PEAK


GRAFTON PASSAGE

PALM PASSAGE

BLOSSOM

CAPE FLATTERY

HAYPOINT

MACKAY

ABBOT POINT

TOWNSVILLE

LUCINDA

MOURILYAN

CAIRNS

Figure 6 – Inner Route, Shallow draught


7.2 Inner Route Chartlets





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


TWIN

Via East of Coconut Is. Via West of Coconut Is.

DARU BRAMBLE

Figure 7 – Standard routes for GNE Channel


7.4 Great North East (GNE) Channel Chartlet


Summary of Reporting Requirements

Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M

Pre-Entry Position Report Report required 2 hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving

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

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.

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

Deviation Report

Lines: A, B, C, F, L

Has ship deviated from previous Route Plan Report provided?

NO YES

Is the ship sending position reports by APR via Inmarsat C?

YESNO

Has ship suffered from any defects or observed an incident?

Lines: A, B, C, F, Q*, R*, X* * As appropriate or submit special IMO reports; Dangerous Goods, Harmful substances or Marine Pollutants reports.

Defect Report required

Lines: A, B, C, F

Intermediate Position Reports Position Reports are required hourly or as otherwise advised by a VTSO.

NO YES

Lines: A, B, C, X

Final Report Report required when vessel exits the REEFVTS area or arrives at a port within the area.

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