Active Notices to Mariners · 23 May 2026 · Updated 1:31pm · 24 active notices · All NtMs — Ports Victoria
Survey works will take place on the Yarra River Services protection structure (between Beacons 33/34 and 35/36) from 15 May 2026 until further notice. The survey works will involve diving operations conducted from 0700hrs to 1700hrs around shipping movements. 30 minutes prior to the passing of a commercial vessel (SOLAS), including the bunker vessel: diving operations cease; work vessel to vacate area. Survey works supported by vessel MV ProDiver (VHF Channel 12). Restrictions for all vessels passing the Yarra River during diving operations: minimum passing distance 50m; passing speed less than 5 knots. Charts: ENC AU5MEL01.
Appleton Dock berths D and E will not be available for commercial vessels (SOLAS) between chainage 495m to 745m until further notice. For vessels berthing chainage 0–495m, the easternmost bollard during works is at chainage 510m. For vessels berthing from chainage 745m onwards, the westernmost bollard during works is at chainage 734m. No-go zones and mooring line snap-back zones established on the berths. Cancels NtM 206(T)-2026. Charts: ENC AU5MEL01. Date: 27 April 2026.
Inspection works, involving diving operations, are being undertaken on the submarine gas pipeline in the Port Melbourne Channel, between beacons E1/E2 and 1A/2A, from 20 March 2026 until further notice. Works conducted 0700–1730hrs around shipping, subject to weather. 30 minutes prior to the passing of a SOLAS vessel (including bunker vessel): diving operations cease; work vessels vacate area. Restrictions for domestic and recreational vessels during diving operations: minimum passing distance 50m; passing speed less than 5 knots. Works supervisor: 0488 198 299. Dive support vessel (Pro Diver or Jazz), VHF Channel 12. Charts: AUS 143.
MV Geelong Flyer and MV Bellarine Express may operate at speeds up to 15 knots within the Williamstown Channel between Beacons 23/24 (Yarra River Entrance) and Beacon 17 (Breakwater) for inbound and outbound passages. The ferries operate between Geelong, Portarlington, and Victoria Harbour with scheduled services seven days a week.
The disused BP Bunker Berth has been demolished. The disused Shell Bunker Berth remains in place with a temporary light installed at the south end of the berth: F.R (Fixed Red). Charts: ENC AU5MEL01. No further notice will be issued.
The following berths have active remediation, pile driving or rehabilitation works involving diving operations. Common restrictions apply at all sites:
| Location | NtM |
|---|---|
| Swanson Dock Berth 1 West | 239(T)-2026TEMP |
| South Wharf 26 and 27 | 114(T)-2026TEMP |
| Ann Street Pier | 614(T)-2025TEMP |
| South Wharf 32 | 556(T)-2025TEMP |
| Yarraville 5 berth remediation works | 542(T)-2025TEMP |
| Yarraville 6 berth remediation works | 470(T)-2025TEMP |
| Swanson Dock West Berth 3 remediation works | 445(T)-2025TEMP |
| Station Pier | — |
| Short Road Wharf | — |
| Webb Dock 2 East berth | — |
| Appleton Dock | — |
Click NtM number for full details including applicable hours, works vessels and specific conditions.
Mariners are advised that sand wave shoaling extends into the navigational channel in the following locations: South Channel, southern toe line, Entrance Beacon to Beacon No.1; South Channel, northern toe line, Beacon No.4 and Beacon No.6. Masters and Pilot Service Providers are advised the width of the DUKC system nodes in South Channel for the affected shoal areas have been reduced by a maximum of 50m. Commercial vessels (SOLAS) transiting South Channel with a draught of 11.6m or greater operating under the DUKC system shall not transit within the excluded area. Commercial vessels (SOLAS) transiting South Channel with a draught less than 11.6m are to navigate with additional caution when passing a DUKC vessel and provide sufficient sea room, considering the reduced width of DUKC nodes. Masters and Pilots are advised to navigate with additional caution in South Channel. Charts: ENC AU5RIP01. Date: 20 May 2026.
Search and rescue training, involving aerial stores delivery, will be conducted on 24 May 2026 between 1430–1730 hrs at approximate position 38° 06’ S 144° 52’ E. Aircraft Rescue 330 conducting the training. Vessel Bacardi on location supporting, contactable on VHF Channel 16, 12 and 6. A training beacon active on 121.4 MHz or 406 MHz may be operating in the area. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity. Charts: AUS 143.
Two wrecks (recreational vessels approximately 4 metres in length) exist in the following positions: Wreck 1 — 37° 55.988’ S, 144° 50.779’ E, least depth 12.67m. Wreck 2 — 37° 55.592’ S, 144° 50.886’ E, least depth 10.30m. Charts: AUS 143. No further notice will be issued. Date: 4 May 2026.
Scientific equipment has been deployed on the sea floor at the following positions until further notice: Location 1 (Adjacent to Transit Only Zone) — 38° 0.000’ S, 144° 54.608’ E, minimum depth above equipment 17.75m. Location 2 (Golf Anchorages) — 38° 2.667’ S, 144° 47.357’ E, minimum depth above equipment 20.05m. Equipment is mounted in a frame 1.0m (L) x 1.0m (W) x 0.75m (H). Charts: AUS 143, AUS 157, ENC AU5MEL01. Date: 22 April 2026.
Survey and sampling works are taking place in the vicinity of the Port of Geelong approach channels and Melbourne Outer Anchorage until further notice. Works conducted around shipping movements. Survey vessels contactable on VHF Channel 12. Restrictions for domestic commercial and recreational vessels: minimum passing distance 100m. Charts: AUS 143, AUS 155, AUS 157, ENC AU5MEL01. Date: 22 July 2025.
Harbour Master’s Directions – Melbourne Edition 13.2 is now in effect, superseding Edition 13.1 (September 2023). All changes previously promulgated by Notice to Mariners for Edition 13.1 have been incorporated. Edition 13.2 is available for viewing and downloading from the Ports Victoria website. The master copy is on the website only — all printed or downloaded copies are uncontrolled and should not be used. Date: 20 May 2026.
Port Information Guide – Melbourne Edition 6 is now in effect, replacing Edition 5. Available to view or download from the Ports Victoria website at ports.vic.gov.au. Date: 19 December 2025.
Operational Instruction No. 03-24 — Navigational Controls for Cruise Shipping at Station Pier is now in effect. Applies to cruise vessels at Station Pier Outer East, Outer West, and Inner West berths. Key requirements: berthing speed LOA >290m max 0.05m/s, LOA 200–290m max 0.08m/s, LOA <200m max 0.10m/s; vessel brought alongside parallel, angle not to exceed 5°; departures suspended when steady wind 30kts or greater; mooring plan required and distributed prior to arrival; personnel and vehicles to remain 5m clear of pier edge during manoeuvring. Towage requirements (eastern quadrant winds Outer East, western quadrant Outer West): <10kts no tug; 10–24kts 1 tug arrival; 25–29kts 2 tugs; ≥30kts suspended. Bunkering suspended at 30kts.