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Steer Clear in the Rip

VRFish, in conjunction with Victorian Ports Corporation Melbourne (VPCM), promote safety when fishing in the rip through the Steer Clear in the Rip campaign. Steer Clear in the Rip encourages fishers and boaters to remain vigilant in Port Phillip Bay by steering clear of large ships in the rip area of Port Phillip Bay.

Steer Clear in the Rip

Port Phillip Bay is a hot spot for fishing, boating, yachting and other water-based activities. It is also a pathway for commercial ships travelling to and from the ports of Melbourne and Geelong which is why it is important for all water users to ‘Steer Clear in the Rip’.

The Bay is filled with commercial ships often including container ships, car carriers and cruise ships at all hours of the day and night. For recreational users, it is important to ensure that you keep clear of the ship’s path and can be seen at all times. Small boats, jet skis, paddle boards are all very difficult to see from the ship’s bridge and their typical line of site is shown in the image below.

If an approaching big ship is blowing it’s whistle, it is signalling for you to move out of its way. Big ships do not have the capacity to quickly manoeuvre or stop suddenly like small boats and the ship’s speed may be faster than it appears. For your safety as well as other water users, steer clear of big ships.

Map showing The Rip area of Port Phillip Bay with kingfish marks, mandatory lifejacket zone, marine parks and no transit zone

SKIPPERS OF BOATS IN THE RIP

  • Anchoring, drifting and trolling in the Rip is extremely dangerous
  • The Rip in Port Phillip Bay is a high traffic area for ships
  • Don’t leave it too late. Steer clear of ships at all times
  • If you cannot see the ship’s bridge they cannot see you
  • Ships cannot alter course in the Rip
  • Penalties may apply
  • The skipper is responsible for the safety of their boat and all on board

TRANSIT ONLY ZONE

Vessels must not anchor or drift within the Transit Only Zone (TOZ). Vessels are to keep landslide of the TOZ beacons which have a yellow cross at the top of them.

  • covers the Port Melbourne Channel south of the Breakwater Pier, the waters approximately 500 metres west and 200 metres east of that channel.
  • includes the Eastern By-Pass Channel and the Western By-Pass Channel (beside the Port Melbourne Channel).
  • extends approximately three nautical miles to the south of Fawkner Beacon.

Download the Transit Only Zone Map.

Visit the Victorian Ports Melbourne Transit Only Zone page for further information.

LIFEJACKETS MUST BE WORN

Lifejacket wearing is mandatory at certain times on vessels up to 12 m in length in the defined Port Phillip Heads because:

  • Port Phillip Heads has been designated a hazardous area by Maritime Safety Victoria
  • extra safety measures are imposed in designated hazardous areas.

FOR SAFETY TRACK YOUR JOURNEY

The SafeTrx app, designed by the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard:

  • monitors your boat journey
  • alerts emergency contacts and the search and rescue (SAR) authority if you do not return on time
  • complements existing technologies that save lives at sea.

Learn more at coastguard.com.au/safetrx.

Steer Clear Safety Video by Victorian Ports Melbourne.

Steer Clear Safety Video

For more information:

Victorian Ports Melbourne
Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne)
Tel: 8347 8300

For more information on the Transit Only Zone Contact:
Navigation Services
Telephone: +61 3 9644 9758
Email: [email protected]

Download the Steer Clear of Ships In the Rip Safety Brochure

The ‘Steer Clear in the Rip’ campaign was funded through the Department of Transport Victoria.

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