Planning a boating trip? Check the weather before you go!
If you’re preparing to head out on the water this summer, check the Bureau’s round-the-clock forecast service for all Australian coastal waters. Click Here to find out about the 4 Vital checks
Marine Traffic Management System
A typical marine traffic management system is a system used by harbour or port authorities, similar to air traffic management for aircraft. The port of Geelong marine management system uses equipment such as AIS ( automated ship identification), closed-circuit television (CCTV), VHF (very high frequency radio) mobile telephony satellite communications and state of the art tide and wind gauges . Click Here to read about the Marine Traffic Management System
Ships calling into Geelong getting larger
The port of Geelong is the largest regional port in Victoria and can lay claim to being one of the largest multi-cargo bulk facilities in Australia. Crude oil and petroleum products account for the majority of trade in the port in terms of volume, with grain, woodchips and fertiliser also making a significant contribution to trade. Click here to read more
The George Molland
The George Molland is the boat used by the Harbour Master at VRCA to patrol the Geelong Port daily. It checks for boating safety, checking on the ships that enter the port and also an integral part of the Eduction Program. The George Molland has a history dating back to the 1800's, Click here for the details of it amazing history.
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
It is an international requirement for all commercial ships to be fitted with a radio device that transmits their name and other details continuously. VRCA receives these radio transmissions and displays the ship's name, geographical position, course and speed on screens in its head office and the office of Geelong Port Marine Control. The displayed information is used to monitor the progress of traffic in the Geelong channels. It is also recorded for future reference and can be played back if investigation of an incident is required.
VRCA – Safety of navigation is our priority
One of VRCA’s principal functions is to exercise general direction and control of the movement of vessels and the safety of all vessels in port waters is a priority
If an approaching big ship is blowing its whistle it means:
Simulating the future of shipping in the port of Geelong
The scenario is the bridge of a ship; the windows of the bridge show the channel markers and the various wharves and facilities of the port of Geelong. In reality the location is a laboratory in Deakin University’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR). Harbour Master with the VRCA, Captain Dilip Abraham, said the project would help the Port of Geelong plan for the future. Click Here to read about the shipping future
Geelong Port Education Site Launched
The Victorian Regional Channels Authority are proud to launch another new website.
"My Port, My Place, My Geelong" is the new education website that is an integral part of their schools education program. The program has been running since 2005 and is targeted at school children to come and become part of the workings of the Geelong Port for a day. The site contains large amounts of information about how the port operates, who uses it and many historical facts.
Tidal information is very important for deeply loaded ships accessing the port. The depth of water under the ship's keel is dependent on the height of tide. VRCA has installed new, state-of-the-art tide gauges at both ends of the channel to ensure that accurate information is available in real-time for all ships. In addition, the tide gauge installations include anemometers to measure wind direction and force.
Tide and wind information is displayed on screens in the VRCA main office and the Geelong Port Marine Control.
Both AIS and Tide Gauges are an element of the VRCA's policy to minimise the risks associated with shipping in the Geelong channels.
