About the Victorian Regional Channels Authority
The Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) is responsible for managing the shipping channels in the Ports of Geelong and Hastings. The shipping channel at the Port of Portland is subject to a legally binding Channel Operating Agreement that assigns VRCA’s authority and responsibilities to the port owner, Port of Portland Pty Ltd.
Mitigation
| Activity | Critical task alignment / activity source |
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Communicate with port users through the Navigation Safety Committee about maritime risks and mitigation measures |
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Conduct a Navigational Risk Assessment to identify current and emerging risks and hazards |
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Deliver a clear port development strategy to assist waterway users and community stakeholders to plan safe and sustainable use of VRCA waters |
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Develop, establish and monitor safety and surveillance systems (Local Port Services and Vessel Traffic Services) to enhance navigation and marine safety |
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Exercise, evaluate and review the whole of port emergency response plan |
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Host Port City Coordination (Port and Regional stakeholders) meetings to better understand and identify local needs |
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Deliver marine notices and warnings to port users |
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Provide shipping information to commercial and recreational vessels |
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Provide aids to Navigation (Marine Safety Infrastructure) to enhance navigational safety |
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Participating agency for the maritime emergency (non-search and rescue) mitigation activity: legislation and enforcement (e.g. compulsory marine pilotage/exempt masters, Harbour master directions, safety duty (so far as is reasonably practicable) obligations of port manager, port operator, vessel operators, offshore facility operators etc.) |
Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation |
Response (including Relief)
| Activity | Critical task alignment / activity source |
|---|---|
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Identify and enact alternative shipping routes, when established ones are no longer safe to use |
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Identify and gather any actionable shipping information, such as damage sustained, current situation and possible risks, to provide to emergency services for response activities |
Recovery
For recovery activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.
Assurance and Learning
For assurance and learning activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.
The department acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.