AMSA has issued a reminder of the coastal pilotage requirements that apply within the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait.
In accordance with the Navigation Act 2012, vessels over 70 metres in length, loaded oil tankers, loaded chemical carriers, and loaded liquefied gas carriers (irrespective of length) are required to embark a licensed coastal pilot when transiting any of the prescribed compulsory coastal pilotage areas.
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Significant penalties may apply for navigating in any of the coastal pilotage areas without an AMSA-licensed coastal pilot onboard.
Naval vessels are excluded from the compulsory coastal pilotage requirements under the Navigation Act.
The master of a vessel is not relieved of responsibility for the conduct and safe navigation of the vessel whilst the vessel is under pilotage.
The following areas are prescribed compulsory coastal pilotage areas:
- Hydrographers Passage
- Inner Route
- Torres Strait
- Great North East Channel
- Whitsundays
Masters or vessel owners may apply to AMSA for an exemption from the pilotage requirements of the Navigation Act. An exemption application must also be made to the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to navigate without a licensed pilot in the Hydrographers Passage, Inner Route and Whitsundays pilotage areas.
