The Queensland coastal passage plan (QCPP) AMSA launched and funded has been revised and includes all the feedback that the Authority received from the coastal pilots and pilotage providers. According to it all Masters and coastal pilots transiting these areas should consider the information in the QCPP when preparing their passage plans. Vessel owners, charterers, and agents might also find the document useful in improving the readiness of ships by ensuring voyage plans, waypoints and other planning considerations have been completed in a standardised manner.
Specifically, the QCPP reassures that vessels arrive at the pilot boarding ground (PBG) in a state that is:
- standardised
- predictable
- well informed.
After being sure of the above, the pilot can embark with confidence at the starting position for the pilotage.
Masters are encouraged to keep a copy of the QCPP on the bridge for quick reference and ensure it is available for the initial Master/Pilot exchange.
The QCPP has been developed primarily in favour of Masters and mates of vessels transiting any of the coastal pilotage areas, including:
- Torres Strait;
- the Great North East Channel;
- the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef;
- Hydrographers Passage;
Concluding, AMSA encourages all Masters transiting any of these coastal pilotage areas to consider the information contained within the QCPP when preparing associated passage plans.