AMSA Marine Notice 20/2013 re Under Keel Clearance Management System
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued Marine Notice 20/2013 to advisethat from 1 January 2014 all coastal pilotstransiting ships through the Prince of WalesChannel, the Gannet Passage or the VarzinPassage, will use the Under Keel ClearanceManagement (UKCM) system, implemented byAMSA, when complying with Marine Order 54(Coastal Pilotage) 2011.
Background
On 16 December 2011 a UKCM system becameoperational for use in the Prince of WalesChannel, the Gannet Passage and the VarzinPassage. The UKCM system contributes toprotecting the marine environment and enhancingthe safety and efficiency of transiting vessels.The purpose of the system is to ensure that thebest possible under keel clearance information,updated in real time, is available to assist in theplanning and safe conduct of vessel transits.The UKCM system is a web-based aid tonavigation for use by ship masters, pilotageproviders and licensed coastal pilots in the region.When a successful transit has been calculatedpilots can save and print the plan for use andwider promulgation. This plan will be used in theevent of loss of connectivity to the web-basedsystem during a transit.
Area of Operation
The UKCM system is designed to cover navigableship routes between the longitudes of 141degrees and 50 minutes east and 142 degreesand 27 minutes east. These routes are as definedin Marine Order 54, provision 94. Routes arelimited to those areas designated by theAustralian Hydrographic Service as having acategory A Zone of Confidence.
UKCM Training
AMSA has introduced a UKCM systemCompetency Based Training and assessmentprocess. There are two on-line training programsavailable – one specifically designed for pilots,pilot providers and REEFVTS Operators; and onedesigned for use by planners, masters, pilotlaunch operators and other users. The training forpilots includes a one-on-one competencyassessment with an AMSA assessor.
Masters are urged to provide accurate stability and draught data to pilots in a timely manner to ensure appropriate route planning
For more information, please read AMSA Marine Notice 20/2013.