Tag: Torres Strait

The achievements of the Torres Strait Marine Safety Program was among the topics presented at this week's Maritime 2014 conference

AMSA has issued Marine Notice No 11/2014 regarding new IMO-adopted two-way route in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

IMO adopts a new two-way route in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

Effective from January 1st, 2014 The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) will require the use of an Under Keel ClearanceManagement (UKCM) system for vessels transiting through the Torres Strait from 1 January 2014.The Torres Strait is a vital shipping route for the Asia-Pacific region and is traversed by a number oflarge vessels each week.The UKCM system allows vessel operators and coastal pilots to plan the safeand efficient passage of deep draught vessels through the Torres Strait with accurate vessel informationand environmental data from tide, stream, wind and wave sensors.The web based system is designed to monitor the depth of water under a ship's keel as it traverses theTorres Strait.AMSA Chief Executive Officer Graham Peachey said the aim of the system is to enhance shippingsafety in the Torres Strait by ensuring the minimum under keel clearance requirements are met."The UKCM system is a standardised system that provides an enhanced level of safety for vesselstransiting this unique area," Mr Peachey said."The Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system first become operational in Australian watersin December 2011 and since then, AMSA has been monitoring its use and operation."The system has been used successfully by a number of coastal pilots over the past two years ...

AMSA video for shipping management in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

AMSA issues Marine Notice 17/2011 AMSA issues Marine Notice 17/2011 regarding Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system declared operational in Torres Strait as follows:On 16 December 2011 AMSA declared an Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM) system for Torres Strait as 'operational'. The UKCM system contributes to protecting the marine environment and enhancing the safety and efficiency of deep draught vessels transiting Torres Strait.The Torres Strait lies between Papua New Guinea and the northern tip of the Australian continent and is a vital shipping route for the Asia-Pacific region.Numerous large vessels transit Torres Strait and face many challenges to safe navigation due to the numerous reefs, shallow waters, complex tides andstrong tidal streams.For more information, click here.Source: AMSA

Effective on July 1 The mandatory ship reporting system in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait is being extended to the southern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from 1 July 2011Ships will report through the Vessel Traffic Services system, REEFVTS.Within the extended area, REEFVTS will provide the same measures to enhance navigational safety and protect the marine environment as are currently provided between Torres Strait and High Peak (south of Mackay).For further information, click here.Source: AMSA