2. REEF VTS User Manual 2005

Important
The mariner is cautioned that information provided by REEFVTS is to a large extent based upon
reports provided by vessels and can be no more accurate than the information received.
REEFVTS may not be aware of all hazardous situations within the region. The mariner can encounter
unreported hazards at any time. Any conflicting situations or hazardous conditions should be
reported to REEFVTS immediately.
The master of a vessel remains at all times responsible for the manner in which the vessel is
operated and manoeuvred, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel under all
circumstances.
Nothing in this manual is intended to relieve any vessel, owner, operator, charterer, master, or
person directing the movement of a vessel from the consequences of any failure to comply with any
applicable law or regulation or of any neglect of precaution which may be required by the ordinary
practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of the case.

Contact for enquiries and proposed changes
If you have any questions regarding this document or if you have a suggestion for improvements,
please contact:
REEFVTS
Hay Point Operations Centre
Tel: 61 7 4956 3581
Fax: 61 7 4956 3367
Email:

or

Manager, REEFVTS
C/- Maritime Safety Queensland
GPO Box 2595
Brisbane Qld 4001
Email:

Publishing Details
First published December 2004
Second Edition March 2005
© Maritime Safety Queensland & Australian Maritime Safety Authority


Contents
1
2
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5

User Definitions...................................................................................................... 1
Purpose and Intent................................................................................................. 2
Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS) .................... 3
Introduction...................................................................................................................3
REEFVTS Area................................................................................................................3
Competent Authority .....................................................................................................4
Administration...............................................................................................................4
Mandatory Reporting Requirements............................................................................4

3.5.1
3.5.2

Ships required to report to REEFVTS........................................................................................... 4
Warships, Naval Auxiliaries and Government ships .................................................................. 4

3.6
4
4.1

Reporting Offences .......................................................................................................5
Services Provided ................................................................................................... 6
Ship Traffic Information ................................................................................................6

4.1.1

Receiving Ship Traffic Information .............................................................................................. 7

4.2
4.3
5
5.1
5.2

Navigational Assistance................................................................................................8
Maritime Safety Information (MSI) ...............................................................................8
Communication with REEFVTS................................................................................ 9
Vessel Operating Requirements...................................................................................9
Primary Communications..............................................................................................9

5.2.1
5.2.2

Inmarsat C...................................................................................................................................... 9
VHF Communications.................................................................................................................... 9

5.3
5.4
6
6.1
6.2
6.3

Alternative Communications ..................................................................................... 10
AIS............................................................................................................................... 11
Ship Reporting Obligations ................................................................................... 12
Pre-Entry Position Report........................................................................................... 12
Entry Report ............................................................................................................... 13
Route Plan.................................................................................................................. 14

6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3

Standard Route Plan...................................................................................................................14
Mandatory Reporting Points ......................................................................................................15
Waypoints.....................................................................................................................................15

6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
7

7.1

Mandatory Reporting Points - Interaction with REEFVTS ......................................... 16
Route Deviation Report.............................................................................................. 16
Intermediate Position Reports................................................................................... 17
Defect Report ............................................................................................................. 17
Final Report................................................................................................................ 18
Summary of REEFVTS Reports .................................................................................. 19
Standard Route Plans........................................................................................... 21
Ships transiting the Inner Route................................................................................ 21

7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3

Inner Route - Deep Draught .......................................................................................................22
Inner Route - Moderate Draught................................................................................................23
Inner Route - Shallow Draught...................................................................................................24

7.2
7.3
7.4

Inner Route Chartlets................................................................................................. 25
Vessels transiting the Great North East (GNE) Channel........................................... 29
Great North East (GNE) Channel Chartlet ................................................................. 30

REEFVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition

1

User Definitions

AIS

Automatic Identification System

AMSA

Australian Maritime Safety Authority established by the Australian Maritime
Safety Authority Act 1990

APR

Automated Position Reporting via Inmarsat C

AUSREP

means the Australian Ship Reporting System established under Division 14
of Part IV of the Navigation Act

Chemical tanker

means a ship to which the BCH or IBC Code referred to in Marine Orders,
Part 17 (Liquefied Gas Carriers and Chemical Tankers) applies

Combination carrier

means a ship designed to carry either oil or solid cargoes in bulk

IMO

International Maritime Organization

IMN

Inmarsat Mobile Number

Length of tow

means the distance between the stern of the towing vessel and the after
end of the tow

Liquefied gas
carrier

means a ship to which the EGC, GC or IGC Code referred to in Marine
Orders, Part 17 (Liquefied Gas Carriers and Chemical Tankers) applies

MSI

Maritime Safety Information

MSQ

Maritime Safety Queensland

Navigation Act

means the Navigation Act 1912

Oil tanker

means:
(a) a ship constructed or adapted primarily to carry oil in bulk as cargo; or
(b) a combination carrier when it is carrying oil in bulk as cargo; or
(c) a chemical tanker when it is carrying oil in bulk as cargo; or
(d) any other ship fitted with cargo spaces which are constructed and used
to carry oil in bulk of an aggregate capacity of 200 cubic metres or more.

Overall length

in relation to a ship, means the distance between:
(a) a vertical line passing through a point that is the foremost part of the
stem; and
(b) a vertical line passing through a point that is the aftermost part of the
stern; except that if the overall length of the ship cannot be so ascertained,
the overall length is taken to be 110 per cent of the length as shown on
the ship’s load-line certificate.

REEFREP

means the mandatory ship reporting system established by IMO Resolution
MSC.52(66), as amended by Resolution MSC.161(78), and specified in
Marine Orders, Part 56 (REEFVTS) Issue 2.

REEFVTS

The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (REEFVTS)

established by Australia as a means of enhancing navigational safety and
environmental protection in Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef.

SEI

Ship Encounter Information

STI

Ship Traffic Information (includes SEI and MSI)

VTS

Vessel Traffic Service

VTSO

Vessel Traffic Service Operator

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2

Purpose and Intent
This manual is intended to provide users of the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel
Traffic Service (REEFVTS) with information to assist them in optimising the service
provided. For vessels subject to the mandatory ship reporting system within the area, the

manual serves to aid the shipmaster’s reporting obligations.
This manual is not intended to replace or alter any legislative requirements imposed by the
Navigation Act 1912 in any respect to waters within the REEFVTS Area. Any apparent
conflict between the manual and relevant legislation should be resolved in favour of the
respective legislation.
Vessel traffic services provide the mariner with information relating to safe navigation in a
waterway. This information, coupled with the mariner's compliance with regulations,
guidelines and instructions, enhances the safe passage of vessels through congested
waterways or waterways with particular hazards. Under certain circumstances, a Vessel
Traffic Service Operator (VTSO) may initiate interaction with an individual ship and provide
other information available to REEFVTS that may assist on-board decision-making. This
may include circumstances where information suggests a ship may be standing into
shallow water (e.g. in areas of restricted navigation where there is radar coverage) or
deviating from a recommended route.
The master of a vessel remains at all times responsible for the manner in which the vessel
is operated and manoeuvred, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel under
all circumstances.
Nothing in this manual is intended to relieve any vessel, owner, operator, charterer,
master, or person directing the movement of a vessel from the consequences of any
failure to comply with any applicable law or regulation or of any neglect of precaution which
may be required by the ordinary practice of seamanship, or by the special circumstances of
the case.

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3

Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic
Service (REEFVTS)

3.1

Introduction
The environmental and cultural significance of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and Torres
Strait region are nationally and internationally renowned. The protection of the
outstanding natural qualities of the region was enhanced with the establishment of the
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1975. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in
1981, and was designated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the world’s
first Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas in 1990.
In 1996, REEFREP was established as an interactive mandatory ship reporting system
which, in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
(SOLAS) Chapter V regulation 8-1, that was formally adopted by the IMO under a Resolution
of the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC52.66).
Since that time the Queensland and Australian Governments have established a suite of
measures to assist in enhancing navigational safety, thereby minimising the risk of a
maritime accident and consequential pollution and major damage to the marine
environment from shipping incidents. The introduction of a Coastal Vessel Traffic Service
(VTS) as a means to enhance navigational safety in Torres Strait and the GBR is one of
these measures.
The Great Barrier Reef and Torres
Strait Vessel Traffic Service
(REEFVTS) is comprised of two major
components:
1. A mandatory Ship Reporting
System (the Great Barrier Reef
and Torres Strait Ship Reporting
System (REEFREP);

2. Monitoring and surveillance
systems including radar,
Automatic Identification System
(AIS), Automated Position
Reporting via Inmarsat C (APR)
and VHF Reporting.

3.2

REEFVTS Area
The area serviced by REEFVTS is the
same area as defined for REEFREP
(Figure 1) and includes:

ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition

Figure 1: REEFVTS area

Page 3


a) The Torres Strait between longitude 141° 45' E and 144° 00' E, including the
Endeavour Strait and the Great North East Channel;
b) The waters of the Great Barrier Reef between the Australian coast and the outer edge
of the Great Barrier Reef, starting from the outer edge of the Reef at latitude 10° 44'
S, longitude 144° 00' E, and extending southwards to latitude 22° 00' S.

3.3

Competent Authority

REEFVTS is operated under joint Federal and State arrangements between the Australian
Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

3.4

Administration
The system is manned and operated on a 24 hour a day basis by Maritime Safety
Queensland personnel operating from the REEFVTS Centre, Radio Call Identity “REEFVTS”
Radio Callsign “VZQ 641”, situated at Hay Point near Mackay.
The VTSOs have completed the minimum competency standards of Certificate III VTS
operations extending to Certificate IV Advanced Vessel Traffic Operations. These courses
and standards have been provided and set by an accredited Maritime Training College and
comply with the IALA Guidelines.

3.5

Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS, Chapter 5)
Governments may establish a VTS when, in their opinion, the volume of traffic or the
degree of risk justifies such services.
The legislative basis for REEFREP is the general power within the Navigation Act to make
regulations to implement SOLAS (s191), and the related power to make Marine Orders
(s425(1AA)). Marine Order 56 is the resulting source of obligation.

3.5.1

Ships required to report to REEFVTS
The following categories of ships are required to report to REEFVTS:
a) All ships of 50 metres or greater in overall length;
b) All oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers, chemical tankers or ships coming within the INF

Code, regardless of length;
c) Ships engaged in towing or pushing where it, or the ship being towed or pushed is a
ship described in a) or b) or where the length of the tow is or exceeds 150 metres.
Marine Order 56 applies to all ships in the categories set out above, irrespective of
whether they are on overseas, interstate or intrastate voyages. Other vessels transiting the
REEFVTS area are encouraged to report on a voluntary basis.

3.5.2

Warships, Naval Auxiliaries and Government ships
SOLAS regulation V/8-1 does not apply to any warship, naval auxiliary or government
owned or operated ship; however SOLAS does state that “such ships are encouraged to
participate in ship reporting systems... adopted in accordance with this regulation”.
This approach is fully supported by the Australian Government, and all ships of the Royal
Australian Navy (RAN) are expected to participate in REEFVTS on a voluntary basis, along
with other ships owned or operated by the Australian Government.

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3.6

Reporting Offences
Any Master, or Officer of the Watch at the time, who fails to report in accordance with the
reporting requirements, as specified in Marine Orders Part 56, or who wilfully transmits
information which is incorrect, false or misleading, will have committed an offence subject
to a penalty.
Regulation 4 of the Navigation (Orders) Regulations provides:

'4. A person who contravenes a provision of an order made under subsection
425(1AA) of the Act that is expressed to be a penal provision is guilty of an
offence and is punishable, upon conviction:
(a) if the offender is a natural person - by a fine not exceeding $2,000; or
(b) if the offender is a body corporate - by a fine not exceeding $5,000.

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4

Services Provided
The objectives of REEFVTS are to:
ƒ

Enhance navigational safety in the Torres Strait and the inner route of the Great
Barrier Reef by interacting with shipping to provide improved information on potential
traffic conflicts and other navigational information;

ƒ

Minimise the risk of a maritime accident and consequential ship sourced pollution and
damage to the marine environment in the Torres Strait and Great Barrier Reef region;

ƒ

Provide an ability to respond more quickly in the event of any safety or pollution
incident.

In support of these objectives the following services are provided to shipping:
1. Ship Traffic Information;
2. Navigational Assistance;
3. Maritime Safety Information.
Much of the information processed by REEFVTS is collected from vessels in the area and
hence mariners are cautioned that advisories based on such information are only as
accurate as the provided information. Further, REEFVTS may not have first hand
knowledge of all hazardous situations that exist in the REEFVTS area. Ships encountering a
hazardous situation, such as a malfunctioning aid to navigation not already included in
Maritime Safety Information should immediately advise REEFVTS.

4.1

Ship Traffic Information
Through the integrated use of AIS, radar, APR via Inmarsat C and route plans provided by
vessels, REEFVTS generates and disseminates ship encounter predictions in the form of
Ship Traffic Information (STI).
Because of the extensive size of the area, REEFVTS does not routinely broadcast STI
across the whole area but rather advises individual ships as necessary. In addition,
REEFVTS will actively contact vessels to advise of any significant changes to STI.
Ships transiting the region receive STI under the following business rules:
ƒ

Upon entry to the REEFVTS area a ship will receive STI identifying the predicted ship
encounters and Maritime Safety Information (Section 4.3) for the next six hours of
their transit. As shown in the example below (using the Inmarsat C Messaging option
described in Section 4.1.1) the STI identifies the vessel, the time and location of the
predicted encounter.
Expected STI (EST):

Meet SILVER ZHANG (P) in your area now
Overtake ENDEAVOUR RIVER (P) at 10 1215
Meet FAR EASTERN SILO (P) at 10 1240
Meet GLORIOUS HALO (P) at 10 1325
Light altered Auscoast warning 340 at 10 30s 142 13e
Nardana Patches Buoy replaced by Beacon

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Note: The meaning of phrases commonly used when STI is delivered are:
Pass – The word “Pass” is used to indicate that the ship is stopped.
Overtake – “Overtake” means that the ships are heading in roughly the same direction
at the position of the predicted encounter.
Meet – The word “Meet” is used to describe all other situations.
(P) – Indicates piloted vessel
(NP) – Indicates a non-piloted vessel
(DD) – Deep Draught
ƒ

New/changed traffic information – After receiving the STI upon entry to the area
REEFVTS monitors the transit of the vessel to identify any significant changes to the
traffic information previously provided such as a new vessel, a change in ETA due to
an increase or decrease in speed.
Where new or changed traffic information is predicted for a vessel, the vessel is
provided with updated traffic information for the next six hours, identifying the
predicted encounters as either:
-

New;

-

Changed or;

-

Unchanged, that is where information provided previously has not changed.
Expected STI (EST):
Meet JAVA SEA (P) at 25 0755
(Changed) pass OOCL ENVOY (P) at 25 0925
(New) meet CHAMPION (P) at 25 1125

ƒ

5 Hour Update – Where a vessel has transited for a period of 5 hours without any new
or changed traffic information predicted, the vessel is provided with updated traffic
information for the next six hours as described under Upon Entry above.
The 5 Hour update will also indicate situations where there are no predicted ship
encounters for the next six hours, that is, there is no new STI for the vessel.

4.1.1

Receiving Ship Traffic Information
Mariners have the option to receive STI by one of two methods:
ƒ

Inmarsat C Messaging

Important Note: Ships who choose to receive STI updates by this method must:

ƒ

-

Provide REEFVTS the ship’s Inmarsat-C terminal IMN to be used for email.

-

Ensure that incoming messages from REEFVTS are read on receipt.

VHF voice communications

Ships are reminded to maintain a listening watch on the appropriate channel frequency for
that section of the REEFVTS area. Refer to section 5.2.2 for a list of channels and
associated reporting points.

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Note: Mariners are reminded that:

4.2

ƒ

Updated ship traffic information can be obtained at any time by contacting

REEFVTS;

ƒ

They should advise REEFVTS if they are not receiving STI to arrange for an
alternative means for the information to be provided (e.g. VHF communications).

Navigational Assistance
In circumstances where information available to REEFVTS may assist on-board decision
making, REEFVTS may initiate interaction with an individual ship.
This may include circumstances where information available suggests a ship may be
standing into shallow water (e.g. in areas of restricted navigation where there is radar
and/or AIS coverage) or deviating from a recommended route.

4.3

Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
REEFVTS provides vessels with MSI relevant to their location and intended movement.
Should mariners notice a hazardous situation that may impact on the navigational safety of
other vessels, this should be communicated to REEFVTS.
In addition, MSI is issued in the appropriate broadcasts from RCC AUSTRALIA in the form of
navigational warnings (AUSCOAST Warnings).

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5

Communication with REEFVTS

5.1

Vessel Operating Requirements
Mariners shall comply with all measures established or directions issued by REEFVTS
subject to the urgent needs or demands of safe navigation. If, in a specific circumstance, a
mariner is unable to safely comply with a measure or direction issued by REEFVTS, the
mariner may deviate only to the extent necessary to avoid endangering persons, property
or the environment. The deviation shall be reported to REEFVTS as soon as practicable.
Mariners must ensure that a listening watch is maintained on the appropriate VHF radio
channel as described in Section 5.2.2 of this User Manual.
The mariner must also maintain a listening watch on VHF radio channel 16 in the
international maritime mobile band throughout the REEFVTS area.

5.2

Primary Communications
The primary means of communication with REEFVTS:
a)

Inmarsat C - messages sent to REEFVTS using special access code (SAC) 861 via the
Perth LES (222) will be reverse charged to REEFVTS;

b)

VHF Radio - Depending on a ship’s position REEFVTS can be contacted on VHF
channels 5, 18 or 19 (Radio call sign - REEFVTS) 24 hours a day.

The language to be used when communicating with REEFVTS is English, using the IMO’s

Standard Marine Communication Phrases where necessary.

5.2.1

Inmarsat C
Messages sent to REEFVTS will be reverse charged if ships use special access code (SAC)
861 via Perth LES (222). When setting up the Inmarsat C address book, select ASCII, or 7bit or IA5 for data presentation or character code.
Note – Mariners are requested to ensure that Inmarsat C terminals are logged into the
Pacific Ocean Region (POR).
Alternatively, messages can be sent to REEFVTS at a cost to the vessel to:

5.2.2

ƒ

telex +7146483

ƒ

email:

VHF Communications
A VHF radio network is employed along the Queensland coast and on islands in the Torres
Strait to allow mariners to communicate with REEFVTS. REEFVTS maintains a listening
watch at all times on the working VHF radio channels listed below. The relationship
between VHF channels and associated Mandatory Reporting points are dependant on a
ship’s position in relation to the area of that reporting point (Figure 2).

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Name of reporting point and
AUS chart designation

VHF
Working
Channel

Name of reporting point and
AUS chart designation

VHF
Working
Channel

Bramble (A)

18

Barnard (Q)

18

Daru (B)

18

Palm Passage (R)

18

Twin (C)

19

Lucinda (R1)

18

Thursday Island (D1)

19

Townsville-Nth (S1)

19

Alpha North (F)

19

Townsville-Sth (S2)

19

Booby (D)

19

Bowling North (S)

19

Alpha South (G)

19

Bowling South (T)

19

Endeavour (E)

19

Blossom (U)

5

Shortland (H)

19

Abbot Point (T1)

5

Hannibal (I)

5

Molle (southbound) (V)

18

Inset (J)

18

Edward (X)

18

Heath (K)

18

Cid Harbour (V1)

18

Pipon (L)

5

Shaw (northbound) (W)

18

Cape Flattery (M1)

19

Creal (Y)

19

Two Isles (M)

19

Mackay (Y1)

19

Gubbins East (N)

19

Hay Point-Nth (Y2)

19

Gubbins West (O)

19

Hay Point-NthEast (Y3)

19

Grafton Passage (P)

5

Hay Point-Sth (Y4)

19

Cairns (P1)

5

High Peak (Z)

18

Mourilyan (Q1)

18

Mariners are reminded of the duty, only if practical, under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Convention provisions to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF radio channel 16
while at sea and for a radio watch to be maintained for broadcasts of MSI on the
appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area
in which they are navigating.

5.3

Alternative Communications
If for any reason communication is not possible via Inmarsat C or the appropriate VHF
radio channel, the required information must be passed by alternative means to REEFVTS
using one of the following:
a)

Other INMARSAT phone/fax/telex service;

b)

Other (non-Inmarsat) satellite phone/fax/ telex service.

Contact details for REEFVTS are:
ƒ

Telephone +61 7 4956 3581

ƒ

Facsimile +61 7 4956 3367

ƒ

Telex +7146483

ƒ

Email:

Any failure of a ship’s radio equipment that prevents the communication of required
reports by either primary or alternative communication means is to be recorded in the
ship’s radio log book or the Official Log Book.
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5.4

AIS
Vessels are requested to ensure that their AIS information is updated before entering the
REEFVTS area. When setting a ship’s name in an AIS transceiver, do not insert M/V or M/T
prior to the ship’s name. Following this advice will enhance the usefulness of AIS
information at REEFVTS.

Figure 2: Mandatory Reporting Points and associated VHF channels

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6

Ship Reporting Obligations
The following reports must be provided to REEFVTS:

6.1

a)

Pre-Entry Position Report;

b)

Entry Report;

c)

Route Plan Report, if route details have not been provided in the Entry Report;

d)

Route Deviation Report, where applicable;

e)

Intermediate Position Reports;

f)

Defect Reports, where applicable;

g)

Final Report.

Pre-Entry Position Report
A Pre-Entry position report must be made in respect of a ship at least two hours prior to:

a)

Entering the REEFVTS area;

b)

Departing from a port within the REEFVTS area.

The following information must be provided in the Pre-Entry position report:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/010200UTC

C

Current position (latitude and longitude)

C/1036S/14144E

or where vessel is departing a port, the port name.
H

Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Entry to REEFVTS area.

H/010400UTC/BOOBY

Point of entry can be provided as the name of the first
Mandatory Reporting Point upon entry to the REEFVTS
area, or position (latitude and longitude) if not entering
in the vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.
K

Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS
area.

K/041300UTC/HIGH PEAK

Point of exit can be provided as the name of final
Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and
longitude) of anticipated exit from the REEFVTS area.
M

Communication Methods
Primary Inmarsat C details (including Inmarsat C Mobile
Number (IMN), manufacturer and model).

M/450111333/JRC /JUE75C

Note: Mariners are requested to ensure that the vessels Inmarsat C terminal is logged into
the Pacific Ocean Region (POR).

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6.2

Entry Report
An Entry Report must be made in respect of a ship as soon as it:
a)

Enters the REEFVTS area;

b)

Departs from a port within the REEFVTS area.

This report covers a ship’s details, and its intentions and passage through the REEFVTS
area. Where some information has been previously provided to AUSREP the fields
highlighted with an ‘ ** ’ are not required.
Ship’s masters are encouraged to provide a route plan (see section 6.3 for more detail)
when providing an Entry Report. However, it is understood that for some ships this may not
be possible until a pilot boards.
If the required passage details are supplied using one of the methods described in section

6.3, then it will not be necessary to provide a separate route plan report within an hour of
entering the REEFVTS area.
The following information must be provided in the Entry Report:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/010400UTC

C

Current Position

C/BOOBY

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or position
(latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a

Mandatory Reporting Point.
F

Speed

F/13

Ship’s anticipated average speed until next report in
knots & tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival
(ETA) at next Mandatory Reporting Point.
J

K

Pilot **

J/NO

Pilotage details including whether a coastal pilot is on
board (indicate “Yes” or “No”) and if so, the pilot’s last
name and licence number.

or

Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS
area

K/041300UTC/HIGH PEAK

J/YES/BROWN/9876543

Point of exit can be provided as the Name of final
Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and
longitude) of anticipated exit from the REEFVTS area.
L

O

Route Information

L/INNER ROUTE DEEP

Route Plan (see section 6.3) or, if that is not available
name of next two Mandatory Reporting Points or course
if not tracking between reporting points.

or

Draught**

O/FORE 11.5/AFT 11.3

L/ALPHA NORTH VIA
VARZIN PASSAGE/
HANNIBAL

Draught fore and aft (in metres and decimetres).
P

Cargo on Board**

If required, may be passed by non-voice means prior to
the first REEFVTS report. Details to include normal
name of the cargo and whether cargo is classified as
hazardous (indicate “Yes” or “No”).

Q

Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations

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P/BULK CHEMICALS/DG
YES

Include details as required.

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Line

Information Required

Example

U

Ship Size and Type**

U/TANKER/180/28000

Ship description details including ship type, length
(metres) and gross tonnage.
X

Remarks

Include details as required.

Any additional information, which would contribute to
the navigational safety of other shipping in the REEFVTS
area, should also be reported, where possible.

** These items need not to be reported by a ship that has provided these details
previously in a sailplan report to AUSREP.

6.3

Route Plan
Route plan details are to be provided by one or more of the following ways:
i.

Standard Route Plan;

ii. Mandatory Reporting Points;
iii. Waypoints.
If a Route Plan is not included in the Entry Report, then a route plan report must be
provided within one hour of a ship’s entry into the REEFVTS area, or departure from a port
within the REEFVTS area.

6.3.1

Standard Route Plan
Standard route plans have been developed to enable the communication of intended
routes. Standard routes are based on the name of the route taken (e.g. Inner Route or the
Great North East Channel), vessel draught, Mandatory Reporting Points and, where there
are two or more recommended routes between Mandatory Reporting Points, the names of
the alternative legs between these.
Route plan tables and associated chartlets for the Inner Route and the Great North East
Channel are detailed in Section 7.
For a ship using a standard route plan, the following information must be provided:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/010400UTC

C

Current Position

C/BOOBY

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position
(latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a
Mandatory Reporting Point.
F

Speed

F/13

Ship’s anticipated average speed (in knots and tenths
of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at final
Mandatory Reporting Point or position of exit from the
REEFVTS area.
K

Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS
area

K/041300UTC/HIGH PEAK

Point of exit can be provided as the name of final
Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and
longitude) of anticipated exit from the REEFVTS area.

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Line
L

Information Required

Example

Route Information

L/INNER ROUTE DEEP

Standard Route: For example, a south bound deep
draught ship entering at Booby and departing via High
Peak can simply provide the route plan as: “Inner Route,
Deep draught”. Similarly, where it is intended to deviate
from a predefined standard route plan (e.g. transit via
Heath) the route plan can be communicated simply as:
“Inner Route, Deep draught via Heath”.

6.3.2

And where there are
alternatives:
L/INNER ROUTE DEEP VIA
HEATH

Mandatory Reporting Points
Route plans can be provided using the mandatory reporting points as a vessel progresses
through the REEFVTS area. When a vessel reports at a mandatory reporting point, the next
two mandatory reporting points need to be provided to REEFVTS. Where there are two or
more recommended routes between mandatory reporting points, the names of the
alternative legs between these are to be provided (eg. Mandatory Reporting Point X to
Mandatory Reporting Point Y via ZZZ).
The following information must be provided when a ship is providing a route plan using the
mandatory reporting points:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/010400UTC

C

Current Position

C/BOOBY

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position
(latitude and longitude) at that position if not in the
vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point
F

Speed

F/13

Ship’s anticipated average speed (in knots and tenths
of a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the next
two Mandatory Reporting Points.
K

Date, Time (UTC) and Point of Exit from the REEFVTS
area

K/041300UTC/HIGH PEAK

Point of exit can be provided as the name of final
Mandatory Reporting Point, or position (latitude and
longitude) of anticipated exit from the REEFVTS area.
L

Route Information

Name of next two Mandatory Reporting Points or course
if not tracking between reporting points.

L/ALPHA NORTH VIA
VARZIN PASSAGE/
HANNIBAL

Where there are two or more recommended routes
between Mandatory Reporting Points, the proposed
route (for example, Mandatory Reporting Point Booby
(D) to Mandatory Reporting Point Alpha North (F) via
Varzin Passage).

6.3.3

Waypoints
The use of non-standard routes is accommodated, using a list of intended waypoints in the
format of latitude and longitude of the proposed waypoints, mandatory reporting points, or
a combination of both.

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The following information must be provided:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/010400

C

Current Position

C/BARNARD

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current position
(latitude and longitude) at that position if not in the
vicinity of a Mandatory Reporting Point.

or

Speed

F/13

F

C/1742S/14618E

Ship’s anticipated average speed in knots and tenths of
a knot) or estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the position
(latitude and longitude) of anticipated exit from the
REEFVTS area or at the final Mandatory Reporting Point.
L

Route Information

Include details as required

List of intended waypoints for the transit, using actual
latitude and longitude of the proposed waypoints, the
mandatory reporting point names, or a combination of
both.
Where there are two or more recommended routes
between Mandatory Reporting Points, the proposed
route (for example, Mandatory Reporting Point Booby
(D) to Mandatory Reporting Point Alpha North (F) via
Varzin Passage.

6.4

Mandatory Reporting Points - Interaction with REEFVTS
The requirement for vessels to report at the Mandatory Reporting Points is dependant on
the type of route plan provided by the vessel. In summary:

ƒ

If a standard route plan (Section 6.3.1) is provided and intermediate position reporting
is via APR (Section 6.6), reporting to REEFVTS at the Mandatory Reporting Points is not
required.

ƒ

If a Mandatory Reporting Point Plan (Section 6.3.2) is provided for the entire transit
including alternate sections (if applicable), and intermediate position reporting is via
APR (Section 6.6), reporting to REEFVTS at the Mandatory Reporting Points is not
required.

ƒ

However, if only partial route information is provided, vessels must report to REEFVTS
at the Mandatory Reporting Points to provide subsequent route information.

Note: The minimum route information that must be provided under the Mandatory
Reporting Point plan (Section 6.3.2) is the current Mandatory Reporting Point and the
subsequent two Mandatory Reporting Points, including any alternate routes.

6.5

Route Deviation Report
Any deviation from a previously submitted route plan must be provided to REEFVTS,
preferably prior to the deviation. However, it is recognised that some deviations may be
made with little notice and in such instances these must be reported to REEFVTS within 15
minutes of the deviation taking place.
The deviation is to be reported and a route plan report provided using one of the reports in

section 6.3.

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6.6

Intermediate Position Reports
APR via Inmarsat-C is the primary mechanism for ships to provide Intermediate Position
Reports. REEFVTS will generally carry out APR remotely without any intervention by a
ship’s crew.
Note: Mariners are requested to ensure the vessel’s Inmarsat C terminal is logged into the
Pacific Ocean Region (POR).
Ships fitted with first generation Inmarsat-C terminals that do not support remote
programming, will be required to be programmed onboard for Intermediate Position
Reports to be sent automatically. Instructions relating to programming of these terminals
can be obtained from REEFVTS. When exiting the area ships fitted with first generation
Inmarsat-C terminals should ensure that Automated Position Reporting has been stopped.
Ships providing Intermediate Position Reports via APR must still comply with the other
REEFVTS reporting requirements of Pre-Entry position reports, Entry report, Route Plan
report (if appropriate), Route Deviation report (if appropriate), Defect report (if
appropriate), and Final report.
If a ship is unable to provide intermediate position reports via APR, brief position reports
must be provided on an hourly basis or as advised by REEFVTS with the following
information:
Line

6.7

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/030900UTC

C

Current Position

C/BARNARD

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or current
position (latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of
a Mandatory Reporting Point.

or
C/1742S/14618E

Defect Report
Safety related reports must be provided without delay in the event of a ship suffering
damage, failure or breakdown affecting the safety of a ship, or if a ship makes a marked
deviation from a route, or changes a course or alters speed from that previously advised.
Reports of pollution or cargo lost overboard must also be reported to REEFVTS without
delay using lines Q and R, or special reports as defined by IMO for incidents involving
Dangerous Goods (DG), Harmful Substances (HS) or Marine Pollutants (MP).
Defect reports require the following information:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, Call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/022300UTC

C

Current Position

C/TWO ISLES

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or position
(latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a
Mandatory Reporting Point.

or

Speed

F/5

F

C/15252S/145241E

Ship’s anticipated average speed until next report in
knots & tenths of a knot) or estimated time of arrival
(ETA) at next Mandatory Reporting Point.
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Line
Q

Information Required

Example

Defects, damage, deficiencies or other limitations

Include details as required

Description and details of any damage, failure or
breakdown suffered:
(i) collision, grounding, fire, explosion, structural
failure, flooding, cargo shifting;
(ii) failure or breakdown of steering gear, propulsion
plant, electrical generating system, essential
shipborne navigational aids.
R

Pollution / dangerous goods lost overboard

Include details as required

Brief details of type of pollution (oil, chemicals etc.) or
dangerous goods lost overboard. Position to be
expressed as in item C.
X

Remarks

Include details as required

Any additional information, which would contribute to

the navigational safety of other shipping in the
REEFVTS area, should also be reported, where
possible.
This may include details of any Safety Messages
(navigational safety, abnormal weather, unserviceable
aids to navigation) or DG, HS, MP incident reports
using the recognised IMO reporting formats.

6.8

Final Report
A Final Report must be made in respect of a ship:
a)

When exiting the REEFVTS area;

b)

Arriving at a port within the REEFVTS area.

Upon exiting the REEFVTS area it is necessary to indicate whether the ship intends
continuing to report to AUSREP for the remainder of its voyage and, if so, the time of its
next report or, if arriving at a port within the area, whether this is its Final Report to
AUSREP.
The following information must be provided in the Final Report:
Line

Information Required

Example

A

Ship name, call sign and IMO number

A/HAPPY SAILOR/
ABCD/1234567

B

Date and Time (UTC)

B/041320UTC

C

Current Position

C/HIGH PEAK

Name of Mandatory Reporting Point, or position
(latitude and longitude) if not in the vicinity of a
Mandatory Reporting Point.
X

Remarks
Any additional information, which would contribute to
the navigational safety of other shipping in the
REEFVTS area.
Indicate whether the ship intendsContinuing with AUSREP (indicate “Yes” or “No”) and, if

affirmative, date and time (UTC) of next AUSREP
position report.
Arriving at a port within the REEFVTS area, advise if
this report is also an AUSREP Final Report (indicate
“Yes” or No”).

ReefVTS User Manual – 2nd Edition

Include relevant details
For example:
X/YES AUSREP NEXT
REPORT 051320UTC
or
X/YES AUSREP FINAL
REPORT
or
X/NOT AUSREP

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6.9

Summary of REEFVTS Reports
These key fields need to be provided for following REEFVTS Reports:
PER

Pre-Entry Report

ER

Entry Report

RP1

Route Plan – Standard Route Plan

RP2

Route Plan – Mandatory Reporting Points

RP3

Route Plan – Waypoints

DR

Deviation Report (if applicable)

PR

Intermediate Position Reports

IR

Defect Report (if applicable)

FR

Final Report

Line

Information Required

PER

ER

RP1

RP2

RP3

DR

PR

IR

FR

A

Ship name, call sign and
IMO number

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

B

Date and Time (UTC)

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

C

Current Position

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

F

Speed

R

R

R

R

R

R

R

H

Date, Time (UTC) and
Point of Entry to REEFVTS
area

J

Pilot

K

Date, Time (UTC) and
Point of Exit from
REEFVTS area

L

Route Information

R

R

R

R

M

Communication Methods

O

Draught

R

P

Cargo on Board

R

Q

Defects, damage,
deficiencies or other
limitations

I

R

Pollution / dangerous
goods lost overboard

U

Ship Size and Type

X

Remarks

R

R
R

R

R
R

I

I

I

I
R
I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

Where R = Required, I = If appropriate.

A summary of the reporting requirements is provided in Figure 3.

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Pre-Entry Position Report
Report required 2 hours prior to entering the REEFVTS area or leaving
Lines: A, B, C, H, K, M
Entry Report
Report required when vessel enters the REEFVTS area or departs from
port.
Where a standard route plan is known this can be advised in line ‘L’ if
known at time of entry.
Lines: A, B, C, F, J**, K, L, O**, P**, Q*, U**, X*
* If appropriate
** Items need not be reported if provided in AUSREP Sail Plan
Has Route Plan Report been provided with Entry Report?
NO

YES

Route Plan Report
Provide a route plan report, either:
• Standard route plan
• Progressively at Mandatory Reporting
Points
Lines: A, B, C, F, L

Is the ship sending position reports by APR via Inmarsat C?
YES

NO
Intermediate Position Reports
Position Reports are required hourly or as
otherwise advised by a VTSO.
Lines: A, B, C, F

Has ship deviated from previous Route Plan Report provided?
NO

YES

Deviation Report

Has ship suffered from any defects or observed an incident?
YES

NO

Final Report
Report required when vessel exits the
REEFVTS area or arrives at a port within the
area.
Lines: A, B, C, X

Defect Report required
Lines: A, B, C, F, Q*, R*, X*
* As appropriate or submit special IMO

reports; Dangerous Goods, Harmful
substances or Marine Pollutants reports.

Figure 3. Summary of reporting requirements
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7

Standard Route Plans
This section provides a guide to assist ships to communicate standard route plans to
REEFVTS.
The longest possible routes that may be used to transit the Inner Route or the Great North
East Channel are shown in the following figures. They are designed to be multi-directional
with the routes building from the location at which a ship enters and exits the REEFVTS
area. Therefore, the standard route plan can be used to describe a ship’s entire route plan
or a portion of its transit within the area.
All mandatory reporting points within the REEFVTS area are represented in bold capital
letters (eg BOOBY). Where there are two or more alternatives to the recommended routes
these are represented in italics (eg Via Fairway Channel) and in some cases they may also
be mandatory reporting points (eg Via HEATH).

7.1

Ships transiting the Inner Route
Ships transit the REEFVTS area based on predefined routes that are related to the vessels
draught. Standard Route Plans have been categorised into three draught based routes of
Deep (Figure 4), Moderate (Figure 5) and Shallow (Figure 6).

The predefined route for a particular draught is represented by a series of shaded legs
from Booby to High Peak. Where a ship is not varying from a predefined route then the
route can be easily communicated as “Inner Route, Deep draught”
If it is necessary to deviate from a predefined route, this can be communicated to REEFVTS
by stating the name of the alternative leg(s). For example, a deep draught transit via Heath
would be communicated as “Inner Route, Deep draught via Heath”.
The standard route plan should be communicated to REEFVTS by stating:
i.

Inner Route;

ii. Predefined route by communicating the ship’s draught of Deep, Moderate or Shallow;
iii. The name of any alternative legs intended to be taken that vary from the standard
route (eg shaded boxes) for that draught category.
When approaching or leaving the ports of Hay Point or Mackay there is a choice of three
alternate legs; West of St Bees, East of St Bees or Three Rocks as shown in Figures 4, 5 or
6. These alternate legs have not been shaded, as a ship entering or exiting through High
Peak will not use these legs unless the ship is approaching or leaving from Hay Point or
Mackay.
Mariners can contact REEFVTS at any time to advise any changes to route plans.

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7.1.1

Inner Route - Deep Draught
The predefined standard route for a deep draught ship entering at Booby and departing via

High Peak is shown in Figure 4.
If it is intended to take the deep draught predefined route, this can be communicated to
REEFVTS as “Inner Route, Deep Draught”.
Similarly, if it is intended to deviate from the predefined route plan (eg. to transit via Heath)
the route plan can be communicated simply as “Inner Route, Deep Draught, Via Heath”.
BOOBY

Entry/Exit Points

Via Gannet Passage

Entry/Exit Points
Via Varzin Passage

Via ALPHA SOUTH

Via ALPHA NORTH

Via West of Cairncross

Via East of Cairncross

HANNIBAL
INSET
Via HEATH

Via Fairway Channel
PIPON

CAPE FLATTERY

Via Petherbridge

Via Miles

Via Howicks(Nth Channel)

Via Mid-Decapolis

Via Palfrey

CAIRNS
MOURILYAN

TWO ISLES
Via GUBBINS WEST

LUCINDA
TOWNSVILLE
ABBOT POINT
MACKAY

Via North of Nymph

Via GUBBINS EAST
GRAFTON PASSAGE

BARNARD
Via BOWLING SOUTH

Via BOWLING NORTH

Via MOLLE/SHAW

Via EDWARD

Via West of St Bees

HAYPOINT

Via East of St Bees

Via Three Rocks

PALM PASSAGE

BLOSSOM

HIGH PEAK

Figure 4 – Inner Route, Deep Draught

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7.1.2

Inner Route - Moderate Draught

The predefined standard route for a moderate draught ship entering at Booby and
departing via High Peak is shown in Figure 5.
If its intended to take the moderate draught predefined route this can be communicated to
REEFVTS as “Inner Route, Moderate Draught”.
Similarly, if its intended to deviate from the predefined route plan (eg. to transit via
Howicks and North of Nymph) the route plan can be communicated simply as “Inner Route,
Moderate Draught, Via Howicks and Via North of Nymph”.

BOOBY

Entry/Exit Points

Entry/Exit Points

Via Gannet Passage

Via Varzin Passage

Via ALPHA SOUTH

Via ALPHA NORTH

Via West of Cairncross

Via East of Cairncross

HANNIBAL
INSET
Via HEATH

Via Fairway Channel
PIPON

Via Miles
CAPE FLATTERY

Via Petherbridge

Via Mid-Decapolis

CAIRNS
MOURILYAN

ABBOT POINT
MACKAY
HAYPOINT

Via Palfrey

Via North of Nymph

TWO ISLES
Via GUBBINS WEST

LUCINDA
TOWNSVILLE

Via Howicks(Nth Channel)

Via GUBBINS EAST

GRAFTON PASSAGE

BARNARD
Via BOWLING SOUTH

Via BOWLING NORTH

Via MOLLE/SHAW

Via EDWARD

Via West of St Bees

Via East of St Bees

Via Three Rocks

PALM PASSAGE

BLOSSOM

HIGH PEAK

Figure 5 – Inner Route, Moderate draught

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