GeelongPort

Port Security

The Port of Geelong (GeelongPort) is a security regulated port as set out in the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003 and its associated regulations.

Operators or other stakeholders in the Port of Geelong, as well as operators of Australian or foreign registered ships who are unsure of their obligations under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act (2003), should seek advice from the Office of Transport Security (OTS) at the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

Security and Safety Rules Port of Geelong

Security and Safety Rules Port of Geelong

Office of Transport Security (OTS)

  • 111 Alinga Street, Canberra ACT 2601
  • GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601
  • OTS website

Port Security Committee

The Port Security Committee in the Port of Geelong comprises port stakeholders as members. All Port Security Committee related enquiries should be directed to the Port Security Officer.

A Port Facility is described as an area of land or water, or land and water, within a security regulated port (including buildings, installations or equipment in or on the area) used either wholly or partly in connection with the loading or unloading of ships.

A Port Service Provider is one of the following:

  • A tug/towage operator
  • Bunker barge operator
  • Lighter operator
  • Pilot boat operator
  • Line handling operator

Self identification forms to enable entities to identify whether they are required to submit Maritime Security Plans to the Department for approval can be obtained from the Department’s website. Operators of Australian or foreign registered ships should contact the Department directly.

Levels of Security Alert

In line with the ISPS Code (2002), the following three security levels are to be adopted by the maritime industry:

  1. Security Level 1 – Normal
    • The level for which standard security measures shall be maintained at all times
  2. Security Level 2 – Heightened
    • The level for which appropriate additional security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a security incident
  3. Security Level 3 – Exceptional
    • The level for which further additional security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a security incident is probable or imminent, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.

In addition to these, the Commonwealth of Australia has four (4) security levels of alert.

  1. Low (equivalent to ISPS Level 1)
  2. Medium (equivalent to ISPS Level 1)
  3. High (equivalent to ISPS Level 2)
  4. Extreme (equivalent to ISPS Level 3)

NOTE: The Port of Geelong always refers to the ISPS Code levels of alert.

Notification of Security Alert Level

The level of security alert for the Port of Geelong will be notified via the Port of Geelong Marine Control.

Declarations of Security

Ship Security Officers seeking a Declaration of Security need to contact either the Port Security Officer, Port Facility Security Officer for their berth or the Port Service Provider servicing their ship depending on the circumstances.

Contact details for Port Facility Security Officers and Port Service Provider Security Officers can be obtained from Marine Control.

Restricted Zones

In accordance with the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and its associated regulations, a number of land-side, water-side and ship restricted zones exist within the Port of Geelong. The location of these zones can change in accordance with the security level.

Unauthorised access to land-side, water-side and ship restricted zones is an offence under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 and severe penalties apply.

Details of restricted zones for the Port of Geelong can be obtained from Marine Control.

Reporting of Security Breaches or Suspicious Behaviour

Ships’ Masters, all operators and other stakeholders in the Port of Geelong must report all breaches of security, criminal activity or suspicious behaviour.

Immediate reports of security breaches, criminal activity or suspicious behaviour should be made to the Victoria Police using the emergency telephone number, 000. Alternatively reports can be made to:

GeelongPort Emergency Response (24 hours)

  • +61 3 5247 0366
  • VHF Channel 12
  • Call Sign: Port of Geelong

Drone Usage

GeelongPort has an obligation to maintain the integrity of the Port Security Zone in accordance with the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 (MTOFSA). To ensure we remain compliant with this condition of the Act, drones or other UAV’s are not permitted to operate around the Port of Geelong’s commercial jetties or anywhere within the port security regulated boundary area (refer to Port of Geelong Security Regulated Port Boundary map), including over vessels or properties, including tenanted properties, for private or personal purposes. GeelongPort requires drone operators to apply for written consent to operate in a designated security restricted zone. This written consent will be in the form of an approved permit that must be submitted a minimum of 5 business days prior to the intended flight.

For additional guidance on Drone rules, registration, and reporting, visit the CASA website.

Drone operators should also make themselves aware of other flying restrictions in the local area which includes areas under the control of City of Greater Geelong, Parks Victoria and Avalon Airport.