Regulation 71 of the Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulations 2017 provides for the declaration of a specified area surrounding any vessel navigating to be a prohibited area for other vessels or persons.
Significant and dangerous wash can be produced by large commercial vessels and the attendant tugs while the vessel is being berthed. This wash can have serious adverse effects upon the safety of other vessels in the vicinity.
Marine and Safety Tasmania declares that a 60 metre prohibited area exists around:
- Any vessel that is under pilotage and engaged in berthing operations,
- Any attendant tug that is assisting in the berthing operation.
Only vessels engaged in assisting with the berthing operation are permitted to operate within the prohibited area.
Mariners are advised to navigate with caution when operating within the vicinity of commercial berthing operations as wash from tugs when engaged at full power can extend well beyond the prohibited area, and tugs can be required to change their location rapidly during berthing operations.
Large cruise ships secured alongside a berth can at any time use thrusters. Mariners are advised to keep well clear of these vessels at all times when they are berthed.