Vessel Traffic Services

• Manage and operate a VTS which co-ordinates marine traffic movements throughout port waters
• Compile a marine traffic image consisting of a sensor system that seeks to operate at 99.9% availability
• Provide an ability to respond quickly in the event of any safety or pollution incident
• Provide competent and qualified personnel capable of delivering a comprehensive VTS service.
• Enhance navigational safety by providing information on inclement weather, potential traffic conflicts and other information regarding navigational safety.
• Reduce the risk of maritime accidents and pollution.
• Ensure compliance with local and international statutory and regulatory requirements
• Maximise stakeholder satisfaction with the services provided
• Maintain an effective QMS addressing the requirements of ISO 9001: 2015 

Fremantle VTS operates on VHF channel 12.

• All vessels within the Fremantle Port limits—whether navigating, anchored, berthed, or secured to a buoy—are required to always maintain a listening watch on this channel.
• It is mandatory for all vessels with Length Overall greater than over 35m and all commercial vessels regardless of LOA operating within the VTS coverage area are required to participate in the VTS.

Masters' Responsibilities

Masters and persons in charge should note that they are not relieved from responsibility for the conduct and navigation of the vessel merely because the vessel is subject to vessel traffic management arrangements.

Despite any law of the State, the owner or master of a vessel navigating in circumstances where vessel traffic management arrangements are required to be complied with under such a law is answerable for any loss or damage caused by the vessel, or by a fault of the navigation of the vessel, in the same manner as the master or owner would be if those vessel traffic management arrangements were not required to be complied with.

Mandatory reporting to VTS

• Vessels to ensure arrival is in the VOYAGER system no less than seven (7) days prior to ETA or as early as possible.
• Vessels Master to submit the 48 HOURS notice by email to FREMANTLE VTS.
• Vessels to report to FREMANTLE VTS when crossing the INWARDS REPORTING LINE.
• Before entering Deep Water Channel
• Before entering S&P Channel
• Before entering Stirling Channel
• Clearance for entering Inner Harbour
• Clearance to depart an Inner Harbour berth
• When anchored or arrived
• When Entering or Leaving Port Limits
• If disabled, leaking, on fire or has been on fire
• If involved in collision, grounding, close quarters situation
• When commencing and completing bunker operations
• Request for Immobilising Engines
• Request for Shipside Painting
• When directed by VTSO or Harbour Master

Deep Water Channel is for vessels under pilotage from the Outer Pilotage Boarding Ground referred to as a 'Full Pilotage' that require this this type of pilot due to:

• Vessels LOA ≥310m (excluding Cruise Ships)
• Vessels with drafts ≥11.0m.
• Loaded petroleum and chemical tankers with LOA ≥ 160 m.
• All gas tankers.
• Vessels that do not have updated ENC’s on dual ECDIS systems or do not have paper chart AUS 112.
• Vessels who intend to use the Compulsory Pilotage Areas.
• Any other vessel as determined by the Harbour Master based on a vessel’s existing condition.

Eastern Virtual Fairway is for vessels with a draft between 9.0 and 11.0 metres

Western Fairway is for vessels with a draft less than 9.0 metres

Note: Vessels embarking a pilot are not to proceed south of the Inner Pilot Boarding Ground