Standard for Aids to Navigation on Victorian State Waters 2012

Contents
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. PREFACE DEFINITIONS SCOPE DOCUMENTATION STANDARDS FOR NEW AND EXISTING ATON ATON FOR COASTAL WATERS / ENCLOSED WATERS ATON FOR INLAND WATERS 2 2 3 4 5 6

Preface
The purpose of this standard is to outline the requirements for the provision and maintenance of Aids to Navigation (ATON) on Victorian waters by, among other things: 1. Specifying International Association of Marine and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) requirements as the standard for ATON to be followed in Coastal and Enclosed waters within the State of Victoria. 2. Specifying the standards to be followed standard for ATON on inland waters within the State of Victoria 3. Specifying reporting requirements which parties responsible for ATON are required to meet. 4. Requiring that the numbers of, the installation of, the lighting of and the characteristics of ATON are developed in a manner which takes into account the volume of traffic and degree of risk using a risk based methodology. Section 66(1), the Marine Act, gives the Director the power to do all things that are necessary or convenient to enable him or her to carry out his or her functions under the Marine Act, including, but not limited to, the powers specified in Schedule 4. Item 18B, Schedule 4, Marine Act, provides the Director with a particular power to develop standards for the provision and maintenance of navigation aids in State waters, the navigation of which is under the control of any port management body, local port manager or any waterway manager. Section 65(i), Marine Act provides that a function of the Director is to develop appropriate standards for the provision and maintenance of navigation aids for State waters.

Definitions
For the purposes of this Standard the following definitions apply: AHS Australian Hydrographical Service. COASTAL WATERS has the same meaning as that in the Marine Regulations. DIRECTOR means the Director, Transport Safety within the meaning of section 3 of the Transport Integration Act 2010 (Vic). ENCLOSED WATERS has the same meaning as that in the Marine Regulations. IALA means the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. INLAND WATERS has the same meaning as that in the Marine Regulations. MARINE ACT means the Marine Act 1988 (Vic) as superseded or replaced. MARINE REGULATIONS means the Marine Regulations 2009 (Vic) as superseded or replaced.

MINI BUOY a buoy not to IALA, but with approximating shape and intention,
used on inland waters only. Refer to TSV Signage and Buoyage guidelines.

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012

 AIDS to NAVIGATION, or ATON has the same meaning as that in the Marine
Act, and include: 1. any chartered ATON 2. permanent navigation aids whether or not on land or on water 3. all reference signs and navigation aids as per the Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules made under the Marine Act 1988 (Vic) 4. ATON referenced in associated publications such as Harbour Masters Directions, and local port directions 5. ATON referenced in any current act or regulation 6. Temporary ATON.

Scope

SAILING DIRECTIONS means nautical publications jointly published by The Australian Hydrographic Service and The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. TSV means Transport Safety Victoria. VOLUME K means the "Admiralty List of Lights and Fog Signals" published by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office.

A particular power of the Director is to develop standards for the provision and maintenance of ATON in State waters the navigation of which is under the control of any port management body, local port manager or any waterway manager (Para 18B, Schedule 4, Marine Act). A function of the Director is to develop appropriate standards for the provision and maintenance of ATON for State waters (section 65(i), Marine Act) A function of a waterway manager is the provision and maintenance, in accordance with standards developed by the Director, of ATON, including appropriate signage as to water levels, hazards and laws applying to the waters under the control of the waterway manager (section 111(1)(c), Marine Act). A function of the Port of Melbourne Corporation is to provide and maintain, in accordance with the standards developed by the Director, Transport Safety, ATON in connection with navigation in port of Melbourne waters; (section 141E (i) of the Transport Integration Act 2010). A function of the Victorian Regional Channels Authority is to ensure, in relation to regional port waters and channels in those watersthe provision and maintenance, in accordance with the standards developed by the Director, Transport Safety, of ATON in connection with navigation in those waters and channels (141M (1) (a) (ii) of the Transport Integration Act 2010). A function of a local port manager is to provide, develop and maintain, in accordance with any relevant standards developed by the Director, Transport Safety, ATON in the port (section 44A(3)(c), Port Management Act 1995).

Documentation Standards for New and Existing Aids to Navigational

All existing and new ATON and associated equipment provided to assist in the safe navigation of vessels shall meet the minimum requirements of the current editions of:

1. IALA NAVGUIDE (2010 Edition or most current edition)

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012

2. IALA Guidance which include Guidelines, Manuals and Recommendations (as

published on the IALA website www.iala-aism.org under Publications, Guidelines)

3. TSVs Boating Safety Signage and Buoyage Guidelines, as amended from time to
time.

4. Requirements as may be detailed in the Marine Act and Marine Regulations. 5. Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules made under section 15(2) of the Marine Act
as summarised on the Transport Safety Victoria website.

Aids to Navigational for Coastal Waters and Enclosed Waters

Features of ATON for coastal and enclosed waters are external to a vessel help the mariner determine position and course warn of dangers or obstructions give advice about the location of a best or preferred route. give advice about the location of vessel operating zones, activity areas and infrastructure.

Categories of ATON for coastal and enclosed waters Port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers shall categorise ATON on waters under their control in line with the categories below:

Category 1 Vital navigational significance Category 2 Important navigational significance Category 3 Necessary navigational significance.

Availability and reliability of ATON for coastal and enclosed waters ATON shall be designed, constructed and maintained in a manner to meet the IALA availability performance criteria. The availability performance shall be calculated in accordance with relevant IALA Guidance:

Category 1 Vital Availability at least 99.8% Category 2 Important - Availability at least 99% Category 3 Necessary Availability at least 97%.

General requirements for ATON for coastal and enclosed waters:

1. Where a lit ATON is in operation, port management bodies, local port managers
and waterway managers must ensure there are adequate measures and support power supplies to provide for ongoing operation of the ATON in times of any power outage including non-battery powered outages.

2. All Isolated Danger marks are to be lit in accordance with the IALA lighting
standard.

3. Retro Reflective Tape is mandatory on all in water ATON; and

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012

4. Port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers must
consider as part of the risk assessment (see (e) below) whether radar reflectors are required for ATON.

5. Marking of channels shall conform to IALA standards.

Numbers of, installation of, lighting of and characteristics of ATON for coastal and enclosed waters: The number, installation, lighting and characteristics of ATON shall be determined through a risk assessment procedure conducted by the relevant port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers. Risk management is a process which can assist organisations in controlling risk and selecting the most appropriate course of action. While the risk assessment cannot be devoid of value judgements it should be an objective engineering/scientific exercise aimed at approximating the truth about a possible threat to humans, vessels or the environment. The use of risk-based analysis can be seen as one of the tools for assisting decision making and identifying priorities and providing objective information during the consultative process. The risk analysis shall have regard to, but not limited to, determining the maritime usage patterns for the area concerned and identify risk factors for both vessels and the environment in general. The risk assessment must take into account at least the following factors: Nature and character of the area: o o o o o o o o o Depth Siltation Hazards Tides, currents, and water levels Visibility, weather patterns Distinctive shoreline features for both visual and radar navigation Background lighting/background environment and relative position of sun to traffic routes Characteristics of the channel, zone area where ATON are installed to ensure visibility and safe navigation is maintained Proximity and visibility of other ATON. Type of traffic and vessel characteristics by user group including daylight or night time usage Routes and speed including route marking requirements Volume of traffic by user group Type of cargo, particularly where hazardous Required delineation of vessel regulation areas and zones Reported incidents. basic navigational risks particularly in high traffic situations risks to vessels caused by conflict between user groups

Traffic analysis including: o o o o o o

Types of risk including: o o

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012

o o

risks to the environment resulting from a maritime incident. economic .security and reputational risk

Consultation on ATON for coastal and enclosed waters: Port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers shall consult with relevant authorities responsible for the management of ATON on adjoining or adjacent waterways when installing ATON to avoid conflict and/or confusion regarding responsibilities. Port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers shall discuss with the AHS at the preliminary planning stage of the installation, altering or removal of ATON. Reporting to the AHS shall include advice as to the preliminary planning stage of the installation, altering or removal of ATON, finalised planning of the installation, altering or removal of ATON and installation, altering or removal of ATON. Reporting on ATON for coastal and enclosed waters: Port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers: 1. shall maintain a list of all ATON for which they have responsibility in accordance with a format developed by the Director 2. shall complete the IALA ATON questionnaire on a yearly basis 3. shall report to the Director on a 6 monthly basis the availability and reliability of ATON under their responsibility. Reports are to be provided in February and August in a format agreed with the Director 4. are required to review the relevant ATON as detailed in Volume K and Sailing Directions as to accuracy on a yearly basis 5. are required to meet AHS requirements for the provision of information and data on ATON to the AHS including Categories of ATON for coastal and enclosed waters 6. are required to meet Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements for the provision of information and data on ATON to the AMSA. Marking of temporary maritime aquatic activity areas for coastal and enclosed waters ATON installed to assist in the delineation of temporary maritime activity areas are to be removed at the end of the day or if remaining in place overnight must be lit and conform to IALA Guidance for illumination. Specific activity ATON for coastal and enclosed waters Where navigational marks or ATON are installed to mark courses, turns or zones on a temporary or permanent basis notation on the ATON as to their purpose is mandatory. Information to Mariners for coastal and enclosed waters Port management bodies, local port managers and waterway managers shall ensure that mariners are advised of the navigational issues and changes to ATON on waterways under their control through the development of guidance material, maps, informational signage, notice to mariners or any other communication means which are determined to be necessary by the responsible body. This list is not exhaustive: the responsible body must determine if additional methods of communication are necessary. Notice to mariners shall be in a form as determined by the Director.

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012

ATON for Inland Waters

Features of ATON for inland waters: are external to a vessel help the mariner determine position and course warn of dangers or obstructions give advice about the location of a best or preferred route. give advice about the location of vessel operating zones, activity areas and infrastructure.

Information to mariners for inland waters: Local port managers and waterway managers shall ensure that mariners are advised of navigational issues and changes to ATON on waterways under their control through the development of, but not limited to, guidance material, maps, information signage. This list is not exhaustive: the responsible person must determine if additional methods of communication are necessary. ATON shall comply with IALA standards as far as colour, marking, lighting, numbering, banding and top marks are concerned: 1. 2. 3. Local port managers and waterway managers may use mini buoys of a shape as defined in the guidelines Red and green buoys may be used to denote areas established to prohibit vessels and established as ski access lanes Waterways using red and green ATON and installing port and starboard lateral ATON must fit port and starboard lateral ATON with top marks.

ATON for inland waters are to be categorised by waterway managers for the waters under their control in line with the categories below. Category 1 Vital navigational significance; Category 2 Important navigational significance; Category 3 Necessary navigational significance. Where a lit ATON is in operation local port managers and waterway managers must ensure there are adequate measures and support power supplies to provide for ongoing operation of the ATON. All Isolated Danger marks are to be lit in accordance with the IALA lighting standard. Retro reflective tape is mandatory on all in water ATON. Local port managers and waterway managers must consider as part of the risk assessment (see (iv) below) whether radar reflectors are required for ATON.

General requirements for ATON for inland waters

Standards for new and existing ATON for inland waters The availability performance shall be calculated in accordance with relevant IALA Guidance: Category 1 Vital Availability at least 99.8% Category 2 Important - Availability at least 99% Category 3 Necessary Availability at least 97%

Numbers, installation, lighting and characteristics at ATON for inland waters The number of, installation of, lighting of and characteristics of ATON shall be determined through a risk assessment process conducted by the relevant local port managers and waterway managers. Risk management is a process which can assist organisations in controlling risk and selecting the most appropriate course of action. While the risk assessment area cannot be devoid of value judgements it should be an objective engineering / scientific exercise aimed at approximating the truth about a possible threat to humans, vessels or the environment. The use of risk-based analysis can be seen as one of the tools for assisting decisions making and identifying priorities and providing objective information during the consultative process. The risk analysis shall have regard to but not limited to determine the maritime usage patterns for the area concerned and identify risk factors for both vessels and the environment in general, taking into account at least the following: Nature and character of the area: o o o o o o o o o depth siltation hazards currents and water levels visibility, weather patterns distinctive shoreline features for both visual and radar navigation background lighting/background environment and relative position of sun to traffic routes characteristics of the channel, zone area where ATON are installed to ensure visibility and safe navigation is maintained proximity and visibility of other ATON. type of traffic and vessel characteristics by user group including daylight or night time usage routes and speed including route marking requirements volume of traffic by user group type of cargo, particularly where hazardous required delineation of vessel regulation areas and zone reported incidents types of risk including: basic navigational risks particularly in high traffic situations

Traffic analysis including: o o o o o o o

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012

risks to vessels caused by conflict between user groups risks to the environment resulting from a maritime incident. economic security and reputational risk. Marking of temporary aquatic activity areas for inland waters Navigational marks and ATON installed to assist in the delineation of temporary maritime activity areas are to be removed at end of the day or if remaining in place overnight must be lit and conform to ATON as detailed for inland waters. Specific activity ATON for inland waters Where navigation marks and ATON are installed to mark courses, turns or zones on a temporary or permanent basis notation on the ATON as to their purpose is mandatory. Reporting of ATON for inland waters Local port managers and waterway managers shall submit an annual report to the Director, Transport Safety Victoria, in a format agreed with the Director on the availability and reliability of ATON under their responsibility. The reports shall be submitted within 30 days of the end of the financial year. Signed by PETER CORCORAN Director Maritime Safety Transport Safety Victoria Dated: 29th June 2012

Standard for ATON in Victorian State Waters 2012