REEF VTS Users Manual (2021)

The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service (Reef VTS) monitors vessel traffic in the region to prevent collisions or incidents. The area has high environmental significance and is protected by a range of national and international measures.

Navigating a vessel through this region is challenging because the area:

is large and takes a long time to navigate
has confined waters with limited depths of water
has strong and variable tidal streams
is in a monsoon climate with low-visibility during rain squalls
can have tropical storms and cyclones
has narrow fairways
is used by a range of vessel types that have many different flag states and different types of cargo

REEFVTS is operated under joint arrangements between the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ). Its purpose is to:
enhance navigational safety by providing shipping with improved information on potential traffic conflicts and other navigational safety hazards
minimise the risk of a maritime accident and the consequential ship-sourced pollution and damage to the marine environment
help coordinate and facilitate a rapid response in the event of a safety or pollution incident.

SKU: P69332