The objectives of REEFVTS are to:

　

 In support of these objectives the following services are provided to shipping:

1. Ship Traffic Information;

2. Navigational Assistance;

3. Maritime Safety Information.

 Much of the information processed by REEFVTS is collected from vessels in the area and hence mariners are cautioned that advisories based on such information are only as accurate as the provided information. Further, REEFVTS may not have first hand knowledge of all hazardous situations that exist in the REEFVTS area. Ships encountering a hazardous situation, such as a malfunctioning aid to navigation not already included in Maritime Safety Information should immediately advise REEFVTS.

　

 Through the integrated use of AIS, radar, APR via Inmarsat C and route plans provided by vessels, REEFVTS generates and disseminates ship encounter predictions in the form of Ship Traffic Information (STI).

　

 Because of the extensive size of the area, REEFVTS does not routinely broadcast STI across the whole area but rather advises individual ships as necessary. In addition, REEFVTS will actively contact vessels to advise of any significant changes to STI.

 Ships transiting the region receive STI under the following business rules:

　

Note: The meaning of phrases commonly used when STI is delivered are:

 Where new or changed traffic information is predicted for a vessel, the vessel is provided with updated traffic information for the next six hours, identifying the predicted encounters as either:

　

 The 5 Hour update will also indicate situations where there are no predicted ship encounters for the next six hours, that is, there is no new STI for the vessel.

　

 Mariners have the option to receive STI by one of two methods:

・Inmarsat C Messaging

・VHF voice communications

 Ships are reminded to maintain a listening watch on the appropriate channel frequency for that section of the REEFVTS area. Refer to section 5.2.2 for a list of channels and associated reporting points.

　

Note: Mariners are reminded that:

 In circumstances where information available to REEFVTS may assist on-board decision making, REEFVTS may initiate interaction with an individual ship.

　

 This may include circumstances where information available suggests a ship may be standing into shallow water (e.g. in areas of restricted navigation where there is radar and/or AIS coverage) or deviating from a recommended route.

　

 REEFVTS provides vessels with MSI relevant to their location and intended movement.

 Should mariners notice a hazardous situation that may impact on the navigational safety of other vessels, this should be communicated to REEFVTS.

　

 In addition, MSI is issued in the appropriate broadcasts from RCC AUSTRALIA in the form of navigational warnings (AUSCOAST Warnings).

　

 Mariners shall comply with all measures established or directions issued by REEFVTS subject to the urgent needs or demands of safe navigation. If, in a specific circumstance, a mariner is unable to safely comply with a measure or direction issued by REEFVTS, the mariner may deviate only to the extent necessary to avoid endangering persons, property or the environment. The deviation shall be reported to REEFVTS as soon as practicable.

　

 Mariners must ensure that a listening watch is maintained on the appropriate VHF radio channel as described in Section 5.2.2 of this User Manual.

　

 The mariner must also maintain a listening watch on VHF radio channel 16 in the international maritime mobile band throughout the REEFVTS area.

　

 The primary means of communication with REEFVTS:

　

 The language to be used when communicating with REEFVTS is English, using the IMO's Standard Marine Communication Phrases where necessary.

　

 Messages sent to REEFVTS will be reverse charged if ships use special access code (SAC) 861 via Perth LES (222). When setting up the Inmarsat C address book, select ASCII, or 7- bit or IA5 for data presentation or character code.

　

Note - Mariners are requested to ensure that Inmarsat C terminals are logged into the Pacific Ocean Region (POR).

　

 Alternatively, messages can be sent to REEFVTS at a cost to the vessel to:

・telex +7146483

・email: reefvts@rcs1.amsa.gov.au

　

 A VHF radio network is employed along the Queensland coast and on islands in the Torres Strait to allow mariners to communicate with REEFVTS. REEFVTS maintains a listening watch at all times on the working VHF radio channels listed below. The relationship between VHF channels and associated Mandatory Reporting points are dependant on a ship's position in relation to the area of that reporting point (Figure 2).

　

　

 Mariners are reminded of the duty, only if practical, under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention provisions to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF radio channel 16 while at sea and for a radio watch to be maintained for broadcasts of MSI on the appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which they are navigating.

　

 If for any reason communication is not possible via Inmarsat C or the appropriate VHF radio channel, the required information must be passed by alternative means to REEFVTS using one of the following:

a) Other INMARSAT phone/fax/telex service;

b) Other (non-Inmarsat) satellite phone/fax/telex service.

　

Contact details for REEFVTS are:

・Telephone +61 7 4956 3581

・Facsimile +61 7 4956 3367

・Telex +7146483

・Email: reefvts@rcs1.amsa.gov.au

　

 Any failure of a ship's radio equipment that prevents the communication of required reports by either primary or alternative communication means is to be recorded in the ship's radio log book or the Official Log Book.

　

 Vessels are requested to ensure that their AIS information is updated before entering the REEFVTS area. When setting a ship's name in an AIS transceiver, do not insert M/V or M/T prior to the ship's name. Following this advice will enhance the usefulness of AIS information at REEFVTS.