TASPORTS has received certification as a Vessel Traffic Services Authority by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
TasPorts said it is is the eighth organisation in Australia to receive an Instrument of authority from AMSA, which is recognised internationally as a navigational safety measure through the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 74/78 (SOLAS).
The certification applies to 10 distinct areas across Tasmania, accounting for almost 40% of Australia’s certified VTS areas, according to TasPorts.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the company was pleased to have received the certification.
“This result follows a significant body of work over the past 18 months and is testament to the skill, dedication and commitment of our people to ensuring the highest standards of maritime safety in port waters, pilotage areas and also VTS areas,” he said.
“This achievement went hand-in-hand with the relocation of TasPorts VTS operations from Bell Bay, to Launceston in 2019 enabling co-location with our state-wide Security Operations Centre. This has been underpinned by a $3 million investment which has included IT improvements and field equipment upgrades.”
“Alongside this, TasPorts has recently completed the implementation of PortMate, a contemporary port-management information system that will continue to improve the level of service to our customers on a day-to-day basis.”
Mr Donald said the TasPorts VTS Authority has several objectives to meet as part of its operations, including assisting with safe and efficient vessel movements, enhancing navigational safety, minimising the risk of maritime incidents and potential environmental harm, as well as ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
“A certified VTS will provide the communications platform to ensure enhanced response capabilities in the event of any safety or pollution incident,” he said.
