Maritime security
Port of Melbourne is a security regulated port as set out in the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act (MTOFSA) 2003. The port currently operates under Maritime Security Level 1 which is the lowest designated security level.
Working in collaboration with Victorian and Federal Government agencies, Port of Melbourne participates in, and contributes to, a wide variety of collaborative forums and exercises to strengthen and share expertise and knowledge to monitor and safeguard port infrastructure.
Operators or other stakeholders in the port, as well as operators of Australian or foreign registered ships who are unsure of their obligations under MTOFSA, should seek advice from the Department of Home Affairs’ Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre:
Tel: 1300 791 581 (Option 1)
From outside Australia: +61 2 5127 8991
Email: guidancecentre@homeaffairs.gov.au
Maritime security levels
MARSEC 1 – Normal business operations
Minimum protective security measures should be maintained at all times.
MARSEC 2 – Heightened risk of a security incident
Targeted measures implemented during period of heightened risk.
MARSEC 3 – A security incident is probable or imminent
Although a specific target may not be known, further security measures must be maintained while the security incident is probable or imminent.
Maritime industry participants with an approved security plan must, at all times, be able to operate at, and maintain, MARSEC 1 measures. If industry participants are directed to operate at a higher maritime security level, they must comply with that direction.
Masters of ships within the Port of Melbourne will be notified of any change to the Maritime Security Alert Level (MARSEC) via a broadcast message to shipping. Information will also be posted on this website.
Breaches of security, criminal activity or suspicious behaviour
Ship’s Masters, all operators and other stakeholders in the port must report these immediately to the following:
Victoria Police emergency
Tel: 000
Melbourne – VTS
Tel: +61 3 9644 9700 (24 hours)
VHF: Channel 12 (156.600 MHz) or Channel 16 (156.800 MHz), call sign: ‘Melbourne – VTS’
Ships in port
Report security concerns, suspicions and incidents to either:
Melbourne – VTS
VHF: Channel 12 (156.600 MHz) or Channel 16 (156.800 MHz), call sign: ‘Melbourne – VTS’
Port Security Officer
Tel: +61 3 9612 3646 (24 hours)
Terminals managed by Port of Melbourne
Port of Melbourne is responsible for all security related issues for the terminals which it manages.
For a visiting ship, a Port Security Officer, is responsible for implementing the agreed security measures and resolving any issues with the Ship Security Officer or Master.
Terminals managed by other operators
The operator’s Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) is responsible for security.
For a visiting ship, the terminal operator’s PFSO or his/her delegate, is responsible for implementing the agreed security measures and resolving any issues with the Ship Security Officer or Master.
Restricted zones
There are land-side, waterside and ship restricted zones within the port in accordance with MTOFSA and associated regulations.
The locations may change depending on the security level. Unauthorised access to restricted zones is an offence under MTOFSA and severe penalties apply.
For details of restricted zones contact:
Port Security Officer
Tel: +61 3 9612 3646