Port Phillip Bay Transit Only Lane

With the Snapper season in full swing, we remind everyone to stay safe and be responsible. Anchoring in the shipping transit lane is not only dangerous but is leading to conflict and threatening our access. We Fish ask that you not only make yourself aware of the danger and the rules of the transit lane and follow the rules, but if you see another recreational vessel doing the wrong thing that you inform them of the danger and the rules, and ask them nicely to move on. By doing the right thing and encouraging others to do the right thing we can help prevent a situation where the port authority feels the only way to provide a safe environment is for use to be removed from the areas. 

"There's a $295 on-the-spot fine and from now on if we find someone anchoring in this channel we will be giving them [a fine]," Mr Mnew said.
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/snapper-lure-port-phillip-bay-amateur-anglers-into-path-of-big-ships-20141019-118d11.html

Channels are marked with port (red) and starboard (green) lateral markers, transit only lanes (no anchoring) run parallel to and up to several hundred meters either side of the commercial shipping channel, and fairways, they are marked with a yellow special mark and lit with a yellow light at night. Small vessels must not anchor, drifting, moor, or engage in fishing activities within these transit lanes. 

Vessels under 50 meters in length must give way to vessels of over 50 meters in length.

5 short blast of ship horn, indicate the master of the ship in unclear of your intention or doubts you are taking action to avoid collision, move clear of vessels sounding this signal.

Ships, tugboats and port control use VHF radio to communicate; emergency communication is conducted on VHF channel 16 or VHF channel 67 

We Fish has been made aware of some unsubstantiated claims that anglers who are doing the right thing being harassed by the authorities. We ask that if anyone should find themselves in this situation that they remain calm and respectful. Most anglers have a smart phone and we ask that you video any such incident and forward it to we_fish@hotmail.com