PPA ports nationally recognised as a VTS authority
The ports of Port Hedland and Dampier are now the second and third in Australia to be officially recognised as a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) authority following an extensive audit by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The accreditation allows Pilbara Ports Authority’s (PPA) VTS to interact with and assist the decision-making process on-board vessels to ensure the safe and efficient movement of ships, and to prevent potentially dangerous marine traffic situations in its waters.
Both ports met the criteria as part of the vigorous audit, approved to the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) standards.
AMSA formally accredited the Port of Port Hedland on 8 July 2015 and the Port of Dampier on 15 July 2015, under the provisions of the Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Order 64 (Vessel traffic services) 2013.
The formal accreditation is a significant achievement for PPA and commercial vessel safety in the Pilbara.