Harbour Control (Vessel Traffic Services)

For the latest information refer to the Port Procedures Guide for Sydney Harbour and Port Botany, Section 1.

Harbour Control uses the Vessel Tracking System (VTS) to monitor vessel movements and their approaches in Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay. It also provides navigational advice based on information from radar, close circuit television, a ship’s own automatic identification system (AIS) and VHF radio.

Harbour Control with the VTS, maintains a continuous service to vessels and records information from radar, CCTV, AIS, phones and VHF radio.

Reports to Harbour Control

Vessels are required to report to Harbour Control in the following circumstances:

• Notification of ETA when five miles from the Pilot Boarding Ground
• When requiring approval to enter
• When passing a reporting position
• When anchored or arrived
• If disabled, leaking, on fire or has been on fire
• If involved in collision, grounding, close quarters situation
• Notification of removal
• Notification of departure
• When requesting permission to depart
• When requesting clearance to proceed
• When commencing and completing bunker operations
• When commencing and completing work that requires a work permit
• When port safety or the environment may be compromised or the Master considers report is warranted

Contact Details

Telephone: 02 9296 4000
Email: shipping@sydneyports.com.au