Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay are both working harbours and areas of great recreational boating enjoyment.
Safe navigation in the port area is maintained through an ongoing process of risk evaluation and mitigation of which pilotage, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and port procedures are all integral components.
Port charges
There are applicable statutory and non-statutory charges at Sydney Harbour. Such charges are levied to all commercial vessels, including cargo and passenger vessels, piloted fishing vessels, research vessels and piloted tugs.
Dangerous goods
Port Authority of New South Wales has the responsibility under legislation to control the conditions under which dangerous and hazardous goods are handled or kept in defined port operational areas.
Pilotage and Harbour Master's Directions
Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels 30m and over in length, unless exempted under section 75 of the Marine Safety Act 1998.
Vessel Traffic Services - VTS
The Port Authority of New South Wales provides a Vessel Traffic Service with the call sign, 'Sydney VTS' which monitors the movement of participating vessels within the VTS area of Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay.
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Certificate of Local KnowledgeCertificates of Local Knowledge (COLK) are issued under the Marine Safety Act. The requirements for the issue of a Certificate of Local Knowledge are detailed in Marine Safety Regulation and NSW Marine Pilotage Code.Read more
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Marine Pilot Exemption CertificateMarine Pilotage Exemption Certificates (MPEC) are issued under the Marine Safety Act. The requirements for the issue of a Marine Pilotage Exemption Certificate are detailed in Marine Safety Regulation and NSW Marine Pilotage Code.Read more