Mackay Port Authority
Mackay Seaport
Mackay Airport
About Mackay Seaport
Port Notices and Information
4. Port Control
4.1 Reception and accommodation of ships & small craft
4.1.1 Reception and Controls Generally
An owner, Master or other person for the time being in control of a ship must comply with the Authority's procedures and the directions of Authorised Officers in relation to the allocation of wharves, mooring, movement, removal and control of ships and small craft in the port.
An Authorised Officer who has grounds to believe that a ship is moored in contravention of a Port Notice or direction of an Authorised Officer, may take steps to effect the relocation of the ship at the expense of the owner, agent, Master or person for the time being in control of the ship.
4.1.2 Agent to be Appointed
An agent is to be appointed and the Authority is to be notified, in writing, before the ship enters the port for mooring at the commercial wharves of the port.
4.1.3 Mooring Notification
An owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship is not to moor a ship inside the port without first notifying the Authority.
4.1.4 Gangway Access to Ships – Safety
The Master of a ship is to maintain safe and secure access to the ship for crew, passengers, visitors, contractors and Authority employees in accordance with the Navigation Act 1912.
4.1.5 Unusual Circumstances
An owner, Master or other person for the time being in control of a ship, shall not bring a ship into the port where any of the following circumstances pertain, unless the permission of the Regional Harbour Master and the Authority has first been obtained:
- (a) The ship or any part of its cargo is on fire;
- (b) The vessel is carrying cargo which includes dangerous goods and fire has occurred on the ship within the previous twenty-four (24) hours;
- (c) The ship or its cargo is in a condition which may endanger safety or navigation in the port; or,
- (d) The ship or its cargo is in a condition that poses a risk to the environment of the port or is causing damage to the environment.
4.1.6 Ships Leaving Port Without Clearance
An owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship moored to a wharf must not put to sea without first obtaining clearance from the Authority.
4.1.7 Communication
Ships moored to a wharf must have a means of communicating with the Authority's Port Control during an emergency.
4.1.8 Channels and Swing Basins
An owner, Master or other person for the time being in control of a ship including small craft, must not allow it to anchor, trawl, moor, lie or obstruct any channel, swing basin or small craft facility or other areas under the control of the Authority. This is to include trawl or stabiliser booms which must be turned in and secured at all times in the port.
4.1.9 Moorings
Mooring of ships must be to bollards, hooks, rings, dolphins or mooring piles provided for that purpose and designated by the Authority. It is an offence to moor a ship in any other manner.
4.1.10 Rafting
Ships may be rafted only with the permission of the Regional Harbour Master. The Authority is to be advised of this permission. It is an offence to raft a ship without permission and without notifying the Authority.
4.1.11 Movement without Notice
The owner, Master or other person for the time being in control of a ship that is moored to a wharf must ensure that the ship can be moved immediately if directed by an Authorised Officer or the Regional Harbour Master.
4.1.12 Ships Not to be Immobilised
An owner, Master or other person for the time being in control of a ship, must not allow the ship to be immobilised within the port without first obtaining the written permission of the Regional Harbour Master and the Authority.
4.1.13 Propellers Not to be Operated at a Wharf
An owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship moored at a commercial wharf, must not allow the ship's propellers to be operated while the ship is moored at a wharf without first obtaining permission of the Authority and the Regional Harbour Master.
4.1.14 Bollard Pulls (Warping)
A ship moored at a wharf is not to be moved more than sixty (60) metres from its original wharf position without first obtaining the permission of the Regional Harbour Master and the Authority.
4.1.15 Rat Guards
It is an offence for an owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship not to attach and maintain rat guards in place to mooring lines whilst a ship is moored to a wharf.
4.1.16 Services to Ships
Services to ships (including power and water services) are to be provided in accordance with all relevant Regulations, International Maritime Organisation conventions and agreed protocols.
An owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship must comply with these procedures.
4.1.17 Bunkers
An owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship must not permit bunkering operations without first obtaining the permission of the Authority.
4.2 Wharf Restrictions
4.2.1 No. 1 Wharf
- 4.2.1.1 Special Precautions During the Manoeuvre of Ships in the Harbour Masters of ships at No. 1 Wharf shall be notified by Port Control of impending ship movements in the harbour. Having been duly notified, Masters of ships at No. 1 Wharf should:
- (a) Ensure that ship moorings are secure and attended.
- (b) Ensure that shore connections are secure and attended.
- (c) Ensure that gangways are secure and attended.
- (d) Ensure that a notice prohibiting the approach of other vessels closer than thirty (30) metres is prominently displayed .
- 4.2.1.2 Sources of Ignition
It is an offence for a person to possess or operate a source or potential source of ignition within 30 metres above, below or alongside No. 1 Wharf whilst a tanker is moored to the wharf. Prior to entry on No. 1 Wharf, ignition sources including lighters, matches, firearms, mobile phones and other electronic devices (unless intrinsically safe) are to be left with the watchman at the entrance of No. 1 Wharf. A register recording each person's name and organisation is to be signed at the time of entering and leaving No. 1 Wharf. This Notice applies while a ship carrying flammable cargo is moored at No. 1 Wharf. - 4.2.1.3 Authorised Access
It is an offence for an unauthorised person to be on No. 1 Wharf whilst a tanker is moored to the wharf. - 4.2.1.4 Vehicles Prohibited
It is an offence for a vehicle to be on No. 1 Wharf whilst a tanker is moored at the wharf unless modified to approved standards. - 4.2.1.5 Dangerous Goods
Under no circumstances are dangerous goods to be bought into the port without first obtaining written approval from the Authority. Whenever possible ships that are discharging or loading these products, must discharge or load the product first. If this is not possible, written permission must be obtained from the Regional Harbour Master and the Authority.
It is expressly forbidden for the following products to be handled within the port of Mackay in quantities greater than 500kg:- Ammonium Nitrate,
- Oxidising Liquids Class 5.1 (excluding Sulphuric Acid),
- Calcium Hypochlorite; and
- Dangerous Goods classified as packaging group 1
4.3 Movement / Handling / Storage of goods
4.3.1 Assumption of Risk
Owners of property, goods, cargoes or other assets bring them into and leave them in the port at their own risk. The Authority accepts no responsibility for any damage to such property and the owner must take all necessary steps to protect or preserve their property.
4.3.2 Prohibited to Load / Unload
The Authority may prohibit the loading or unloading of goods unless the goods are accompanied by a manifest of cargo or Bill of Lading. It is an offence for an owner, Master or person controlling the business of the ship to load or unload goods which are prohibited by the Authority, or which are not accompanied by a manifest of cargo or Bill or Lading.
4.3.3 Manifests to be Lodged
An agent or Master or person controlling the business of a ship moored to a wharf must lodge with the Authority a true and accurate manifest of goods to be loaded, unloaded or transhipped within two days prior to berthing or after departure of the ship.
4.3.4 Goods Not to be Left
A person must not permit goods to be stored or to remain in an area under the control of the Authority, without first obtaining the approval of the Authority.
4.3.5 Collection Without Authority
A person must not remove goods stored with the approval of the Authority from a wharf, warehouse or place under the control of the Authority, unless acting on the Authority of a Bill of Lading or written authority of the owner of the goods.
4.3.6 Wharf Loadings
A person must not discharge or place any goods or cargo or drive any vehicle or plant on a wharf or warehouse in excess of the maximum permitted weight in the area. All oversize and / or overweight cargo, vehicles or plant are to be notified to the Authority not less than one week prior to placing or moving such items within the port.
4.3.7 Fumigation
Fumigation to a cargo transport unit or goods in the port or land under the control of the Authority, must not commence without first obtaining the permission of the Authority.
4.3.8 Dangerous Goods
Written permission from the Authority must be obtained at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to moving, handling or storing dangerous goods on or throughout the port including small craft facilities.
4.4 Waste / Maintenance
4.4.1 Waste
- 4.4.1.1 Waste – Rubbish, Refuse, Sewage, Galley Waste, Grey Water, etc
It is an offence for a person to discard, dispose of or leave rubbish, refuse, sewage, waste of any kind (including galley), waste water or other liquid waste in the port unless it is in a controlled manner in authorised and designated areas or through approved services. - 4.4.1.2 Waste (Quarantine)
Ships moored to a wharf must engage waste collection services for the disposal of waste at least once per day, unless exempt by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service. Quarantine waste from ships moored to wharves must be kept in sealed plastic bags or secure containers on board the vessel until arrival of the collection vehicle. Waste is then to be delivered to the collection vehicle. - 4.4.1.3 Ballast Water
It is an offence for a ship's owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship, to allow ballast water to be discharged from a ship in contravention of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Guidelines for Preventing the Introduction of Unwanted Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens from Ship's Ballast Water and Sediment Discharges (IMO Resolution 4774(18)), or the Australian Domestic Ballast Water Guidelines. Ballast water is not to be discharged onto any wharf area.
4.4.2 Maintenance
- 4.4.2.1 Hot works – Burning, Welding, etc
Approval must be obtained in writing from the Authority before carrying out any burning, welding, riveting or similar operations within the port area, or on board vessels. This includes use of naked flames. - 4.4.2.2 Repairs
It is an offence for a ship Owner, Master or person in charge of a ship to carry out major repairs or like operations on any ship in the port without first obtaining approval from the Authority. - 4.4.2.3 Cleaning of Ship's Hull
An owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship, must not allow cleaning, washing, blasting, scraping, painting or other waste water or commence any other like operation on a ship's hull in the port without first obtaining permission from the Authority.
4.5 Property
4.5.1 Property of Mackay Port Authority Not to be Interfered With (Individual)
It is an offence to damage any property of the Authority, including traffic control signs, port notices or other erected signs anywhere in the port. A person committing such an offence will be liable for all costs associated with repairing the damage or replacing the item.
4.5.2 Liability for Damage to Port Facilities and Infrastructure (Ship)
It is an offence for the owner, Master or person for the time being in control of a ship to cause, allow or permit a ship to damage port facilities or infrastructure. In addition, liability falls jointly and severally on the owner, Master, agent or person for the time being in control of a ship which causes damage to port facilities or infrastructure for the full cost of the repair or replacement of the damaged port facility or infrastructure. The Authority may require payment in advance for such repair costs by way of bond or cash deposit be lodged with the Authority prior to the vessel departing the port.
4.5.3 Liability for Damage to Port Facilities and Infrastructure (Vehicle / Plant / Equipment, etc)
An operator / driver or person in charge is not permitted to allow a vehicle or piece of equipment / plant or other such item to cause damage to port facilities or infrastructure. The offence is committed jointly by the operator / driver, the owner and person in charge.
In addition, liability falls jointly and severally on the operator / driver, owner, person in charge and any person making themselves liable for all costs associated for repairing or replacing any damaged facility or infrastructure.
4.5.4 Liability for Floating or Submerged Material
It is not permitted to cause or allow any material or object, whether floating or submerged, to cause damage to port facilities or infrastructure or to other property of the Authority or assets of other port and small craft facility users.
In addition, the owner, Master, agent or person for the time being in control of a ship responsible for floating or submerged material who causes or allows damage to port facilities or infrastructure shall be liable for the full cost of the repair or replacement of port facility or infrastructure.
4.5.5 Buoys
It is not permitted for a buoy mooring to be cast, placed or left upon any part of the sea bed of the port without first obtaining the permission in writing of the Regional Harbour Master and the Authority.
4.5.6 Abandoned Property
A person may not leave or abandon material or property within the port area.
4.5.7 Position / Placing / Erecting
It is an offence to place / position materials, objects or structure or to erect structures or signs in the port area unless authorised by the Authority.
Materials, objects or structures that are not authorised or exempted, may be relocated, dismantled or disposed of at the discretion of the Authority. Any costs involved are recoverable from the party that erected / placed such structures or signs.
4.5.8 Removal of Sand and Gravel or Other Material
Ballast, rock, stone, shingle, gravel, sand, clay, earth or other material from a foreshore, seabed or any other land in the port must not be removed without first obtaining the permission in writing from the Authority. Removal of material from the port may be subject to charges.
4.6 Traffic Control
4.6.1 Traffic Act, 1949
Vehicular traffic and parking in the port is regulated. The standard laid down by the Traffic Act 1949 and subsequent amendments is used as the standard for the port.
4.6.2 Traffic Signs / Markings
A person who fails to comply with a traffic sign / marking in the port area commits an offence.
4.6.3 Parking Areas
A person shall not park a vehicle other than in a designated parking area.
4.6.4 Priority at Level Crossings
Motor vehicle drivers must yield right-of-way to trains at level crossings in the port.
4.6.5 Loads to be Secured and Covered
All vehicles entering or transiting the port must be covered and / or secured to prevent spillage. Failure to do so is an offence.
4.6.6 Spills to be Cleaned Up
Any load or part thereof which falls or spills from the vehicle must be removed or cleaned up immediately to the satisfaction of the Authority. Failure to do so constitutes an offence.
4.6.7 Off-Road Operation of Vehicles
It is an offence to drive other than on a formed or gazetted road unless authorised to do so.
4.6.8 Oversize / Overweight Vehicles / Plant / Equipment
It is an offence to move within or transit through the port any oversize or overweight vehicle, equipment or plant without first obtaining permission and conditions from the Authority.
4.7 General
4.7.1 Clothing and Footwear
The following protective clothing, as a minimum, shall be worn on all work sites within the port, including wharves, construction sites, where ships are being worked, where plant and machinery is being operated and wherever indicated by the person or authority in control of a workplace:
- (a) Protective footwear manufactured to the relevant Australian Standard
- (b) High visibility clothing or vests
- (c) Hard hats
- (d) Other specific equipment and clothing as required or indicated is to be used or applicable such as respirators, eye protection, breathing apparatus, etc.
4.7.2 Plant and Equipment
It is an offence for a person to permit the operation of a crane, forklift, mobile scaffolding, work platforms or other items of plant or equipment that does not conform with the relevant laws, regulations, standards and specifications.
A person operating a crane or other plant and equipment must ensure that it is at all times in proper working order and will not adversely affect the safe operations of the port. Entry to or use in the Port could be refused by an Authorised Officer.
4.7.3 Qualified Operators of Plant
Crane, forklift, plant and equipment operators must be competent and qualified to operate the item in the port and have the relevant licence or certificate of competency. It is an offence for an unqualified person to operate plant and / or equipment within the port.
4.7.4 Prescribed Occupations
A person shall not perform work in a prescribed occupation as defined in Schedule 5 of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 1997 unless they are a trainee or hold a licence issued by the Division of Workplace Health and Safety. These occupations include:
- (a) Scaffolder / rigger
- (b) Dogman
- (c) Boiler operators
- (d) Demolisher
- (e) Asbestos removalists etc.
It is an offence to carry out these prescribed occupations in the port without the applicable licence. The individual will be prevented from carrying out the occupation and may be directed to leave the port area.
4.7.5 Electrical Work / Installations
All electrical work, installations and repairs are to be carried out by a licensed electrician. No work is to be carried out on or connections made to distribution boards and circuits under the Authority's control without written approval of the Authority. It is an offence to contravene this rule. Any work carried out contrary to this rule could result in the organisation responsible being required to remove or upgrade the installation or work at their own cost.
4.7.6 Underwater Air-Breathing Operations
It is an offence for a person to commence an underwater air breathing operation or other diving activities in the port without first obtaining the permission of the Authority and Regional Harbour Master. All diving operations are to comply with Australian Standard AS2299-1995. Recreational diving is prohibited within the Port area.
4.7.7 Emergency and Life Saving Equipment
It is an offence for a person to tamper or interfere with in any way, remove or obstruct access to life-saving apparatus or emergency equipment / apparatus except for maintenance purposes or to use it in life threatening situations.
4.7.8 Smoking
It is an offence for a person to smoke in areas designated as No Smoking areas, in a ship's hold, within six (6) metres of an open hatchway of a ship moored to a commercial wharf or near any flammable area.
4.7.9 Fire / Explosion Prevention
All persons within the port and small craft facilities must take all precaution and responses to prevent fires and explosions occurring in the port. It is an offence to not take these precautions or all reasonable steps to prevent fires and explosions.
4.7.10 Weapons Not to Be Carried in the Port Area
No person other than an officer of the Queensland Police Service, Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs, Defence Force or licensed Security agent personnel on duty and in uniform will carry a firearm of any kind, including replica firearms, into or through the port.
4.7.11 Weapons, Flares and Pyrotechnics
No person will discharge a weapon, flare or pyrotechnic within the port except with the prior approval of the Authority or in an emergency.
4.7.12 DOGS
Dogs are not permitted on wharfs, access roads, construction or reclamation sites within the port area except where the dog is:
- (a) A trained guide dog or hearing dog for a disabled person
- (b) controlled by the Australian Defence Force
- (c) controlled by a Government Agency
- (b) controlled by a Licensed Security Agency
4.8 Recreation
4.8.1 Fishing Prohibited from Wharves and Structures
It is an offence for a person to fish from, on or below a wharf or other structure in the port.
4.8.2 Fishing Restricted in Port Waters
It is an offence for a person to fish from a vessel, or by any other means, in the waters of the area designated as being part of the Security Regulated Port.
4.8.3 Swimming Restricted in Port Waters
It is an offence for a person to swim in the waters of the port or to dive from a wharf, port facility, ship or jetty.
4.8.4 Removal of Rubbish
It is an offence for a person not to remove all waste and rubbish caused as a result of their use of small craft facilities, boat ramps or jetties within the port area.
Kommo Toera Trail
The Kommo Toera Trail is a "Water Walk Trail" that meanders through the wetlands of the Port Conservation Area.
Discover the fantastic selection of flora and fauna that inhabits this lovely sanctuary that exists only minutes away from the City Heart.
MSIC
