Upcoming Events

Melbourne to Devonport Rudder Cup

Friday, 3 Nov 2023 - Saturday, 4 Nov 2023
Time: 06:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Location: Queenscliff

Safety & Sea Survival Course Full & Refresher Course

Sunday, 19 Nov 2023
Time: 08:15 am - 05:00 pm
Location: Wesley College

West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint Race 2

Saturday, 25 Nov 2023
Time: 07:00 am - 05:00 pm
Location: The Heads, Port Phillip Bay

Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster

Wednesday, 27 Dec 2023 - Friday, 29 Dec 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:01 pm
Location: Portsea Pier

Rip Tour of Port Phillip Heads

Sunday, 24 Mar 2024
Time: 09:45 am - 11:00 pm
Location: The Heads, Port Phillip Bay

West Offshore Products Coastal Sprint 3

Saturday, 20 Apr 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 05:00 pm
Location: The Heads, Port Phillip Bay

Rip Tour

Port Phillip Heads 

Transiting Port Philip Heads requires preparation and a well-prepared boat and crew with knowledge of:
  • Life jackets are required to be worn by law in the Port Phillip Heads designated hazardous area

  • The weather        )

  • The sea state      ) Refer to QR Codes on ORCV Rip Tour Guide

  • The tidal flow      ) 

  • Shipping movements: Refer to QR Code on ORCV Rip Tour Guide and Radio Call to Lonsdale VTS prior to entry or exit on VHF 12
  • Knowledge and experience of the Rip

  • How to keep clear of shipping 

  • Knowledge of navigation aids and their light characteristics 

  • A route on an electronic navigational tool, preferably on the boat plotter, tablet or a phone 

  • It is recommended that you use the same exclusion zone that the ORCV uses in its races, as it will keep you out of a ship's way

 

Marine Safety Victoria

Port Phillip Heads (the waters within a radius of three nautical miles from Point Lonsdale) is a designated hazardous area and comes within the definition of heightened risk. Lifejackets must be worn on all vessels under 12 metres. For more details:

Know the Law before you leave Shore https://wearalifejacket.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/lifejacket-laws 

Safety Alert: New definition of Port Phillip Heads 23 December, 2015 https://transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety/newsroom/new-definition-of-port-phillip-heads.

 

The Map below is a C map Chart

C Map is a charting system used on some chart plotters, and the C Map app available is on IOS and Android. This chart is useful as it clearly shows the deepest parts of the Rip.

The triangular-shaped red area is the exclusion zone, and the red line to the west keeps you out of the shallow area

 

This is an Australian Electronic Nautical chart AusENC

These are the official charts produced by the Australian Hydrographic Office and are replacements for the paper charts they once produced.

 

Clearing Bearing

This image gives a magnetic clearing line if your instruments fail while exiting the Heads.

 

Light Characteristics

A full description of light characteristics is available here

 

Routes 

Leaving Port Philip Bay via the West Channel

Download this file to use on your app or chart Plotter. 

HeadsExit-via-WestChannel (1).gpx

Disclaimer and Risk Warning

This file is intended as a guide only and is NOT to be used for navigation unless you have personally satisfied yourself as to its validity and that it is right for you and your vessel. The route, once confirmed by you, can be reversed for the return passage. The southern channel route does cross the South Channel – which is the main shipping route for Port Phillip, and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) must be observed. 

Shipping advice can be obtained for the South Channel and Heads movements from Lonsdale VTS by calling on VHF Channel 12.

 

Heads Exit Via the South Channel

Download this file to use on your app or chart Plotter.

HeadsExit-via-SouthChannel.gpx

Disclaimer and Risk Warning

This file is intended as a guide only and is NOT to be used for navigation unless you have personally satisfied yourself as to its validity and that it is right for you and your vessel. The route, once confirmed by you, can be reversed for the return passage. The southern channel route does cross the South Channel – which is the main shipping route for Port Phillip, and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) must be observed. 

Shipping advice can be obtained for the South Channel and Heads movements from Lonsdale VTS by calling on VHF Channel 12.

2015 ORCV Rip Tours: Sunday, 19th April and Sunday, 18th October.

In 2015 the ORCV will again be conducting practical tours of the entrance to Port Philip with expert commentary by experienced offshore navigators and yachtsmen on the following dates: Sunday, 19th April and Sunday, 18th October.

This practical, on water “show and tell” of Port Phillip Heads will appeal to all yachties and their families, the fishing and boating public and those with an interest in the history of the area.

The ORCV vessel will collect passengers from the Sorrento Pier then travel across to Queenscliff to pick up the remaining passengers. The duration of this informative tour is approximately 3 hours from Sorrento and 1 hour 30 minutes from Queenscliff.

Click HERE to register and for more information.

The Rip Tour

 

If you like to play
On Port Phillip Bay
There may come a day
When it's not all play

To deal with the Rip 
Here is a little tip
Get to know the tricks
So you can have a safe trip

You don't need to be pure
For the Bass Strait lure
To find the right cure
Sign up for our Rip Tour

Don't sit back and whine
April 7th will be fine
Now is the right time
To Sign up, on line

Rip Tour- Don't miss out!

There are still some vacancies left for the Rip Tour on Sunday 7th April 2103.

This on water educational tour of Port Phillip Heads is not to be missed. A great day out for yachties, fisherman, families. Register NOW.

 

"Rip" Tour of Port Phillip Heads.

 

Do you want to escape the restriction of our vast Port Phillip Bay and venture outside to try out some ocean sailing in Bass Strait? For this you must first know how to safely enter and exit the bay through its very narrow opening -  affectionately called "the Rip".

Find out how to get out of the bay and into Bass Strait by attending our next “Rip Tour” on Sunday the 21st of October, 2012. Make sure you are part of this informative and hands-on training session. Register now to secure your place.