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.