Steer clear of big ships in the Rip
by VRFish 28 Feb 23:37 UTC
Kingys © VRFish
Port Phillip is a hotspot for anglers targeting yellowtail kingfish, drawing recfishers to its waters for exciting fishing adventures with friends and family.
Kingys are a prized sports fish that put on a good fight and are growing in popularity with Victorian recfishers. A renowned kingfish fishing spot, the Rip presents both opportunities and challenges due to its dual role as a prime fishing ground and a busy shipping channel.
The Rip, situated at the entrance to Port Phillip, serves as a crucial pathway for large commercial vessels traveling to and from Melbourne and Geelong ports. This area has seen a surge in recreational fishing activity, attributed to the resurgence of kingfish populations in recent years and the presence of 'canyons' that create ideal structure for kingfish.
Anglers can fish for yellowtail kingfish in Port Phillip and along the Victorian coast. The summer and autumn months are considered peak season when the water temperatures are most favourable to target the species.
VRFish promote safety when fishing in the rip through the Steer Clear in the Rip campaign. Steer Clear in the Rip encourages fishers and boaters to remain vigilant in Port Phillip by steering clear of large ships in the rip area.
Port Phillip is filled with commercial ships often including container ships, car carriers and cruise ships at all hours of the day and night. For recreational users, it is important to ensure that you keep clear of the ship's path and can be seen at all times. Small boats, jet skis, paddle boards are all very difficult to see from the ship's bridge and their typical line of site is shown in the image below.
Ships can weigh more than 150,000 tonnes and cannot change course suddenly. They often are travelling faster than you think.
If an approaching big ship is blowing it's whistle, it is signalling for you to move out of its way. Big ships do not have the capacity to quickly manoeuvre or stop suddenly like small boats and the ship's speed may be faster than it appears. For your safety as well as other water users, steer clear of big ships.
Steer clear of ships in the Rip
For those fishing in Port Phillip, it is important to remember to Steer Clear of the Ships in the Rip, to ensure the safety of all fishers within the area. Any recreational fishers who fish within the Port Phillip area should familiarise themselves with the following tips to safely and responsibly enjoy all that Port Phillip has to offer.
- Anchoring and trolling in the rip is extremely dangerous.
- The Rip in Port Phillip is a high traffic area for ships.
- Don't leave it too late.
- If you cannot see the ship's bridge they cannot see you.
- Steer clear of ships at all times.
- Ships cannot alter course in the rip.
- Penalties may apply.
The transit only zone
The Transit Only Zone (TOZ) can only be used a transit route. A vessel must not be anchored or allowed to drift in the TOZ. Please keep to the landside of the TOZ beacons which have a yellow cross on top. Penalties apply.
- Covers the Port Melbourne Channel south of Breakwater Pier, the water approximately 500 metres to the west and 200 metres to the east of that channel.
- Includes the Eastern By-Pass Channel and the Western By-Pass Channel (beside the Port Melbourne Channel).
- Extends approximately 3 nautical miles to the south of Fawkner Beacon.
Rip tour of Port Phillip Heads
Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) are hosting their annual Rip Tour of Port Phillip Heads which is a great opportunity for recfishers to learn more about boating in the rip.
Once a year, the ORCV run this incredibly popular on-water tour of the Port Phillip heads. Guests will learn about tidal flows, correct use of channels, how to safely transit the Rip of Port Phillip Heads and so much more.
The 2025 tour will be held on Sunday 16 March and you can join the tour from either Sorrento or Queenscliff. For more information, visit the ORCV website here.