Wales Channel News

According to the Australian Reef Pilots (ARP), Australia is now the fourth biggest cruise market in the world. Part of the boom in cruising has to do with more specialty cruise ships coming to the region. The smaller size cruise ship segment seems purpose-designed to transit the remote waters of the Kimberley coast. However, larger-vessel cruise companies are now expressing interest in touring this remote and rugged north-west region as well as the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, the number of cruise ships using ARP’s services has increased by more than 89 percent since 2010.

The IMO-adopted ship routeing measure to enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation and protect the region’s sensitive marine environment will come into effect at 0000 UTC on 1st December 2014. The two-way route aims to reduce the risk of collisions and groundings by separating opposing streams (e.g. north and south-bound) of traffic and encourage ships to follow well-defined lanes. The route will also help ensure ships keep clear of the numerous shoals, reefs and islands that lie close outside, particularly in the northern portion of the GBR and Torres Strait. The IMO-adopted two-way route extends from the western end of Torres Strait, through the Prince of Wales Channel, the GBR Inner Route and terminates at the southern boundary of the GBR Marine Park (see chartlet attached).

Australian Reef Pilots (ARP) popularly known as 'Guardians of the Reef' and the country's leading pilotage company has won a national accolade for its work to protect one of the planet’s most sensitive and treasured areas – the Great Barrier Reef. ARP picked up this year’s esteemed Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Award (Safe Transport Category). Chief Executive Officer Simon Meyjes said the award recognised ARP’s unique world-class Safety Management System (SMS).“Our SMS gives access to real-time information on pilot schedules…