THE WORLD’S LARGEST MANDATORY SHIP
reporting system in the world has just been
activated in Australian waters, following the
extension of a multi-million-dollar ship
tracking system (titled the Great Barrier Reef
and Torres Strait Vessel Traffic Service) to
cover the entire Great Barrier Reef from the
Torres Strait to Bundaberg.
It is hoped that the measure will prevent
marine accidents similar to last year’s MV
Shen Neng oil spill in the Barrier Reef.
With the extension, the system now covers
350,000 km2 of ocean along the
Queensland coast.
The system requires all large vessels
transiting through the Park, including those
carrying oil, chemicals or liquefied gas, to
regularly report their location and route to
authorities, and also tracks the progress of
each vessel by radio and satellite 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
In addition the system provides ships with
information regarding weather conditions,
and the movements of other vessels.
Meanwhile, the Federal Infrastructure and
Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, said
he plans to further strengthen Reef protection
by introducing into Parliament legislation
toughening penalties for breaches of Aussie
maritime and environmental laws.
