Boating, Ports and Jetties

Barwon Coast is appointed by the Department of Transport under the Port Management Act 1995 as the Port Manager for the Local Port of Barwon Heads.
As Port Manager, we are responsible for overseeing safe port operations, including:
Managing boating activity

• Maintaining the navigable channel and navigational aids
• Providing and maintaining port infrastructure (wharves, jetties, moorings)
• Conducting regular hydrographic surveys to monitor water depths
• Allocating and managing moorings within the port

Navigating the Barwon River Bar – Safety Warning

Crossing the Barwon River Bar is a high-risk activity and should not be taken lightly. Serious injury or loss of life can occur in poor conditions.

Before Attempting a Crossing:

• Check weather, wind, tide, and swell forecasts in the days before and on the day of your trip.
• Visit www.bom.gov.au for up-to-date coastal weather conditions and warnings.
• Understand navigational aids (beacons, buoys, sector lights, and leads).
• Be aware that strong winds and swell can obscure or close off the bar entrance with breaking surf.
• Ebb tides can significantly worsen sea conditions, increasing the risk of swamping or capsize.
• Low visibility due to fog, sun glare, or low light can make navigating the bar extremely dangerous.
• Lifejackets are compulsory for all river bar crossings in Victoria.
• Be flexible — don’t go out just because it’s planned. If in doubt, choose a safer area such as the waters north of the Barwon Heads vehicle bridge, Corio Bay, or Port Phillip Bay.

“If in doubt, don’t go out.”

Safety and Environment Management Plan (SEMP)

The Local Port of Barwon Heads Safety and Environment Management Plan (SEMP) is a comprehensive framework used to assess and manage risks related to safety and environmental protection.
The SEMP addresses:

• Activities under the direct control of the Port
• Activities where the Port has influence (e.g. public use and operator behaviour)

The plan ensures that significant safety and environmental risks are identified and appropriately managed in line with legislative and regulatory requirements.

Navigational Aids

Navigation aids are a fixed or floating structure used to assist vessel operators in safe navigation of port waters. Common types of navigational aids indicate navigable channels, safe water and dangers.
Barwon Coast owns and maintains approximately 25 lit navigational aids within its area of jurisdiction.

Please report any safety issues to Barwon Coast.

Report an issue