Pleasure Craft information

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)

AQIS manages quarantine controls at the nation’s borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country.

The primary function of the AQIS Seaports Program is to ensure that all vessels arriving in Australia from overseas comply with International Health Regulations and to ensure that all quarantine risks posed by a vessel are adequately managed. Vessels headed for Broome need to report to AQIS 12-96 hours before arrival.

AQIS information, forms and regulations relating to vessels can be found at: www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/avm/vessels

AQIS Broome

Tel: 08 9194 1220
Fax: 08 9193 5236
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Website: www.aqis.gov.au

Australian Customs Service

Customs inspect and clear vessels and crew arriving from and bound for overseas ports. Customs also inspect and clear foreign registered vessels arriving from and bound for Australian ports. Customs must be notified of these vessels at least 96 hours prior to arrival and departure in port. Details of all crew, passengers and cargo on board the vessel must also be reported within this time frame.

Customs House Broome

Tel: 08 9193 6999
Mob: 0419 497 015 (24 hours on-call)
Fax: 08 9193 6960
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Weather

Broome has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and warm winters. There are two distinct seasons: the ‘wet’ usually from December to March when NW–SW winds typically increase in the afternoon (15-20kts) before easing back overnight and the ‘dry’ for the remainder of the year when strong SE’ly winds are often experienced in the morning (25-30kts) before easing in the afternoon.

From October to April maximum temperatures average over 33°C while overnight minima are a typically warm 26°C in the summer months. By contrast winters are mild, with July average maximum and minimum temperatures being 26.9°C and 12.0°C respectively.

Over 75 % of the average annual rainfall falls from January to March associated with thunderstorms and tropical lows or cyclones. These mechanisms can produce heavy rain in short periods, and often a significant proportion of the yearly total can fall in just one or two days. The unreliable nature of the occurrence and movement of thunderstorms and tropical systems result in rainfall being highly variable.

Tropical cyclones capable of strong winds, high seas and heavy rain can be experienced during the months from November to April, but are most common in January and February.

Tides and Tidal Streams

Broome experiences a 10m range of tide at certain times of year. Tidal streams are complex and strong in the area with up to 5 knots experienced in the vicinity of Entrance Point. Visiting yachts are advised to plan their arrival to take into account the capabilities of their vessel and their local knowledge.

Tidal streams on the inner berths at Broome wharf flood (NNE) until approx 2 hrs before HW whereby an apparent ebb stream (SSW) flows until LW. Rates at the inner berths can reach 4 knots on spring tides. Skippers should make an assessment of the tidal stream before committing to a maneuver.

Moorings / Anchorage

All moorings at Broome (Roebuck Bay & Gantheaume Bay) are privately owned and it is an offence under the Port Authorities Regulations 2001 to use a mooring without the permission of the Broome Port Authority (BrPA)(Penalty $5000). Visitors are advised to contact BrPA on +61 08 9194 3100 in advance for a list of available moorings for hire. Costs of hire are of a matter of negotiation between the mooring owner and hirer, once agreed an ‘additional vessel on an existing mooring’ form should be completed and signed and submitted with a copy of a valid insurance certificate of currency.

In Roebuck Bay anchorage can be sought to the NE of the “no anchoring area” as marked on chart AUS 51. As a visual guide vessels must anchor NE of the Port Tug “Fitzroy Star” moored close to this limit. Vessels should keep a close watch on weather forecasts as strong SE’ly winds can cause vessels to drag into adjacent mooring areas. Shelter from SE’ly winds can be gained from anchoring off Cable Beach. Vessels should remain well to the north of the mooring area at Gantheaume as dangerous reefs exist during certain states of tide in this area and skippers should make adequate allowance for the range of tide during their stay.

Pilotage

In accordance with the Port Authorities Act (1999) and Port Authorities Regulations (2001), pilotage is compulsory for pleasure craft registered 150 Gross tonnes or more. Bookings should be forwarded at least 48 hours in advance of the requirement to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it tel +61 08 9194 3100. Vessels where pilotage is applicable must not navigate N of Channel Rock Beacon without a pilot embarked.

NB Charges for pilotage apply as per fees and charges which are available on the Doing Business Page. E.g. A yacht would incur a total fee of $5,366.91 inc GST for pilotage in and out [ref 2011/12 schedule].

Berth Bookings / Fueling Requirements

If a visiting yacht wishes to come alongside the wharf for the purposes of re-fueling the following procedures need to be completed:

Attend the operations office to complete and sign a credit application form.
Complete a berth booking form
Complete a bunker permit
Contact West Kimberley Fuels Pty Ltd (08) 9192 1357 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to organise personnel to operate fuel bowser on wharf.

NB Charges apply for berthage (per day) as per fees and charges. E.g. a 10m yacht would incur a fee of $89.50 inc GST [ref 2010/11 schedule]. Due to congestion vessels can only remain alongside whilst fueling / storing.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Personnel on the Broome wharf or in work areas are to wear appropriate PPE at all times. The minimum requirement consists of:

• High visibility clothing;
• Safety Boots;
• Hard hat; and
• Safety glasses.

Port Security Requirements

Broome Port is a Security Regulated Port and is required to comply with the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act (2003) and Regulations (2005). Under the Act and Regulations, a port has defined landside and waterside restricted zones for implementation at different security levels.

1. Landside Restricted Zone

BrPA Landside Restricted Zone commences at the security gatehouse and includes all of the wharf link road and the wharf, with the exception of the public access walkway on the south side of the wharf link road.

2. Waterside Restricted Zones

A Waterside Restricted Zone (30m from wharf or vessel moored to wharf) may be activated from time to time. Typically, these activations will coincide with the visits of certain types of vessel, specifically Cruise Ships, Warships and Product Tankers. These zones may be randomly patrolled when active and severe penalties apply for vessels that encroach upon this zone without authorization.

3. Waterside Exclusion Zone

An exclusion zone is permanently in force for a distance of 30 metres around all parts of the wharf and vessels alongside. This zone is enforced in accordance with the Port Authorities Act and Regulations.

4. Access to Security Zones

Persons accessing Landside and Waterside Restricted zones must have a valid reason for doing so and must be in possession of a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) or be under escort of a person with a MSIC.

5. Access to Broome Jetty

Persons will not be allowed access to Broome Jetty unless they are in possession of:

MSIC; and

Port Induction Pass.

Persons without these cards must be continuously under the escort of a person with these cards at all times while within the Landside Restricted Zone. Persons who frequently access the wharf are required to obtain these cards or their access will be declined.

Useful Numbers

More detailed information regarding port procedures and information can be found in the Broome Port Authority Port and Terminal Handbook.

A copy of the Broome regional boat guide can be downloaded from - www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/mar_rb_Broome-1209.pdf