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If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch or approach them. Follow all signs and keep your distance from wildlife.

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Victorian Notice to Mariners

The following Notice to Mariners is published for general information.

Victoria - Australia

19 October 2026

No. 481 – 2026

Local Port of Port Phillip

St Leonards

West Channel - Underwater Operations - AUV Trial

Date:

Tuesday 20th to Friday 23rd October 2026 between 0630hrs and 1830hrs.

Details:

Mariners are advised of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) trial operations off St Leonards, in the vicinity of West Channel during the dates and times noted above. 

The trials will occur in an area to the east of West Channel, bounded by the following approximate positions (WGS84) and as shown by the yellow box in the attached chartlet below. 

 Course 1: 
1. 38°11.660'S, 144°46.852'E.   2. 38°10.968'S, 144°48.070'E. 
3. 38°11.879'S, 144°48.848'E.   4. 38°12.494'S, 144°47.591'E. 

The trial will involve multiple dives of the AUV, which will be accompanied at all times by a support vessel in the vicinity. Dive flag Alpha will be shown while the AUV is submerged. 

Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the vicinity of the trial. 

Chartlet 1 – Not for Navigational Purposes
The trials will occur in the area indicated by the yellow box.
 

Relevant Law:

An exclusion zone established under the Marine Safety Act 2010 will be in force for the times that navigation is impacted throughout the works. The exclusion zone has been established under the Marine Safety Act 2010. All vessels are prohibited from entering the exclusion zone, excluding vessels involved directly in the works and Parks Victoria vessels.

Previous notice:

410(T)-2026 is referred and cancelled

Charts & Publications Affected:

AUS143, AUS157, AU439144.

Further Notice:

This Notice is self-cancelling. No further Notice will be issued.

Attachments:

If you require any further information, please contact the support vessel on 0451 547 255.

Chris Anderson

Moorings and Port Service Operations Manager

Maritime and Waterways Operations

If you wish to receive Parks Victoria issued Notice to Mariners, please email your details to noticetomariners@parks.vic.gov.au. To view Notices, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au

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