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                    Commercial berthing in Docklands

                    Melbourne city Marina and Marvel stadium
                    A commercial vessel is a watercraft that transports cargo, or carries passengers for hire on a chartered, skippered or crewed vessel.

                    ​​​​​​​Since 1 July 2018 the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the one point of contact for domestic commercial vessels and crew. Vessel owners and operators must make sure vessels are compliant with Australian standards and regulations. Mandatory safety requirements must be fulfilled. ​To find out more about the transition to the national system visit Domestic commercial vessels​.​

                    In the past decade, Domestic Commercial Vessels (DCV) have contributed greatly to the vibrancy and activation of Melbourne’s waterways, connecting many people with the water who likely wouldn’t be able to otherwise. DVCs are a vital component of public-based water activities and transportation for both Melbournians and tourists. They offer a colourful and animated hub of activity within the Docklands waterways all year round. 

                    All DCVs requiring to berth at Docklands require a ‘Permit to Berth’ under part 8.2 of the Activities Local Law 2019. 

                    What permit or licence do I need? ​

                    If you have a business that floats or you’d like to set one up in the Docklands, contact the Waterways Office on 03 9658 8738 to find out the most suitable berthing options for you. 

                    Commercial berthing permits: short-term permits

                    A short-term permit to berth may be issued to commercial vessels, barges, pile drivers etc. It allows a berth for no longer than three months, provided a suitable berth is available. Permits may be renewed for additional periods provided that the berth area is available.

                    A short-term berthing permit may also be issued for an interim period to commercial vessels seeking longer term berthing such as a Crown Land Licence (CLL).

                    Short-term berthing fees are payable in advance. A short term permit to berth is non-exclusive. 

                    When there is high demand and berthing spaces are limited, City of Melbourne at its discretion, can request the removal of a vessel upon permit expiry, or relocate the vessel during the permit period to an alternative berth. 

                    Apply for a short-term permit to berth by contacting the waterways office on 03 9658 8738.

                    Crown Land Licence: long–term permits

                    Longer term berthing is allowed under a Crown Land Licence (CLL) pursuant to the Crown Land Reserves Act 1978. A CLL may be issued to a suitable commercial vessel able to fulfil the application requirements, for a period up to three years only. 

                    Berthing fees are reviewed each financial year, and are invoiced quarterly in advance with a 30-day payment term.

                    A CLL is non-exclusive, and each Licence has a ‘development clause’ that allows Council to either relocate the licenced vessel, or to terminate the agreement, upon notice from Development Victoria if a berth or wharf area is scheduled for development.

                    Approved applications will be issued a CLL, accompanied by a set of trading and berthing conditions. The trading conditions set out the minimum standards of behaviour and compliance for operating as a commercial vessel and berthing within Victoria Harbour. These conditions ensure consistent operating standards are applied to berth areas and set out procedures for berthing against specific infrastructures, reflecting the changing conditions of undeveloped wharf areas. They allow Council to confirm if vessel operators comply with land use regulations and terms and conditions that have been imposed by various agencies. 

                    For more information see Crown Land License Berthing Conditions (PDF 195 KB). 

                    To apply for a Crown Land Licence, contact the waterways office on 03 9658 8738.

                    Crown Land Licence Process

                    1. Enquiry for berth/ preliminary assessment of potential licensee about suitability and possible berthing location.
                      Waterways office provides relevant berthing application form. (Proposed time frame: 1 hour)
                    2. Submission of completed application form and supporting documents by applicant for Council’s assessment.
                      (Proposed time frame: As and when submitted).
                    3. Assessment of application. Application approved / rejected.
                      (Proposed time frame: 3 weeks from receipt of submission).
                    4. Issuance of a permit to berth with payments received, or a Crown Land Licence upon application requirements met.
                      (Proposed time frame: 2 weeks upon application approval)
                    For further information on commercial vessel certifications, visit Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
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