Pilotage: Plain Sailing or Not in Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

Grant discusses the problems and concerns which emerge in the everyday life of a pilot in Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef. As a prelude to this, Grant refers to the history of pilotage around the Torres Strait and the Great Barrier Reef, the entry requirements for pilots in the modern day, problems for pilots, and the main shipping routes in the Reef.

As Grant explains, the increased amount of unpiloted traffic and therefore an increase in strandings and near collisions has caused the most serious risk to shipping and the environment, for various reasons. Risks to the marine environment are considered. The author recommends that part or all of the Great Barrier Reef region should be declared a compulsory pilotage area by the Australian Government, and considers the possible ramifications of this.