September 11, 2026
As the weather continues to warm up, we know more people are getting out with their friends and family to enjoy the fantastic fishing and boating opportunities across Victoria.
If you’re heading out into Port Phillip, we’re reminding boaters to remain vigilant in the bay and ensure you’re aware of large commercial ships travelling to and from the ports of Melbourne and Geelong through the shipping channels. This is particularly important if fishing the Rip which we know is a hotspot for fishers targeting yellowtail kingfish.
The Rip, situated at the entrance to Port Phillip, serves as a crucial pathway for large commercial vessels traveling to and from Melbourne and Geelong ports. Due to its dual role as a prime fishing ground and busy shipping channel, recreational fishers must ensure they keep clear of big ships.
This area has seen a surge in recreational fishing activity, attributed to the resurgence of kingfish populations in Victoria and the presence of ‘canyons’ that create ideal structure for kingfish. The summer and autumn months are considered peak season when the water temperatures are most favourable to target the species.
For recreational users, it is vital that you keep clear of the ship’s path and can be seen at all times. Small boats, jet skis, paddle boards are all very difficult to see from the ship’s bridge and big ships create a powerful wake that can be dangerous for small boat. As a reminder, vessels must not anchor or drift within the Transit Only Zone (TOZ).
If an approaching big ship is blowing it’s whistle, it’s signalling for you to move out of its way. Big ships do not have the capacity to quickly manoeuvre or stop suddenly and the ship’s speed may be faster than it appears. For your safety, as well as other water users, always ensure you steer clear of big ships.
VRFish promote safety when fishing in the rip through the Steer Clear in the Rip campaign. Steer Clear in the Rip encourages fishers and boaters to remain vigilant in Port Phillip by steering clear of large ships in the rip area.
Line of sight from a ship’s bridge via Ports Victoria
STEER CLEAR OF SHIPS IN THE RIP
Port Phillip is filled with commercial ships often including container ships, car carriers and cruise ships at all hours of the day and night. For recreational users, it is important to ensure that you keep clear of the ship’s path and can be seen at all times. Small boats, jet skis, paddle boards are all very difficult to see from the ship’s bridge and their typical line of site is shown in the image below.
Ships can weigh more than 150,000 tonnes and cannot change course suddenly. They often are travelling faster than you think.
For those fishing in Port Phillip, it is important to remember to Steer Clear of the Ships in the Rip, to ensure the safety of all fishers within the area. Any recreational fishers who fish within the Port Phillip area should familiarise themselves with the following tips to safely and responsibly enjoy all that Port Phillip has to offer.
- Anchoring and trolling in the rip is extremely dangerous.
- The Rip in Port Phillip is a high traffic area for ships.
- Don’t leave it too late.
- If you cannot see the ship’s bridge, they cannot see you.
- Steer clear of ships at all times.
- Ships cannot alter course in the rip.
- Penalties may apply.
If an approaching big ship is blowing it’s whistle, it is signalling for you to move out of its way. Big ships do not have the capacity to quickly manoeuvre or stop suddenly like small boats and the ship’s speed may be faster than it appears. For your safety as well as other water users, steer clear of big ships.
THE TRANSIT ONLY ZONE
The Transit Only Zone (TOZ) can only be used a transit route. A vessel must not be anchored or allowed to drift in the TOZ. Please keep to the landside of the TOZ beacons which have a yellow cross on top. Penalties apply.
- Covers the Port Melbourne Channel south of Breakwater Pier, the water approximately 500 metres to the west and 200 metres to the east of that channel.
- Includes the Eastern By-Pass Channel and the Western By-Pass Channel (beside the Port Melbourne Channel).
- Extends approximately 3 nautical miles to the south of Fawkner Beacon.
Please acknowledge VRFish, the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body, as the author of this article and link to our website if distributing or re-using this article. Keep up-to-date on the latest Victorian recreational fishing news on our website.
