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Posted by Dale Crisp
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02 Oct, 2026
A CLARIFICATION of roles and responsibilities in state maritime administration has seen Ports Victoria become responsible for marine pilotage while Safe Transport Victoria moves into the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
A DTP spokesperson said the changes, which took effect yesterday [1 October] would more clearly define both agencies’ functions in supporting industry and protecting workers, port users and the community.
“They will enhance Safe Transport Victoria’s role as the maritime safety regulator, Ports Victoria’s role as the operational management authority and will simplify processes and reduce duplication,” the department said.
Ports Victoria has taken over as the regulator for marine pilot licences, pilot exemption certificates and local knowledge certificates, which were previously managed by Safe Transport Victoria.
Ports Victoria is now the primary contact for applications, renewals and enquiries relating to these licences and certificates, while Safe Transport Victoria retains regulatory responsibility for its remaining maritime functions.
From 1 October, Ports Victoria is responsible for administering:
- Pilot Licences
- Pilot Exemption Certificates
- Local Knowledge Certificates
- Pilotage Service Provider registrations.
Existing licences, certificates and registrations remain valid, and holders do not need to reapply as a result of the change.
Chief operating officer Nick Ellul said that Ports Victoria was pleased to be expanding the services it delivers for marine pilots.
“Given the close relationship our operations team already has with these navigational experts, it is a natural extension of what we do and enables us to deliver an end-to-end service to these providers.
“We look forward to working with Victoria’s pilots who play an essential role in keeping Victoria’s shipping trade moving safely by providing specialist knowledge of our commercial ports in Melbourne, Geelong, Hastings and Portland.”
The DTP spokesperson said Victoria's pilotage service providers were consulted in the review and informed of the changes before 1 October. Port users were also consulted in the review.
The legislated change, part of the Transport Integration Act 2010, has been published in the Victoria Government Gazette.
The move simultaneously brings Safe Transport Victoria into the department responsible for Victoria’s transport system, giving the team access to DTP’s corporate, governance and systems support while it continues its role as the state’s transport safety regulator.
David Joyner will be the new executive director responsible for the division, with interim CEO Tracey Williams acting in that role until Mr Joyner takes up the role in December. Safe Transport Victoria remains an independent regulator and continues to regulate Victoria’s commercial passenger vehicle, bus and maritime sectors.
Industry, stakeholders and the community can continue to engage with Safe Transport Victoria through the existing website, email addresses and contact channels.
