At the time of the grounding, the protections afforded by some of the measures currently employed in the more northern sections of the GBR were not in place in the sea area off Gladstone.
AMSA has considered the case for extending compulsory pilotage and REEFVTS and has stated to the minister that REEFVTS is the most viable option to improve safe navigation in the area of the GBR off Gladstone.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has advised the ATSB that, following a review of the protection arrangements within the Great Barrier Reef, the coverage of REEFVTS will be extended to the southern boundary of the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area. This will include the sea area off Gladstone and implementation will be effective from 1 July 2011.
The ATSB is satisfied that the proposed action taken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority adequately addresses this safety issue.
