Midwest Ports Fishing Boat Harbour Specifications

The Fishing Boat Harbour (FBH) is located immediately west of the Commercial Shipping Harbour and provides berthing, service, and operational support facilities for the local commercial fishing fleet and visiting vessels.

This page outlines the technical and operational specifications applicable to vessels entering and operating within the Harbour. All vessel masters and operators are responsible for ensuring compliance with the requirements set out below and with directions issued by the Mid-West Ports Authority (MWPA).

The Harbour and associated facilities are subject to continuous security surveillance, including multiple CCTV systems and regular MWPA patrols. More detailed information regarding the Infrastructure of the FBH is available here and Permit information can be found here.

Vessel Entry Parameters

Vessels entering the Fishing Boat Harbour must comply with the maximum specifications outlined below.
Operators of vessels exceeding these limits must obtain prior approval from MWPA.

SPECIFICATION	MAXIMUM
Overall Length	34.9 metres
Draft	3.0 meters

Vessels operating with a draft greater than 3.0 metres are required to contact MWPA prior to entry for approval.

Tidal information relevant to the Fishing Boat Harbour is available from the Bureau of Meteorology and live weather can be found on MWPA Seaview.

Navigational Depths

Navigational depths within the approach channel range from 3.0 metres to 7.5 metres (Lowest Astronomical Tide – LAT).
Reduced depths may be encountered in proximity to embankments, wharves, pylons, jetties, and other harbour structures.

A current Hydrographic Survey of the Fishing Boat Harbour is available here.
Note: The survey is provided for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for navigational purposes.

Vessel Movements

All vessel movements within the Fishing Boat Harbour must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), along with any additional MWPA directions or operational requirements.

When Prior Approval Is Required

The following vessel types and activities must obtain approval from MWPA before entering the FBH:

• Vessels with Draft greater than 3.2m
• Commercial charter or passenger vessels over 20 metres
• Non-commercial vessels over 20 metres
• Any towing or shifting operation involving propelled or unpropelled vessels
• Any activity requiring the use/ transit/crossing of MWPA shipping channels for towing or similar operations.

Information Required for Approval

Operators must submit the following documentation and details for review by the Harbour Master:

Vessel & Master Requirements

• • Completed FBH Small Vessel Induction (SVI)
  • NSCV Service Category, including:
    • MO 503 – Certificate of Survey
    • MO 504 – Certificate of Operation
  • AMSA qualifications of the Master/Skipper
  • Vessel, barge, or tow structure particulars and dimensions (include photographs)

Operational & Safety Plans

• • Passage Plan (route, arrival point, departure point, safe refuge)
  • Towing Arrangement Plan, including:
    • Tow vessel and support vessel details
    • Barge/tow structure details
    • Tow length
    • Communication methods
    • Configuration plan with towing attachment drawing
  • Pre-Tow Inspection Certificate (AMSA-accredited surveyor)
  • Emergency towing procedures
  • Risk Assessment

Port Stay Details

• • Insurance certificates
  • Purpose and duration of stay within Geraldton FBH
  • Manned/unmanned status of tug and barge while berthed:
    • If manned: crew contact details, emergency contact, and response time
    • If unmanned: security arrangements and mooring plan

Pilotage Requirements

Pilotage is mandatory for:

• Vessels over 35 metres, and
• Any towage operation using MWPA shipping channels where the combined length of the vessel and tow exceeds 35 metres
• The Harbour Master may impose pilotage requirements for specific operations on a case-by-case basis.

Further details on pilotage can be found here on our website.

MWPA reserves the right to levy Pilot Boat Hire Charges for pilotage movements even if the pilot does not board the vessel, in line with our Schedule of Port Fees and Charges.

Pen Specifications

The Fishing Boat Harbour comprises of various size pens, available for both permanent and short-term occupancy. Pens are located along the north-western and south-eastern sections of the Harbour.

SPECIFICATION	MAXIMUM
Vessel Length	25 metres
Beam	6.5 metres (widest single pen)
Draft	3.0 metres (Note:  depths as shallow as 1.5 metres occur in certain pens)
Displacement (Tonnage)	140 tonnes (unless otherwise approved by MWPA)

Vessels with a beam exceeding 6.5 metres may be accommodated in dual or open pens, subject to MWPA approval and availability.

Service Jetties

Long Service Jetty

Access to the Long Service Jetty is controlled via a secured gate. The facility has 3-phase power and water available. It is suitable for vessel servicing and maintenance activities.

SPECIFICATION	DETAILS
Jetty Length	80 metres
Jetty Beam	3.5 metres
Displacement (Tonnage)	400 tonnes

Short Service Jetty

Timber construction with 15amp power and water available.

SPECIFICATION	DETAILS
Jetty Length	32 metres
Jetty Width	3.5 metres
Displacement (Tonnage)	40 tonnes

Wharf Specifications

The Fishing Boat Harbour Wharf is located along the western boundary of the Harbour and is designated for short-term berthing to facilitate vessel loading, unloading, and refuelling.

Water supply points, electrical outlets, fuel facilities, and lighting are provided.
Vessels must remain manned at all times while alongside the Wharf unless prior written approval has been granted by MWPA.

SPECIFICATION	DETAILS
Wharf Length	153 metres
Beam	7.5 metres
Northern Section Maximum Tonnage	400 tonnes
Southern Section Maximum Tonnage	200 tonnes

Vessels exceeding the maximum allowable tonnage are not permitted to berth at the Wharf.