OMC gets under-keel clearance green light for Melbourne

Licensing the full complement of DUKC navigation software to the Port of Melbourne would "minimise the risk of large vessels grounding in these challenging waters", OMC executive director Terry O’Brien said.

“The combination of heavy swells, strong currents, complicated bathymetry and hard bottom makes the restricted entrance into Port Phillip Bay one of the most difficult pilotage challenges – and technical challenges for UKC prediction – anywhere on earth,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Having the safety of our system proven in these extreme waters shows that DUKC technology is suitable for even the most challenging waterways worldwide.”

All 35 Port Phillip Sea Pilots (PPSP) have been equipped with DUKC technology, installed on portable pilot units.

The pilot units receive and process live up-to-the-second DUKC data while in transit through the heads, across Port Phillip Bay and along the Yarra River.

This information enables a pilot to monitor that the vessel’s speed is consistent with the predicted safe DUKC passage plan and adjust speed if required.

PSPP managing director Robert Buck said his staff had spent the past few months familiarising themselves with the system.

Meanwhile, OMC has been given a boost at an awards night in London.

"OMC is still celebrating after being named runner-up last night in the internationally acclaimed 2009 Seatrade Awards Innovation in Ship Operations category for its DUKC VTS and DUKC PPU," a spokeswoman said today.

"Due to the high quality of entries this year, three of the four shortlisted finalists were named runner-up.

"This is the second time OMC has been awarded runner-up in this  awards division – the last time was in 2002."