Safety · Destination Guide
Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay
Temperate sponge gardens, current-swept walls, historic wrecks and seal-rich bay snorkeling within reach of Melbourne.
Safety · Destination Guide
Temperate sponge gardens, current-swept walls, historic wrecks and seal-rich bay snorkeling within reach of Melbourne.
This is a rewarding but demanding temperate-water region. Heads currents, cold water, changing weather, ship traffic and Bass Strait exposure require competent local planning. Use guided alternatives when certification, recent conditions or comfort do not match a site; also check protected-area access and water quality. Parks Victoria; EPA.
At the Rip, strong tidal flow and shipping traffic can overwhelm divers. Boat trips are timed around slack water; there is no universal safe entry time. Portsea Hole is Advanced Open Water or equivalent, and ex-HMAS Canberra is deep and exposed with sharp/obstructed areas. Scubabo says the skipper decides on any wreck penetration; advanced wreck qualification and prior experience are required. Certified buddy pairs should carry SMB and reel per charter rules. Respect current boat crew safety directions and never dive beyond depth, overhead or apnea qualifications. Portsea Hole; ex-HMAS; Operator FAQ.
Do not approach, touch, chase or disturb seals or birds. Portsea Pier is under a vessel and pedestrian closure from 2026 maintenance. South Channel Fort island access is seasonally restricted during breeding. Confirm any permit needed for special activity with Parks Victoria. Portsea notice; Fort set-aside.
For life-threatening incidents call Australian emergency services on 000 and follow vessel crew instructions. Use marine VHF channel 16 for vessel distress when appropriately equipped. Tell rescuers about any compressed-gas exposure, oxygen availability, symptoms and dive-computer details. The Alfred in Melbourne operates a hyperbaric medicine service for decompression illness; treatment and evacuation arrangements must be coordinated by emergency/medical professionals, not by self-transport. Its duty hyperbaric physician can be reached through the hospital switchboard. Insurance should explicitly cover diving, evacuation and hyperbaric care. Maritime guidance; Hyperbaric medicine; SPUMS contact.
Port Phillip Heads current and vessel traffic
The Rip is not a self-planned novice drift. Follow tide/slack-water calculations, boat briefings and shipping lanes. Marine park safety.
Portsea Pier works: check current access
Parks Victoria lists a pier works closure and a vessel access exclusion until further notice. Online Portsea pickup marketing must be confirmed or replaced with authorized alternative boarding. Notice 386(T).
Portsea Hole is not for beginners or snorkelers
Advanced Open Water or equivalent is recommended; the site reaches 30 m and Parks Victoria explicitly excludes snorkeling. Official advice.
ex-HMAS Canberra wreck restrictions
Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary are no-take protected areas. Fishing, spearfishing, harvesting and harm to wildlife or habitat are prohibited in park boundaries. At Chinamans Hat keep at least 5 m away from seals while swimming and ordinary boats at least 30 m away; licensed tour operator permissions have separate conditions. Avoid sick or dead birds under Parks Victoria's H5 alerts and avoid landing on breeding/roosting areas. South Channel Fort has October-December landing/access restrictions for white-faced storm-petrels. Marine park rules; Seal distances; Fort restriction.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when port phillip heads current and vessel traffic. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian emergency services | Police, ambulance and fire, including life-threatening dive or boating emergency | 000 | 24 hours |
| The Alfred Hospital switchboard | Request duty hyperbaric physician through clinical/emergency referral | (03) 9076 2000 | Hospital switchboard; urgent cases first call 000 |
| Parks Victoria Information Centre | Protected-area conditions, closures, regulations and visitor guidance, not emergency rescue | 13 1963 | Office/service hours vary; not an emergency number |