Marine pollution
Current incidents
Details of the response to the Lady Cheryl trawler incident on Saturday 24 March 2012.
Victoria's diverse coast and marine environments are among the State's most valued assets. One of the most serious risks our marine environment faces is pollution from oil or other hazardous or noxious substances.
International conventions and Australian laws have been developed to reduce the number of marine accidents, improve safety and prevent pollution. However, Australia is an island nation and relies on shipping activity, therefore marine pollution incidents remain a possibility.
The role of the department
Through its Security and Emergency Management Division (SEMD), the Department of Transport is responsible for ensuring Victoria is adequately prepared for and effectively responds to a marine pollution incident in State coastal waters up to three nautical miles offshore.
It is tasked with leading the response to spills of oil and other hazardous and noxious gases in Victorian waters, as well as storing and maintaining pollution response equipment throughout the state to utilise in the event of an incident.
Marine pollution response regions
Specialist oil spill equipment is strategically located in four regions along the Victorian coast, with a major stockpile of equipment held in Williamstown