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Darwin : Profile

Clearance

Arriving boats are legally obliged to give at least three hours notice of their arrival by contacting either a coastal radio station on 2182 kHz or the Darwin Port Authority on VHF channel 16. There are relay stations around all of Australia's coasts, making it possible to use VHF radio over much longer distances than normal. The operator should be given the name of the yacht, number of crew and ETA Darwin, and be asked to advise quarantine and customs. During office hours boats are usually instructed by the radio operator to dock at one of the wharfs. Outside working hours, boats anchor in the quarantine area situated northwest of the commercial harbour. There are various docks where one may be directed for clearance, but because of the large tidal range and strong currents, small boats find it easiest to come alongside the Fishermen's Wharf and therefore this should be requested by radio.

Clearance is also possible at Cullen Bay Marina, but this must be agreed with Darwin port control before proceeding there.

Because of the strict quarantine regulations, in the past cruising boats have had all their fresh produce, especially meat, confiscated and destroyed. The attitude seems more relaxed in Darwin where boats intending to spend a short time in Australia have succeeded in having their freezers sealed or have all tinned meat products sealed in a locker.

Black Striped Mussel: An infestation of this marine pest was discovered in Darwin marinas in 1999 and successfully eradicated, with further infestations discovered on a foreign fishing vessel in 2000. Visiting yachts wishing to enter a Darwin marina should contact the marina lockmasters for the latest situation as yachts from overseas which have not previously hauled out/antifouled in Australia may have to have their hulls inspected. For more information, see http://www.nt.gov.au/dpifm/Fisheries/index.cfm?header=Vessel%20Inspections

Customs
Customs House, 21 Lindsay Street, Darwin NT 0800
Tel:08 8980 6532/08 8946 9999, Fax:08 8980 6530, VHF Channel 16
www.customs.gov.au
Overseas yachts in possession of valid cruising permit or who have cleared into Thursday Island are free to either anchor or proceed to their marina berth, subject to conditions. After arrival, cruising permit must be taken to Customs House. Customs, Immigration and AQIS will visit the vessel. Food products bought in Australia are re-examined upon entry and proof of origins required.

Darwin Port Authority
VHF Channel 16
Call Port Authority for clearance instructions

Fisheries Department
Tel:08 8999 2142, or 0413 381 094 after hours
You are required to contact Fisheries Department prior to entering marina. If your boat has remained inside Australian waters, an inspection is unnecessary and you can proceed into the marina. If your boat has been in international waters, one of two procedures will be undertaken (both free of charge). Either Fisheries Department treat the internal seawater systems with hot water and detergent and after 14 hour period, it is safe to proceed into marina, or Officials may decide your hull needs to be treated after an inspection by a diver. In this case your boat is slipped and inspected before the hot water treatments. Fisheries pays all costs associated with slippage unless you work on your boat while out of the water. After treatment, call the lockmaster at the marina for instructions. A new system is being phased in, details on www.aqis.gov.au/yachts. If anchoring out, there is no need to contact Fisheries.

Harbour Master
Tel:+61 08 8999 3994

Mooring Basin
Tel:08 8999 3971 or 0401 117 062 (lockmaster), VHF Channel 68

NT Fisheries Group
Aquatic Pest Management
Tel:0413 381 094
aquaticpests@nt.gov.au.
The NT government will cover the costs associated with hull inspections and the cost of treating the internal seawater systems of the vessel. If you have any queries regarding the procedures in place, please contact NT Fisheries Group.

Quarantine
Berrimah Agricultural Farm, Makagon Rd, Darwin NT 0800
Tel:08 8999 2054/08 8999 2109/after hours 0406 678 675, Fax:08 8999 2108 , VHF Channel 16/8 Tipperary Water Lockmaster/10 Darwin |Port Control/11 Cullen Bay Lockmaster/06 Francis Bay Marina/16 Coast Radio Darwin VKD
Boarding Station for arrival - Anchorage Quarantine Buoy 12deg 28.5'S, 130deg 49.95'E (may shelter in Doctor's Gully if adverse sea conditions

Docking

Once clearance formalities have been completed, yachts can anchor off the Darwin Sailing Club in Fannie Bay or the Dinah Beach Cruising Club in Frances Bay. Docking facilities are available at Cullen Bay Marina. As well as the Darwin Harbour Mooring Basin which accommodates the fishing fleet there are now two marinas, Tipperary Waters and Bayview.

Bayview Marina
Bayview Boulevard, P.O. Box 801, Parap, Darwin, NT 0804
Tel:+61 (0)418 910 888/08 8941 4333, Fax:+61 8 8941 9201, VHF Channel 68
lockmaster@bayviewmarina.com.au
Access to this marina is via a lock (open 0600 to 1800 Australian CST (GMT +9:30)). Maximum depth 2.5m. Minimum berth rental is 3 months plus an extra charge for live-aboards. All facilities. Lockmaster tel. 0417 414 533

Cullen Bay Marina
Tel:+61 (0)412 955 061 (bookings) / +61 (0)419 421 363 (lock & berthing), VHF Channel 11
leaedmonds@octa4.net.au
Waiting pontoon outside the lock. Good docking facilities and range of services.

Customs [see above]

Darwin Mooring Basin
Tel:61 8 8999 3970
Lockmaster Tel. 0417 836899.

Harbour Master [see above]

Mooring Basin [see above]

Tipperary Waters Marina
Frances Bay Drive
Tel:08 8942 2231, VHF Channel 8 or 68
Lockmaster, Tel. 0407 075 077.

Yacht Clubs

Darwin Sailing Club
Fannie Bay, P.O. Box 117 Prap, Darwin, NT 0804
Tel:61 8 811700, Fax:61 8 410580
dwnsail@octa4.net.au
Visiting sailors may become temporary members for a small fee. The club has comprehensive facilities, washing machines and dryers, and a very good restaurant serving lunches and dinners. The club can supply duty- free liquor for departing yachts and also handles bonded stores. Visitors may also use the club as a mailing address: GPO Box 789, Darwin, N.T. 5794.

Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association
Frances Bay Drive
Tel:8981 7816, Fax:8981 1386
http://www.dinahbeachcya.com.au/, cruising@dinahbeachcya.com.au
Situated close to the Mooring Basin and Sadgroves Quay, overlooking Sadgroves Creek. Docking and fresh water available. The channel dries to 0.5m, pontoon dries to 1.5m. This informal club is also very welcoming to visiting sailors.

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