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How do I report a spill?
Polluters must be held accountable for their actions. If you witness pollution being discharged from any vessel or notice oil or chemical pollution in State waters contact EPA Victoria or your nearest port operator.
| EPA Victoria |  | Metropolitan – 9695 2777 (24 hours)
Regional – 1800 444 004 (24 hours) |  |
| Westernport Region | | (03) 5983 9406 (business hours)
0428 549 235/0429 008812 (after hours) |
| Portland Region | | (03) 5525 0900 (24 hours)
0419 306 434 (24 hours) |
| Gippsland Region | | (03) 5152 1974 |
If possible please provide the following information:
- Your name and contact details
- When and where the pollution occurred
- The type of discharge or a description of the product
- The extent (area covered)
- Name of the vessel or other source
- Any other relevant information
For all media inquiries with regards to a marine pollution incident please contact:
Communications Manager
Marine Safety Victoria
(03) 9655 6073 or 0437 583305
Marine Safety Victoria and Marine Pollution
Victoria’s diverse coast and marine environments are among Victoria's most valued assets. One of the most serious risks our marine environment faces is pollution from oil or other hazardous or noxious substances. While international conventions have been put in place to reduce the number of marine accidents, improve the safety of shipping and prevent pollution, marine pollution incidents remain a possibility.
Victoria's responsibilities
Marine Safety Victoria has the responsibility to ensure that there is an effective response to oil pollution incidents in State waters. It is also required to develop, review, coordinate and administer the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan in consultation with EPA Victoria.
Marine Safety Victoria has developed and manages the Victorian Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (VicPlan). This plan is part of a national framework known as the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea by Oil and other Noxious and Hazardous Substances.
In the event of a spill
If a spill occurs VICPLAN is immediately activated and initiates a response to confirm the spill and determine the most appropriate action.
The operation is managed at the regional level and coordinated at the State level.
If a spill is beyond the resources of the State additional resources, including personnel can be sourced through the National Plan. If the spill occurs outside State waters (i.e. three nautical miles from our coast) the responsibility to manage the spill rests with the Commonwealth.
Through the activation of VicPlan, MSV and a number of Government agencies and organisations may be involved in responding to a spill. These include but are not limited to EPA Victoria, Department Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria, Ports Commercial and Government, Port of Melbourne Corporation, Fire and Emergency Services, Victoria Police, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, industry and contractors.
EPA Victoria is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of pollution in Victorian Waters. They draw this legislative responsibility from the Environment Protection Act 1970 and the Pollution of Waters by Oil and Noxious Substances Act 1986.
Marine pollution response equipment and training
Marine Safety Victoria stores and maintains pollution response equipment across the State. Victoria's coast and bays are divided into four regions for administrative and response purposes.
Specialist oil spill equipment is strategically stored in these regions, with a major stockpile held at Stony Point, Westernport. These regions are managed by the commercial ports on behalf of MSV.
MSV also provides training for personnel involved in the management and operations of an oil spill response. Marine Safety Victoria runs a number of courses to ensure preparedness to respond to marine pollution incidents.
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