The Department of Transport is seeking responses for the provision of an Ocean-capable patrol vessel with associated trailer.

The Lakes Entrance bar crossing is extremely dangerous. Occasionally the bar is closed due to dredging, other works, stranded vessels or lost gear. Inclement weather and sea conditions also often prove the bar unsafe for crossing.

In these circumstances, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) needs a vessel with capability to utilise alternative regional ports including Port Welshpool, Mallacoota and Eden.

The Lakes Entrance VFA station requires an ocean-capable patrol vessel and associated trailer in order to conduct at-sea inspections of recreational and commercial fishers, provide emergency response and improve at-sea safety for staff. The need for an ocean-capable vessel was further realised in recent times with the substantial increase in game fishing requiring more ocean patrols, and events such as the 2020 regional bushfires when a suitable vessel was not readily available for emergency assistance.

Given the environmental context, increase in game fishing with subsequently more ocean patrols, and provision of emergency response during catastrophic events, an ocean-capable patrol vessel with associated trailer and towing vehicle is required for the Lakes Entrance VFA station. A capable vessel needs sufficient fuel capacity to travel to an alternate port if the Lakes Entrance bar crossing is unsafe, considerable power, excellent stability and must comply with VicRoads regulations regarding towing vehicle mass and dimension limits.