The responsibilities of the VCA included navigation systems and dredging to maintain the depth of the major channels.

[2] The VRCA took responsibility for planning, operation and management of the channels serving the Port of Geelong.

The private port management companies of Hastings and Portland retained day-to-day responsibility for the operation of their approach channels, although the VRCA established a regime of inspections by the Geelong harbourmaster to ensure safety and prudent management.

The appointment of a commercial manager in late 2004 saw the VRCA begin to examine its potential for commercial advantages over the Port of Melbourne, then rapidly approaching its capacity despite the Port Phillip Channel Deepening Project being undertaken.

[7] In July 2017, the authority engaged public relations firm Brand Bureau to plan and implement a new awareness campaign.