Warrnambool-based shipping and marine consultant Rodney Blake has raised concerns over the harbour with Transport Safety Victoria, following a meeting with city council officers last week.

That meeting centred on the dangers associated with the depth of the water, which is just 40 centimetres deep off the northern jetty.

Mr Blake said two commercial fishing boats had run aground in recent weeks and one boat now had to reverse into the wharf.

“It’s up to the council to provide a safe working environment,” he said.

"At 40cm if a kid dives in off the jetty they risk breaking their neck," he said.

"The horse trainers and everyone who uses the harbour know how shallow the bay is — it’s not acceptable.

"There is going to be just countless trouble with recreational boats when the weather gets a bit warmer."

Mr Blake fears authorities will be forced to close the harbour because it is not safe.

But the move has been ruled out by Warrnambool City Council infrastructure acting director Rohan McKinnon.

"The harbour will not be closed under any circumstances," Mr McKinnon told The Standard.

"Council continually monitors the condition of the harbour and the depth of the water.

"The conditions in the harbour change constantly with the sea movements and due to recent storms, conditions in the harbour have changed.

"Council has received no complaints from boat users other than Mr Blake and there have been no reports of boats running aground.

"Council met 10 days ago with the Safer Boating Harbour steering committee and the issue was not raised.

"The committee has been formed to develop a long-term plan for the harbour."

Mr Blake worked as a professional fisherman for 27 years and during the past few years has undergone additional training to allow him to now work in the oil and gas off-shore shipping industry.

"There is a western flow of the ocean and what’s happening is natural," he said.

"We need a viable dredging plan for the inner harbour to maintain a safe working environment.

"It’s dangerous now and the officers were telling me the next dredging plan is five years away.

"The council is completely wrong — something needs to happen now.

"If we can’t get a realistic response from council then we need to go higher up.

"A decent port would be a huge boom for the city.

"I know the council officers are trying their best but unfortunately their best may not be good enough.

"These safety concerns will have to be acted on."