 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.Although the VRCA's primary function remained the safe navigation of shipping in the regional ports, it also adopted responsibility for the promotion of regional ports to shipping companies.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.