Effective immediately 

DETAILS:   Mariners are advised that rainfall totals between 75mm to 100mm and exceeding 150mm in places have been recorded in the river catchment areas of Gippsland.  

The rainfall is causing minor to major river flooding within the catchments resulting in run off through Gippsland rivers and creeks that will eventually enter lake and inlet systems. 

The Ports and Waterways that this warning covers include:

• Corner Inlet and Port Albert catchments

• Tambo River, Nicholson River, Mitchell River, Avon River, McAllister River, Latrobe River and Thomson River catchments – these rivers eventually enter the Gippsland Lakes

• Lake Tyers, 

• Snowy River catchment – Marlo 

• Bemm River catchment – Sydenham Inlet

• Cann River catchment – Tamboon Inlet

• Genoa River catchment – Mallacoota Inlet

 

Gippsland Ports will monitor forecast advice from Bureau of Meteorology and check on River heights for further Warnings and Notices.

In the meantime, Mariners are reminded that debris caused by flood water including large trees and timbers may find its way downstream and affect the safe navigation of vessels within the Gippsland River and Lake systems.

Mariners should take extra precaution if it is necessary to operate vessels in rivers and creeks following rain events and be aware of the possible presence of new debris hazards. 

Please contact Gippsland Ports on 0351 500 500 to report navigation hazards.

Vessel owners and operators should ensure that berthed or moored vessels are properly secured. See Extract from Harbour Masters Directions below.  

 

9.  Vessels to be Properly and Effectively Berthed or Moored 

9.1  Berthed Vessels 

The Master (or Owner) of a vessel not underway and berthed within port waters shall ensure that at all times the vessel is properly and effectively secured to the wharf jetty or pier with lines evenly tensioned and of sufficient size to be able to withstand the effect of local severe weather events at any time taking into consideration the vessels exposure to those weather conditions. Securing devices including cleats, bollards, bitts and mooring winches shall be maintained in good condition. The effects of chaffing should be minimised at areas of potential wear.

 

9.2  Moored Vessels 

The Master (or Owner) of a vessel not underway and moored to the seabed by an approved (Gippsland Ports) swing mooring system within port waters shall ensure that at all times the vessel is properly and effectively secured to the mooring with a line (or lines) of sufficient size to be able to withstand the effect of local severe weather events at any time taking into consideration the vessels exposure to those weather conditions. Mooring chains, tackle and clump weights shall be inspected at regular intervals to ensure the equipment is in serviceable condition taking into account expected severe weather conditions. Securing devices including cleats, bollards, chain stoppers and bitts shall be maintained in good condition. The effects of chaffing should be minimised at areas of potential wear. The addition of a secondary mooring line in case of parting the main line is recommended. 

 

For information on weather and rising flood water levels go to; http://www.bom.gov.au/ 

Gippsland Ports recommends downloading the VicEmergency App . 

 

Gippsland Ports strongly advises against the operation of vessels in flood affected waters or driving vehicles through flood water. 

For the Gippsland Lakes, Mariners are advised that floodwaters from the catchment areas of the entire lakes system can only exit through the ocean entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. Floodwater increases the velocity of the flow of the ebb in the navigable channels near Lakes Entrance and the Entrance Channel and causes heightened safety risk when attempting Bar crossings. 

PUBLICATIONS AFFECTED:  Gippsland Ports Waterways Online website at https://www.gippslandports.vic.gov.au/boating/waterways-online/ 

FURTHER NOTICE: A further notice will be issued.

 

CAPT. BEVIS HAYWARD

HARBOUR MASTER