Notice to Mariners

Port of Mallacoota

Location: Bastion Point Boat Ramp

DATE:  05 March 2018 DETAILS:  Mariners are advised that East Gippsland Shire will continue excavation and maintenance dredging operations at Bastion Point Boat Ramp intermittently and for an indefinite period. The excavation dredging includes the mobilisation of excavation plant and the Cutter Suction Dredge and equipment to the boat ramp site and lower car park. Dredging pipework will extend from the excavation site to the spoil discharge ground on the western intertidal zone. Mariners are advised that during dredging operations, interruptions to vessel launching and retrieval may occur from time to time due to the necessary closure of boat ramp access lanes. East Gippsland Shire shall monitor the dredging progress and open a single boat ramp lane when access is reinstated to accommodate vessel launching and retrieval while dredging operations take place. Barricades shall be installed and Ramp Closed and Safety Signage will be erected at the boat ramp works site and car parking areas should the Shire decide to close an access lane.  General Navigation Advice Mariners are reminded that depths in the approach channel to the boat ramp remain compromised by sand build up which heightens the safety risk of navigating through the approach channel especially at low water. Passage through the approach channel should only be attempted by experienced vessel operators who possess sound knowledge of the conditions to be expected during the transit of the channel taking into consideration the prevailing weather and sea conditions at the time. Transits of the approach channel should only be carried out if there is sufficient height of tide taking into consideration the vessels draft, the current sea state, the predicted weather for the duration of the voyage and the expected conditions at the channel entrance for the time of return.Mariners are advised that least depths in the vicinity of the boat ramp and approach channel are unknown and can change at short notice. Vessel operators are advised to acquire an enhanced awareness of changed conditions and adjust their operating plans accordingly. Extra precaution should be taken when operating to or from the facility and vessel operators should be aware of other traffic in the area.Passengers should be briefed and have an awareness of the heightened risks that may prevail at the time of departure or arrival. Operations to or from the facility should be avoided during the hours of darkness.  IF IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT