Local Navigation Warning

Port of Mallacoota

Location: Mallacoota

DATE:  07 January 2020 DETAILS:  Mariners are advised that, due to significant dense bushfire smoke in the East Gippsland Region, solar battery charge may be compromised to light beacons and light buoys that mark the Channels and Fairways of the Port of Mallacoota Inlet. Due to significant fire damage, access to Mallacoota Inlet is seriously compromised and restricted to Emergency and Extraction personnel only until advised otherwise. Repairs and maintenance to any affected Aids to Navigation will be completed by Gippsland Ports when access is returned to normal. Gippsland Ports has received reports of burned and damaged jetties and vessels, throughout the Inlet system. The number and location of the damaged infrastructure or vessels is unknown at this point in time. The bushfire smoke is also reducing visibility to the extent that reports have been received that visible range has been reduced to 50 metres at times. Mariners are advised to take extra precaution and maintain a proper lookout by all available means during any transits of the Port of Mallacoota Inlet channels and fairways and especially when visibility is compromised by smoke. Night Navigation should not be undertaken until such time as a full check on the availability of Aids to Navigation is carried out and verified as operational by Gippsland Ports.