LNW No. 3 of 2023

Gippsland Ports Navigation Warning

McLoughlins Beach, Ocean Tree Debris Hazard

DATE:  14 August 2023

PREVIOUS NOTICE:  No previous notice for this period.

DETAILS:  

Mariners are advised that Gippsland Water Police have reported a large tree debris hazard near the McLoughlins Beach ocean access entrance. It is reported that the tree is only visible near low water (see attached photo). The approximate position of the tree hazard is:

Lat.    38° 37.824’ S

Lon. 146° 53.274’ E               Datum WGS84

Mariners are advised to take extra precaution to avoid the tree hazard when departing or arriving at the McLoughlins Beach entrance. Due to environmental conditions, and the position of the tree, hazard removal will be difficult.

McLoughlins Beach Entrance navigation warning in general:

 Mariners are advised that the McLoughlins Beach ocean access entrance is considered high risk for boating activity due to the dynamic nature of the entrance channel which can change position over short periods of time.

There are no aids to navigation to mark the best water through the entrance and across the sand bars.

Mariners are advised that transits of the entrance and bar should only be carried out in daylight, during fine weather conditions and if there is sufficient height of tide taking into consideration the vessels draft, the existing swell and sea state, predicted weather conditions for the duration of the voyage and the expected conditions and tide height for the time of return.

Passage through the McLoughlins entrance channel should only be attempted by experienced vessel operators who possess sound knowledge of the conditions to be expected during the transit of the ocean access and taking into consideration the position of the tree hazard and the prevailing weather and sea state at the time.

Passengers and crew should be briefed so they are aware of the heightened risk that may prevail at the time of departure or arrival.

 WEAR A LIFE JACKET

Vessel Operators are reminded that this is an Ocean Access entrance and large swells may occur, even at times when the conditions are assessed as being good.

Night navigation is considered extremely dangerous and should not be attempted.

 IF IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT

Further details can be obtained from Gippsland Ports Harbour Master on 0427 610 025

CHART AFFECTED:

Gippsland Ports Waterways Online available at

Gippsland Ports – Waterways Online v2 (arcgis.com)

FURTHER NOTICE:  A further notice will be issued.