Navigation Warning No. 197(T) of 2023

NOTICE TO MARINERS

The following navigation warning is published for general information

Australia – Victoria

No. 197(T) of 2023

Port of Mallacoota Inlet – Bastion Point Boat Ramp

Navigation Warning

Approach Channel – rocks dislodged from sea wall

Depths Compromised with restricted approach access

Date: 4th May 2023

Previous Notice: 

Notice to Mariners No 007 of 2021 – Bar Crossing Warning – is referred.

Details:

A recent weather event causing strong wind conditions with damaging seas and swells have dislodged 3 large rocks from the structure of the Bastion Point Breakwater wall at the entrance to the Ocean Access Boat Ramp.

East Gippsland Shire has reported that the rocks are located near the Breakwater wall approximately 10m into the channel from No 4 Port hand lateral mark beacon. The approximate position of the rocks is;
Lat. 37° 34.250’ S
Lon. 149° 45.880’ E             Datum WGS84

The rocks are compromising the available depth and restricting the approach in that position. The rocks are located in a surf zone and are unable to be marked. East Gippsland Shire will remove the rocks as soon as is safe and, practically possible.

Mariners are advised to take extra precaution and avoid entering or departing the boat ramp and entrance close to the Eastern side of the Entrance Channel.

Mariners are also advised not to operate through the entrance when tide levels are less than 0.70 metres on the Boat Ramp Tide Gauge.

Removal of the rocks requires Dive Operations when environmental conditions are suitable. At that time East Gippsland Shire may need to close the Boat ramp while the dive operations are taking place. East Gippsland Shire will have traffic management personnel in place to direct vehicle and vessel traffic as necessary.

A photograph and map indicating the position of the rocks is attached to this Notice.

Mariners are advised that transits of the approach channel and entrance should only be carried out during fine weather conditions and if there is sufficient height of tide taking into consideration the vessels draft, the existing 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 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 position of the dislodged rocks 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 Boat Ramp 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:

Chart Aus. 805 – ENC AU438149

Publications Affected:

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

Further Notice:

A further notice shall be issued.

Capt. Bevis Hayward

Harbour Master