Notice to Mariners
Port of Gippsland Lakes
Location: Lakes Entrance Bar
DATE: 5 April 2022
DETAILS: Mariners are advised that following the recent severe weather event environmental conditions have caused the TSHD Tommy Norton to abort dredging operations temporarily.
A preliminary survey conducted this morning and again this afternoon indicates that depths on the centerline of the Lakes Entrance leads have been compromised by the migration of sand from East to West. The migration has seen depths that were previously 4.6m LAT (Monday 28th March) reduced to <2.5m LAT today on the previous “Green Light” leading line.
The survey indicates the deepest available water to transit the Lakes Entrance Bar to the Entrance Channel is now aligned on Line 3 – See the attached survey with the (blue) leading line changed to line 3.
The Lakes Entrance Approach leading “lights in line” have been changed to Line 3 bearing 358°(T) to the Flagstaff.
Further surveys will be conducted to monitor any changes. Dredging operations will continue as soon as environmental conditions allow.
In the meantime, Mariners are advised to take extra precaution when crossing the Bar at Lakes Entrance, noting that the best time to cross the bar is during daylight hours at slack water in the entrance channel following high water.
For further information please call Gippsland Ports Harbour Master on 0427 610 025.
Charts affected: ENC AUSLEN01
Publications affected: n Gippsland Ports Waterways online website available at; https://www.gippslandports.vic.gov.au/boating/waterways-online/.