Maritime Alert: Flooding

[mrsswordfisherman]

Friday,2 March 2012

Maritime Alert: Flooding

Boatowners and skippers are reminded to keep clear of flood affected waterwayswhich are impacting much of NSW, according to Roads and Maritime Services.

MaritimeActing Manager Boating Safety and Regional Operations Craig Whitmore said threepeople had a fortunate escape earlier today when their small boat capsized onthe Darling River, near Bourke.

“Floodedrivers carry a lot of debris and there will be navigation markers that are outof position as well as sand banks and obstructions that may have shifted,” MrWhitmore said.

“Skippersare advised to keep clear of any waterways in flood. Only vessels used foremergency operations should be out on such waters.

“Peoplealso need to appreciate that with rising water levels, clearances with overheadpowerlines can be reduced and people need to be alert to that additional riskuntil conditions return to normal.

“The SES advise ‘never drive, ride, walk or play in floodwater’and the same goes for vessels … don’t boat in floodwater.”

The impactof such heavy rain in the catchments can remain for days, weeks, oreven months on our inland waterways.

Everyskipper is responsible for the safety of their boat and the people on board.

Forflood advice, go to http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/community-safety/floodsafe/

Significantnavigation hazards and damaged or missing navigation markers should be reportedto the Maritime Info Line 13 12 56 (open business hours, seven days a week).

Foremergency assistance call the SES on 132 500.

Forlife threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.