MARITIME ALERT

[mrsswordfisherman]

1 June 2012

CHANGED NAVIGATION NEAR WINDSOR BRIDGE ON THEHAWKESBURY RIVER

Skippers are advised the waters around the Windsor Bridge in the Hawkesbury River will be partially closed to navigation from Monday for about two weeks for geotechnical investigations by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

RMS Maritime Acting Regional Manager Hawkesbury/Broken Bay Hendrik Clasie said from 4 June there will be work vessels on the river carrying out environmental impact work.

"This work will be part of the environmental impact assessment for a new bridge," Mr Clasie said.

"Changed navigation will be marked by yellow flashing lights upstream and downstream of the work barges and lit yellow aqua marks displaying the speed restriction of 4 knots."

"Those navigating in the area must maintain a safe distance and speed from the work."

Mr Clasie said skippers are advised to exercise extreme caution when navigating near the work and to pay particular attention to work boats and buoyed off areas.

"Thework will involve a truck mounted drill rig on a 16 x 6 metre barge which will be moored in various locations downstream of the Windsor Bridge.

"The barge will display the appropriate day shapes and/or navigation lights to indicate when the channel is blocked.

"Skippers are also reminded it is an offence to produce wash which impacts unreasonably on the work, with a maximum penalty of $5500," Mr Clasie said.