Media Release - 1 April 2011

Boating Safety for Adelaide Scuttling

Strict boating safety controls will apply for the April 13 scuttling of the Ex-HMAS Adelaideoff Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.

NSW Maritime Chief Executive Steve Dunn said there would be a 1-kilometre safety exclusion zone established around the former naval vessel.

“The on-water exclusion zone is a safety measure and spectator craft won’t be able to get close,” Mr Dunn said. “Due to the need to keep vessels well clear for safety reasons, the best and safest viewing spots will be from land.” 

Mr Dunn said skippers intending to visit the scuttling had to ensure their vessel was suitable for offshore conditions.

“Boating offshore demands extra safety measures when compared with more protected waters such as our harbours and estuaries,” he said. “Skippers heading offshore need to carry additional safety gear, especially for communications and that includes a VHF radio and emergency position indicating radio beacon when more than 2 nautical miles off the coast.

“Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their boat and all those on board, and only vessels suitable for use offshore should consider attending,” he said.

NSW Maritime safety advice for skippers is as follows:

• Ensure your boat is suitable
• Carry all required safety gear
• Check the weather
• Don’t go out if in doubt about the weather

The 1000-metre exclusion zone, marked by yellow buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights, will be patrolled by the NSW Water Police and NSW Maritime, with the support of Marine Rescue NSW. NSW Maritime will maintain an exclusion zone above the scuttled ship and no diving will be allowed on the site until safety inspections have taken place.

When the Ex-HMAS Adelaideis towed out of Sydney Harbour prior to the scuttling, vessels must remain 200m from the ship, tugs and tow lines when in transit.

The tow, scuttling and underwater safety inspections are subject to weather conditions.

More information on offshore boating safety tips and the exclusion zones is available at  http://maritime.nsw.gov.au/wh/adelaide.html. For information on the scuttling visit www.hmasadelaide.com