SPECIAL MARINE NOTICE No. 1 of 2014 (amended)
MARINE NOTICE 088 of 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No. 88 of 2014
(Re-issued 14 Oct 2014)
All Navigations
Low Water Levels
Advisory Information
The extended period of dry weather has meant that water levels in the navigations are presently lower than normal for this time of year.
Masters and users are advised of the following:
Navigation
Where water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware that their vessels may be at risk of grounding, particularly deep drafted vessels.
To reduce this risk masters should navigate where possible on or near the centreline of the channel and also avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.
Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.
Slipways
Low water levels will also impact on slipways with reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron onto the river /lake bed and causing damage to trailer, outboard motor or boat. More slipway surface will also be susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats.
Bank Erosion
Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash. Please ensure you adhere to the speed limits and maintain a reduced wash.
Lock Share.
Where appropriate by maximising on the number of vessels in a lock the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. This also reduces the volume of water used. Please be patient and wait for other boaters to share the lock with you rather than using locks for single passages.
Efficient Lock Use.
Make sure lock cycles are used for vessels travelling each way. Each lock cycle should take boats both up and down stream. Shut all sluice gates and paddles when leaving a lock.
Service Blocks
You are requested not to leave taps running at watering points or service blocks in the interest of water conservation.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 18 July 2014
MARINE NOTICE 126 of 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 126 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Ardnacrusha
Bridge Investigation Works
Waterways Ireland has been advised by the ESB of the following:
„ESB Ardnacrusha are carrying out investigation works on the Ardnacrusha Headrace Bridges – O’Brien’s Bridge, Clonlara Bridge and Blackwater bridge and the tailrace bridge at Parteen over the next three weeks. There will be a pontoon at each bridge to provide access. Masters are requested to be vigilant on approach to the bridges and proceed at an appropriate speed with minimum wash“
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, Athlone, 7 Oct 2014
MARINE NOTICE 125 of 2014
MARINE NOTICE, No 125 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Drumshanbo to Leitrim Village
Acres Lake
Launch of Waterways Ireland Blueway Canoe Trail
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners that the above event will take place on Sat 11th Oct 2014 from Acres Lake at 12 noon.
A large fleet of canoeists will assemble at Drumshanbo Lock at 1130hrs and proceed to Acres Lake for 1200hrs for the formal launch of the Waterways Ireland Blueway Canoe Trail. Thereafter the fleet will proceed downstream towards Leitrim Village to arrive by 1500hrs.
Masters should proceed at slow speed when approaching this stretch of waterway during the event and note any directions issued by the organisers and safety marshals controlling the event. Masters are reminded to keep their wash low to avoid upsetting canoes and other low freeboard craft associated with the event.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, The Docks, Athlone, Co.Westmeath, 30 Sep 2014
MARINE NOTICE 124 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Carrick-on-Shannon
Colleges Sailing Regatta
Waterways Ireland wishes to advise masters and owners that the above event will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon from Fri 10th to Sun 12th Oct 2014. Course preparation will take place on Fri 10th while racing will take place from 0900hrs to 1800hrs on Sat 11th and Sun 12th.
The course will be marked by yellow buoys and the transition area will be at Waterways Ireland’s floating mooring. Masters should note that a number of the mooring spaces at this mooring will be temporarily reserved for the event.
Masters should proceed at slow speed when approaching this stretch of waterway during the event and note any directions issued by the organisers and safety marshals controlling the event.
Further information may be had from Mr Scott Flanigan 087 8263194.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, 30 Sep 2014
