NEW navigation leads will remain in place at the entrance to the Hastings River at Port Macquarie, after a successful trial.
Port Macquarie Marine Rescue Unit Commander Peter Ellison said the trial of the navigational leads had made using the bar safer.
“The installation on the former front lead structure includes an upgraded rectangular day shape – red with a white vertical stripe – at a height of about 10 metres,” he said.
“Six projectors provide coloured sectors of green, white and red and replace the previous front and rear blue triangle leads.”
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said that Roads and Maritime Services committed more than $50,000 installing new and improved navigation markers at the entrance to the Hastings River in October last year as a trial after consulting with the community.
“Feedback from the boating community has been positive, so the lights will remain in place. The lights offer a guide to navigate through what can be a treacherous entrance from the ocean to the Hastings River,” Mrs Williams said.
“The sector light operates continuously day and night.
“Skippers are reminded the recommended approach under good conditions into the Hastings River is with the new sector light and day shape bearing 247 degrees T from seaward.
“Following this bearing means keeping in the white sector at all times and avoiding straying into the green starboard or red port side.”
The MP said skippers should be aware the best approach through the heads was subject to change dependent on natural, tidal and swell conditions on the coastal bar.
“All skippers, including those without local knowledge, are urged to be cautious when attempting to cross the Hastings River bar at Port Macquarie and to remember it is a legal requirement for everyone aboard a vessel crossing a coastal bar to wear a lifejacket,” Mrs Williams said.
