MARINE NOTICE 33/2012

All Navigations - Low Water Levels

Advisory Information
The extended period of unseasonal dry weather has meant that water levels in the navigations are presently lower than normal for this time of year.
As the boating season is about to get underway masters and users are advised of the following:
Navigation
If the dry weather continues and 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 sole 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
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
3 Apr 2012
Tel: +353 (0)90 6494232

 

MARINE NOTICE 52/08

Manual Operations of Canal Locks

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all masters and users of the waterways that manual lock operations should be undertaken bearing the following in mind.

1. As soon as possible after entry to a lock chamber, secure the boat with a bow and stern line to the posts, bollards or rings provided for that purpose.
2. Do not attempt to open or close the gates of any lock other than by means provided for that purpose.
3. Do not attempt to open or close the gates of any lock before the water level on either side of the gates is level.
4. Do not operate any sluice until the lock gates are closed.
5. Do ensure that, whenever there is more than one boat in a lock at the same time, the engine of each boat is switched off before the lock gates are closed and remains switched off until the lock gates are opened to allow the egress of the boats.
6. Do not leave your lock key on the spindle of the paddle gear when it is not being used. Paddle gear can slip, especially if the gate moves with the change in water pressure, and a heavy metal lock key spinning off of its spindle can cause serious injury or damage.
7. Closely monitor the boat as it rises or falls in the lock to ensure it does not become caught on the gates, cill or other part of the lock.
8. Never leave a boat unattended while a lock fills or empties.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
Tel: +353 (0)90 649 4232
 

HEAVY MACHINERY

Boat owners and all other users of the waterways are reminded that no cranes or heavy machines can be brought onto the banks of the Grand Canal, the Royal Canal or the Barrow Navigation without the written permission of the Eastern Regional Office of Waterways Ireland. This is to protect the banks of these waterways from damage by such machines.

Shane Anderson
Lt Cdr RNS
Assistant Inspector of Navigation
Tel: +353 (0) 90 6494232