MARINE NOTICE No. 33 of 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: 00 353 (0)90 6494232
====================ends================

The penny has finally dropped with the powers that be, that the system has been drained dry in advance of the start of the boating season.

Greetings,

Waterways Ireland has just issued the attached press-release:

Basically repeating what's in recent Marine Notices which have been posted on this channel.

Best Wishes,

Colin Becker
GMY Chang Sha
================begins=========================
Waterways Ireland Issues Advisory Notice Regarding Low Water Levels

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise navigation users that 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. A Marine Notice has been issued and can be found on www.waterwaysireland.org. An additional Marine Notice has also been issued for the closure of the 34th and 35th levels of the Royal Canal due to for repairs and the summit level due to low water levels.

As the boating season is about to get underway masters and users are advised of the implications of continuing dry weather on water levels. If water levels fall below normal summer levels, masters should be aware that their vessels may be at risk of grounding, particularly deep drafted vessels. Where possible masters should navigate 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.

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.

In the interests of reducing potential water loss, users passing through locks are requested to maximise on the number of vessels in a lock. Please be patient and wait for other boaters to share the lock with you rather than using locks for sole passages. In addition, if possible 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.

Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash. Please ensure you adhere to the speed limits and maintain a reduced wash. Users are also requested not to leave taps running at watering points or service blocks in the interest of water conservation.

More information may be sought from the Inspector of Navigation Tel: 00 353 (0)90 6494232.
======================ends===========================