Notice to Mariners No 8 of 2023 (Temporary)

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

HARBORS AND NAVIGATION ACT 1993

SOUTH AUSTRALIA – SPENCER GULF – THISTLE ISLAND – ACTIVATION OF DEFENCE PRACTICE AREA 246

Mariners are advised that Defence trials involving Royal Australian Navy assets will be carried out in this area from 0500 hours (5:00 AM) Monday 13 March 2023 to 1900 hours (07:00 PM) Friday 17 March 2023.

Designated area R246 is bounded by a circle of radius 2 nautical miles cantered on a position 35° 00’05.706"S 136° 15’08.1603"E and also links between the circle and Thistle Island. Area is also defined as Thistle Island Area 2 in Harbors and Navigation Regulations 2009.

Call sign "Navy Range Control" at Thistle Island may be contacted on VHF Marine channel 69 whilst trials are underway.

Entry into this area during the specified period is strictly prohibited unless permission is given by ‘Navy Range Control’. Mariners are further advised to use extreme caution whilst navigating in the vicinity of the Defence Practice area and where possible to keep clear of the area at all times. Vessels entering the defined area during the specified period are liable to prosecution under Defence Regulation 2016.

Unauthorised persons or property within these areas during this period risk serious injury or damage.

Charts affected: Aus 134, 343 and 776.

GORDON PANTON

Manager Marine Safety and Compliance

6th March 2023

DIT 2017/02277/01