His first “dingle” in 73 years, he wants to warns other boat skippers. The Narooma News will also contact local RMS boatings safety officer to see if there is any scope for putting up more markers on the rock wall that on a very high tide can be totally under water.

He has plenty of experience, including being a support boat for various crews in the George Bass surfboat marathon. The good news is that he has repaired his boat and is back on the water. Here is Mr Low’s letter:

I wish to bring an important issue to the attention of Roads and Maritime Services and all boaties navigating Wagonga Inlet, relating to specific attention being required on the stretch of water between Apex Park boat ramp and the main wharf area at Narooma. 

On the northern side of the inlet is a rock break wall was constructed many years ago.  It continues from Apex Park ramp in a curved direction as far as the main wharf area at Narooma.

You will observe from the attached photos that the wall is visible at low tides, but at very high or king tides the wall is covered by several feet of water.

You will also observe that only one starboard green indicator is visible at the Apex ramp end no other indication is constructed to warn of the wall until the skipper reaches the wharf area.

When covered with water and a wind blows the wall is not visible and because of its curved nature makes navigating in these conditions hazardous.

I know from experience as I hit the wall at the point indicated. It resulted in major damage to my boat’s fiberglass hull, requiring major repairs. I am a local and have navigated this section hundreds of times during the past 14 years.

With a strong southerly blowing, the moored sailing boats in this area hanging to the north, the king tide, all gave a false sense of positioning.  I was travelling less than 4 knots “thank God”, when I ran onto the wall where it curves back sharply into the main channel.

I don’t drink, I was watching, but I was obviously deceived by the king tide, wind and whitecaps and the lack of starboard indicators over such a long and curved section of the hidden break wall.

In a situation like this I feel that a visitor, motoring at a legal 8 knots could end up in serious consequences.  It also presents a real danger to nighttime navigation.

The photos were taken later on the same day, during a king tide and low tide. I believe this section to be a major hazard at certain times, although I fully understand that maritime navigation at any time anywhere can be hazardous. It was however my first ever dingle in 73 years.

Because of its design, and in my opinion the new adjustments, the Apex ramp has caused a greater bottleneck during peak times. There is no where to moor boats after launching without restricting other boats using the ramp, which is cause of much ramp rage.

Also, the placement of 4-knot sign too close to the ramp, means boats coming up the inlet at 8 knots create bow waves that often cause hassles for boats being retrieved or launched. The 4-knot sign needs to be further back.

I notified RMS when said signs were erected and was told to write to head office but have received no answer. Thanks for putting up with my whinge and whine.