Rottnest Island
MOORING ETIQUETTE
Here are some simple rules to follow ensure the protection of the mooring apparatus for all of us to enjoy. “Treat it as if you owned it”. They are: if you’re part of the Shared Mooring System (SMS), then use only moorings with in your colour code disc to avoid undue stress on the mooring, even if you are only going to be ‘5 minutes’. Clearly display your name and contact number on the port side of your vessel and ensure that you are available on your mobile – should the Owner arrive. Never attach stern first.
Use both pickup lines at all times. Secure your tenders and any additional vessels alongside. Report any mooring damage to the rangers immediately.
NEW 5 KNOT SPEED LIMIT ZONES – THOMSON BAY
There are gazetted 5 knot zones in most Rottnest bays and maps of the areas are available on RIA website. For safety reasons you should exercise caution in all bays with moorings by travelling at a speed that does not create a wake (less than 5 knots) including use of tenders and jet skis.
ELECTRONIC FUEL DISPENSING – FUEL JETTY
The RIA has installed a 24 hour self-serve fuel dispensing system. The electronic system is operated by eftpos or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or eftpos only). Please read the operating instructions carefully and strictly follow the safety protocols. Although the system will operate 24 hours a day,
for safety reasons it is preferred refuelling is kept to daylight hours where possible. For operator assistance with refuelling contact Programmed Facility Management on 0439 964 858 during office hours – this number is also displayed on the bowsers. Small quantities of unleaded fuel are also available from the Geordie Bay Store.
CHANGES TO MOORING FLOAT COLOURS
The 6 emergency use moorings in Thomson Bay will have WHITE floats which are only for use in an emergency situation or as authorised by the RIA. They are clearly labelled “emergency use only” and should not be confused with the few older style pale yellow ‘day-glow’ floats in Thomson Bay which are licensed mooring sites and labelled appropriately.
Note: these colours relate to the mooring buoys (float) installed on each site, not to the colour coded discs
• YELLOW float = Licensee moorings
• WHITE float = Emergency use only for approved vessels
• GREEN float = RIA hire/rental facility – RIA will allocate a mooring to suit boat size.
• RED float = Courtesy (Kingston Reef only) – 2 hour limit
SPECIAL NAVIGATION MARKER – NORTH THOMSON BAY
A special yellow spar marker (white constantly flashing) has been installed indicating the location of an isolated rock when transiting from cardinal markers in North Thomson Bay heading north to the starboard marker near Duck Rock. The rock is marked on current charts, however in consultation with Boating Western Australia and DoT it was deemed best to specifically indicate its location in this busy transit area as the rock poses a navigational hazard at low water for vessels with a draft greater than one metre. Vessel owners are cautioned to exercise due care when transiting the area.
SHARED MOORING SYSTEM (SMS) – HIRE MOORINGS
All RIA hire swing moorings have now been incorporated into the Shared Mooring System (SMS) with the addition of colour coded discs. This allows all SMS vessels (i.e. Licensees and Authorised Users only) to access hire moorings only if required until their allocated mooring becomes available. The 41 hire moorings all have green floats and colour coded discs appropriate to their vessel length. Conditions for use – you must first call the Rottnest Visitor Centre on 9372 9730 to ensure the hire mooring is not booked and a competent operator must remain on your vessel at all times – you cannot leave your vessel unattended at any time whilst under casual access of a hire mooring.