Fines for oil rig breaches

Kayaker and jetskier fined for breaching rig rule

A KAYAKER and a jet skier face fines of $800 after venturing too close to an oil rig in the River Derwent. Marine and Safety Tasmania tracked down the pair who breached the 500m exclusion zone around the Ocean Monarch platform.

A KAYAKER and a jet skier are facing fines of more than $800 after venturing too close to an oil rig moored in the River Derwent.

Marine and Safety Tasmania tracked down the pair who will be issued with an $815 infringement notice for breaching a 500m exclusion zone around the Ocean Monarch drill platform.

A notice to mariners issued by MAST on November 16 advised people to keep clear of the exclusion zone at all times until January 31 while the rig undergoes repairs.

Photos posted by MAST on its Facebook page on Friday showed the two vessels navigating underneath the overhanging ledges of the towering 110m wide and 40m tall structure.

MAST general manager of recreational boating Peter Hopkins said they had spoken to the two after vessel registration led them to the culprits.

“We’re urging everybody to take heed of the notice to mariners to save themselves $815 and getting into danger,” Mr Hopkins said.

“We don’t like putting exclusion zones in place but because of this situation it’s important people do stay away from it.

“It’s a big bit of hardware, they’re constantly working on it and there are boats coming and going.

“You need to stand clear not only for your safety but also for the work boats coming and going.

“There are eight large mooring cables there as well, they may not be visible.”

Mr Hopkins said if people wanted to have a look at the rig they should take a pair of binoculars on their boat and stay outside the exclusion zone.

Phillip Taylor, director of Taylor Brothers, which is conducting the repairs on the rig, said the exclusion zone was set at 500m because the anchors reached far out.

“The exclusion zone is for the safety of everyone else,” Mr Taylor said.

“People are up on deck working all the time, if something dropped 50m over the side it could kill someone.”

Mr Taylor said the business had a security vessel on the water during the first week the rig was in Ralphs Bay reminding people to keep clear without issues.

The Ocean Monarch will remain on the Derwent for six to 10 more weeks.