Boating

Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the show-stopping landmarks on Sydney New Year’s Eve. Thousands of spectators take to the Harbour to view the Pre-Show Entertainment program, Bridge Effect, 9pm Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks Displays.

There will be a number of Harbour safety restrictions in place on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It is important that spectators on the Harbour adhere to the maritime restrictions, follow the instructions of official Boating Safety Officers and celebrate safely.

Exclusion Zone

In the interest of public safety, an Exclusion Zone marked by lit yellow buoys will extend from Cockatoo Island in the west to Clarke Island in the east. The Exclusion Zone will be activated from 7.45pm on New Years Eve until 12.45am on New Years Day. No unauthorised traffic will be allowed inside the Exclusion Zone and there will be no access under the Sydney Harbour Bridge during this time.

The Exclusion Zone will remain active for about 45 minutes after the end of the Midnight Fireworks display to ensure the safety clearance of the fireworks barges. Vessels must keep outside this area until the Exclusion Zone is lifted.

A maximum 6-knot no-wash speed limit will be in force between Cockatoo Island and Steele Point from 3pm 31 December 2011 to 2am 1 January 2012.

If you need to move your vessel because of an emergency, alert the operator of one of the on-water control vessels: NSW Maritime, NSW Water Police or Marine Rescue NSW.

With so many small and large vessels in the dark, it is important that skippers use appropriate navigation lights for the safety of their craft and passengers.

Spectator Vantage Points on the Harbour

Both sides of Sydney Harbour Bridge provide ample opportunity for on-water spectators. Comfortable boating improves as you move away from the Sydney Harbour Bridge – Farm Cove area into the calmer waters near the outer western and eastern fireworks sites (Cockatoo and Clarke Islands).

Recommended areas include:

• North-West of Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Clarkes Point, Manns Point, Balls Head, Berrys Bay, Lavender Bay.
• South-West of Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Mort Bay, Ballast Point.
• North-East of Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Neutral Bay, Shell Cove, Mosman Bay, Athol Bay.
• South-East of Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Farm Cove, Woolloomooloo, Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay.

Harbour Map

Visit www.maritime.nsw.gov.au to download a copy of the 2011 Sydney New Year’s Eve Harbour Exclusion map.

Advice to spectators on the Harbour

• Make it a safe night. Don’t take glass, know your limits and look after each other.
• Maximum 6-knot no-wash in force between 3pm 31 December 2011 and 2am 1 January 2012.
• Move into position early – preferably well before sunset – as popular spots such as Farm Cove fill quickly.
• Do not arrive late and try to push in between anchored vessels and the buoy line. You will be moved!
• Exclusion Zone in operation from 8pm 31 December 2011 to 12.45am 1 January 2012.  Collapse of the Exclusion Zone will be announced on VHF channel 17
• No traffic under Sydney Harbour Bridge from 8pm 31 December 2011 to 12.45am 1 January 2012.
• Remember, be bright – think safety at night! Use appropriate navigation lights.
• Do not use flood/spot lights high up. These lights destroy the night vision of other skippers.
• Anchor clear of the Exclusion Zone buoys. Dragging anchor will not be tolerated. Do not allow your vessel to lie over the boundary line.
• Only vessels less than 15 metres in length should use Farm Cove.
• Allow small craft to position themselves at the Exclusion Zone boundary.
• When dropping anchor keep 200m clear of submarine cables or pipelines.
• Rafting up will be permitted, but securing to the shore will not.
• Keep under the 0.05 alcohol limit if you are the master of the vessel.
• Don’t set off flares for fun. It is dangerous and illegal.
• The transfer/loading of alcohol or glass to boats will not be permitted via Man ‘O’ War jetty, Farm Cove Precinct, Yarranabbe Park and Darling Point Park (McKell Park) wharves.
• Use of Man O’ War jetty (Farm Cove) up to 3pm and wharves in the Circular Quay precinct are subject to approval from NSW Maritime. Unless authorised, there is no access to Man O’ War jetty from 3pm 31 December until 6am 1 January 2012.
• Families wishing to leave the Harbourside east after the 9pm Family Fireworks should contact the nearest NSW Maritime Boating Officer. Call VHF 17 or telephone (02) 9563 8542 on the night or ask a Harbour volunteer.

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