OK confused. There is a Pilot Boarding Ground defined South-West of Point Lonsdale.
There is a nice circle around the mark on the chart on my OpenCPN chart (Up to date AusENC) and on the paper Chart 143 I have there's the diamond in a circle.
I've been through the chart notes and the harbour masters directions etc and whilst I can find references to the Precautionary Area and the centre thereof I cannot find any official reference to the size of the Precautionary Area.
Does anyone know where this is? Does everyone "just know" it's about 3 miles radius?
Hi JonE,
This may be a case of the blind leading the blind, but according to an eChart I use, the Pilot Boarding Ground (PBG) is centered 5nm SW of Pt Lonsdale Lt (as per Port Information Guide). This puts is at 38d 21.2' S, 144d 32.6' E which is probably where you see markings on your chart. However it is 3nm in diameter not radius.
The 3nm radius arc centered on the Lonsdale light marks the outer Port Limit.
Further SW of the light, on a 10nm arc, are two "synthetic" AIS markers: OSCAR (38d 23.4' S, 144d 26.6' E) and INDIA (38d 26.9' S, 144d 32.6' E). I believe these are way-points that ships take note of when approaching/departing the PBG. (INDIA for approaches, & OSCAR for departures).
In good weather with light ship traffic you may find these positions and the defined PBG circle may not always be strictly adhered to. Good to watch the Pilot Vessels on AIS, with a coarse projection of say 30 minutes enabled, to get a better idea of where they may intend to intersect a ships track to embark/disembark the pilot.
cheers,
Jake - you're seeing the same as me. My echart appears to have a defined size (my bad, diameter not radius).
I just cannot find that written down anywhere official.
Does anyone have a copy of NP14? Is it in there?
