IMPORTANT UPDATE!
IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Dear Water Members,
We would like to share with you the latest information on procedures to be implemented within
the Marina Reservoir effective today, 15th. Aug. 2008.
(A) Barrage:
*There will be an exclusive 150 metre zone just before the Marina Barrage (crest gates) that will be designated as prohibited area to the public (including ourselves). Marked by row of yellow buoys.
*There is a 300 metre zone after the 150 metre that public can use (between the floating
yellow light marker and the row of yellow buoys) however, will become restricted when the Marina Barrage is in operation.
Before operation of the barrage (opening of Crest Gates):
- a warning sound will be given (for two minutes).
- announcement of the operation of the barrage in four languages (twice)
- all users will have to move out of the 300 metre zone. PUB control tower
will do a last sweep (visual check from land) of the 150 and 300 metre zone before the final step.
There should be about 4-5 minutes pre-warning in total.
- After the pre-warning, crest gates will start to open with rotating warning lights on.
The rotating lights will be turned-off after the crest gates are closed. Public can resume
using the 300 metre zone but not the 150 metre zone.
(B) Thunder and Lightning warning:
*Arrangements have been made with NEA to inform all Water Users Group (e.g. SBDA, WWS,
SCF, etc.) whenever there is potential thunder and lightning approaching. Each User Group
will have to comply with their own SOP. For WWS, once this report is received (through myself)
all bike and boat patrols will need to return to base. If however, there is insufficient time, the team leader will ensure that all patrols remain under protected shelter areas (e.g. Bridge, Underground Foot Path, In Buildings, etc.). Team Leader will decide when it would be safe to return to base.
While returning, we should inform all other users that such a warning has been received in case
they are not aware. This sharing is to ensure that we all look after each other. As each Water User Group has its own SOP, we will not force them to return.
Wh en the all clear signal is given by NEA, patrols can resume if so determined by team leader.
(C) Rule of Thumb within the Marina Reservoir:
There are specific areas designated as "non-motorized" vessels area however, this would not
apply to us due to our work. However, while crossing into such areas, the basic rule to observe
is "motorized vessels must give way to all other non-motorized vessels". Do not create waves.
Any training should not be done within such areas. We will share with you the map soon.
For the singapore river and merlion park vicinity, WWS boats must always exercise extreme caution and safety due to other motorized vessels operating in this area e.g. Bum Boats, Hippo Boats, Duck Tours, etc.
(D) General:
All Water Users Group in the Marina have confirmed that they have included in their training syllabus pointers about our environment and not to litter or pollute the areas while enjoying water sports. They have also been told to help by picking simple litter up or reporting litter/polluted areas within the reservoir to the PUB so that prompt action can be taken (just like what we do on our patrols).
If you have any questions or suggestions on the above, please do not hesitate to revert to the
undersigned. Oh, a reminder to all our members on duty, if on the boat the wearing of life-jacket
is mandatory for everyone. No exceptions.
Thank you.
Eugene Heng
WaterWays Watch Society
Dear Water Members,
We would like to share with you the latest information on procedures to be implemented within
the Marina Reservoir effective today, 15th. Aug. 2008.
(A) Barrage:
*There will be an exclusive 150 metre zone just before the Marina Barrage (crest gates) that will be designated as prohibited area to the public (including ourselves). Marked by row of yellow buoys.
*There is a 300 metre zone after the 150 metre that public can use (between the floating
yellow light marker and the row of yellow buoys) however, will become restricted when the Marina Barrage is in operation.
Before operation of the barrage (opening of Crest Gates):
- a warning sound will be given (for two minutes).
- announcement of the operation of the barrage in four languages (twice)
- all users will have to move out of the 300 metre zone. PUB control tower
will do a last sweep (visual check from land) of the 150 and 300 metre zone before the final step.
There should be about 4-5 minutes pre-warning in total.
- After the pre-warning, crest gates will start to open with rotating warning lights on.
The rotating lights will be turned-off after the crest gates are closed. Public can resume
using the 300 metre zone but not the 150 metre zone.
(B) Thunder and Lightning warning:
*Arrangements have been made with NEA to inform all Water Users Group (e.g. SBDA, WWS,
SCF, etc.) whenever there is potential thunder and lightning approaching. Each User Group
will have to comply with their own SOP. For WWS, once this report is received (through myself)
all bike and boat patrols will need to return to base. If however, there is insufficient time, the team leader will ensure that all patrols remain under protected shelter areas (e.g. Bridge, Underground Foot Path, In Buildings, etc.). Team Leader will decide when it would be safe to return to base.
While returning, we should inform all other users that such a warning has been received in case
they are not aware. This sharing is to ensure that we all look after each other. As each Water User Group has its own SOP, we will not force them to return.
Wh en the all clear signal is given by NEA, patrols can resume if so determined by team leader.
(C) Rule of Thumb within the Marina Reservoir:
There are specific areas designated as "non-motorized" vessels area however, this would not
apply to us due to our work. However, while crossing into such areas, the basic rule to observe
is "motorized vessels must give way to all other non-motorized vessels". Do not create waves.
Any training should not be done within such areas. We will share with you the map soon.
For the singapore river and merlion park vicinity, WWS boats must always exercise extreme caution and safety due to other motorized vessels operating in this area e.g. Bum Boats, Hippo Boats, Duck Tours, etc.
(D) General:
All Water Users Group in the Marina have confirmed that they have included in their training syllabus pointers about our environment and not to litter or pollute the areas while enjoying water sports. They have also been told to help by picking simple litter up or reporting litter/polluted areas within the reservoir to the PUB so that prompt action can be taken (just like what we do on our patrols).
If you have any questions or suggestions on the above, please do not hesitate to revert to the
undersigned. Oh, a reminder to all our members on duty, if on the boat the wearing of life-jacket
is mandatory for everyone. No exceptions.
Thank you.
Eugene Heng
WaterWays Watch Society
