The scuttling of the EX-HMAS ADELAIDE will attract large numbers of both people and water craft due to its visibility from the shore and proximity to large population centres like Sydney and Newcastle.
An overview of expected activities are outlined below.
Before the scuttling
- Last minute preparations will be made at Berth No. 2 Glebe Island to scuttle the ADELAIDE. This will include the placement of explosives
- Notifications will be made to the relevant maritime and aviation authorities and mariners
- The ADELAIDE will be towed under police escort from its current location at Berth No. 2 Glebe Island through Sydney Heads and north to waters off Avoca Beach. Note that there will be an exclusion zone maintained around the ship at all times during this tow
- The ADELAIDE will be anchored approximately 1.87 km off Avoca Beach. It is expected that the ADELAIDE will remain anchored for between 2 - 4 days whilst final preparations are made which will include cutting final dive access holes near the waterline and installing detonation devices for explosives
- During this time an exclusion zone must be maintained around the ADELAIDE to ensure no public access
The day of the scuttling
- Crowds will need to be managed at The Haven and viewing areas on and around Avoca Beach, Avoca headland and all surrounding elevated areas
- Traffic in the vicinity of the scuttling will need to be carefully managed (road closures may be necessary)
- Aerial surveillance will be employed to ensure there are no marine species (whales, dolphins etc), vessels or people within the exclusion zone prior to scuttling
- Monitoring will be in place to ensure there is no air traffic in the vicinity prior to and at the time of scuttling
- Water based crowd control will be needed to ensure vessels and water craft are outside the exclusion zone prior to and at the time of scuttling. Note that the accessibility of the site from the shore may result in the need to manage launching of craft from both nearby boat ramps and beach areas. It is possible some may attempt to swim to the site
- Once all of the above is checked and in place the ADELAIDE will be scuttled
After the scuttling
The vessel exclusion zone must be maintained until all post scuttling checks have been completed.
- Check all explosive devices have been detonated
- Clear all debris from the ADELAIDE (both floating on the surface of the water and underwater)
- Check the structural integrity of the sunken wreck
- Install navigation markers
When can diving begin?
Once all the above activities have been undertaken, the site will be safe to dive but not open to dive. Prior to opening the site for diving the following activities will need to take place:
- Install moorings
- Locate the ADELAIDE on navigation maps
- Install any signage
- Complete tour of dive site with rescue authorities and designated divers
- Open the site to dive
