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The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) has recently undergone a review of the management arrangements, the current status of mooring infrastructure and the associated risk management plan for the ex-HMAS Hobart dive site. As a result, several operational changes have been implemented and are effective as of today.
Mooring Buoys The SATC has reinstated six mooring buoys at the dive site that are available for both commercial operators and recreational divers to use at their leisure with no booking or fees associated. The SATC will be responsible for the ongoing management of the bouys and a diagram of the position of the new buoys is available online at www.exhmashobart.com.au Commercial Operators Commercial dive operators will no longer be required have a ‘commercial operators licence’ to access the dive site. Access to the site will now be available to all commercial operators free of charge. Recreational Divers Recreational divers will be able to access the ex-HMAS Hobart Dive site either by using a commercial dive operator or by using their own boat. Availability of the mooring bouys to divers and their boats (commercial or recreational) will be on a first come, first served basis. Diver Permits All divers are still required to obtain a dive permit. Permits are valid for up to 12 months and anyone entering the zone will still be required to abide by specific conditions outlined in the Code of Conduct. The permit application process remains unchanged:
All activities undertaken in the vicinity of the ex-HMAS Hobart are still controlled by the following legislation:
It would be much appreciated if you could assist us in communicating this information about diving the site by updating any information you currently distribute through your own communication channels (websites, newsletters etc). If you are conducting commercial charters or other related tourism activities on the dive site, or plan to in the future, it would be much appreciated if you could let us know so we can assist in the marketing and distribution of these activities.
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