Panaji: The Aguada sand bar reopened to all marine traffic on Wednesday, with the Captain of Ports (CoP) also announcing the reopening of six lighthouses at Campal, Tejo Front, Tejo Rear, Reis Magos, Penha de Franca and Aguada Beacon.Alongside the reopening, the department issued fresh navigational warnings, cautioning mariners to remain well to the seaward of the line traversing the Old Aguada lighthouse and Aguada Beacon and give a wide berth to the outer patches, Amee shoals and Sunchi reefs.The department clarified that the line between the new Aguada lighthouse and Aguada Beacon is not a clearing line for the shoals and must not be used for navigation under any circumstances.It also reiterated that the minimum depth over the Aguada sand bar is 1.8m and advised vessels with a draught exceeding 1.7m not to cross without proper assessment.“Owners are to take absolute caution to ensure that the vessels are seaworthy in every respect viz engines, steering and manning. They are to ensure that masters with disabilities, bad eyesight, drunkenness or any deficiency that may hamper their reflexes or efficiency, competency should not be put on duty while navigating,” said Captain of Ports Octavio Rodrigues.Navigation through the Cumbharjua canal under the Banastarim bridge remains completely prohibited without prior permission from CoP.The advisory also cautioned mariners about a black-and-yellow buoy marking the shallow Reis sand patch opposite the Reis Magos lighthouse. Vessels heading seaward have been advised to keep the buoy to their port side, while those entering Panaji port should keep it to their starboard side. Mariners have also been asked to maintain a safe distance as the buoy may drift from its position.The department has issued detailed navigation protocols for vessels passing under the Mandovi and Zuari bridges, including minimum-speed requirements near specific piers, mandatory lookouts and a prohibition on crossing or overtaking within 500m of the bridges.The CoP warned that violations of the instructions would invite strict action under applicable rules. Mariners have also been urged to exercise extra caution during spring tides and periods of poor visibility or strong currents.
