Displaying items by tag: Portora Lock

18th October 2023

Waterways Ireland Confirms Daily Operation of Portora Lock on Erne System

Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels and inland waterways users that Portora Lock on the Erne System is currently operation.

The lock will be operated daily from 8am to 10.30pm. During these times, a lock-keeper will be present and will complete the operation of the lock gates.

Published in Inland Waterways

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18th January 2021

Erne System: Portora Lock Closure for Maintenance This Week

File image of Portora Lock outside Enniskillen

Waterways Ireland advises that Portora Lock on the Erne System near Enniskillen will be closed to boat traffic on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 January to accommodate essential maintenance works to the lock gates.

Masters of vessels on this inland waterway are asked to heed all instructions from safety personnel who will be in the area.

Published in Inland Waterways

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25th September 2013

Restricted Erne Navigational Access Through Portora Lock Gates

ERNE NAVIGATION

ENNISKILLEN

PORTORA LOCK

Restricted Navigational Access Through Portora Lock Gates on 2nd & 3rd October 2013.

Waterways Ireland has been advised by the Rivers Agency that due to essential maintenance works, navigational access through Portora Lock Gates will be restricted on Wednesday 2st & Thursday 3nd October 2013 between 8am & 5pm. The lock gates at Portora will be in operation during the maintenance works. Whilst navigational access will be facilitated, delays of up to 1 hour can be expected as the works involve the use of an underwater dive team. Access for emergency services will be prioritised should the need arise.

Rivers Agency apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum. Anyone wishing to discuss this matter can contact Rivers Agency on 028 6638 8529.

Charles Lawn
Lt Cdr (rtd)
Inspector of Navigation
25 Sep 2013

Tel: 353 90 6494232
Fax: 353 90 6494147

Published in Inland Waterways

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25th February 2013

Essential Maintenance at Portora Lock Means Some Disruption to Boat Traffic

#inland – Waterways Ireland advises masters of vessels that The Rivers Agency are undertaking essential lock gate maintenance at Portora lock in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, the only lock on the Erne system. There is expected to be some disruption to traffic over the period of maintenance. Masters are requested to follow instructions given by the onsite safety boat.

Published in Inland Waterways

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18th January 2012

Fast flow at Portora, Enniskillen

#Erne – As a result of fast river flow On the Erne system at Enniskillen, Portora Lock is presently closed. Also, a defective sluice gate on the weir means there are fast flow rates in the vicinity of the lock. Waterways Ireland has issued a warning to Masters to proceed with caution if navigating in the vicinity of the lock.

Published in Inland Waterways

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Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Ireland Information

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity to save lives at sea in the waters of UK and Ireland. Funded principally by legacies and donations, the RNLI operates a fleet of lifeboats, crewed by volunteers, based at a range of coastal and inland waters stations. Working closely with UK and Ireland Coastguards, RNLI crews are available to launch at short notice to assist people and vessels in difficulties.

RNLI was founded in 1824 and is based in Poole, Dorset. The organisation raised €210m in funds in 2019, spending €200m on lifesaving activities and water safety education. RNLI also provides a beach lifeguard service in the UK and has recently developed an International drowning prevention strategy, partnering with other organisations and governments to make drowning prevention a global priority.

Famous Irish Lifeboat Rescues

Irish Lifeboats have participated in many rescues, perhaps the most famous of which was the rescue of the crew of the Daunt Rock lightship off Cork Harbour by the Ballycotton lifeboat in 1936. Spending almost 50 hours at sea, the lifeboat stood by the drifting lightship until the proximity to the Daunt Rock forced the coxswain to get alongside and successfully rescue the lightship's crew.

32 Irish lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions, including the 15 crew of the Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) lifeboat which capsized while attempting to rescue the crew of the SS Palme on Christmas Eve 1895.

FAQs

Which is Ireland's busiest lifeboat station?

While the number of callouts to lifeboat stations varies from year to year, Howth Lifeboat station has aggregated more 'shouts' in recent years than other stations, averaging just over 60 a year.

Do the RNLI get paid?

Stations with an offshore lifeboat have a full-time mechanic, while some have a full-time coxswain. However, most lifeboat crews are volunteers.

How many RNLI Lifeboat stations in Ireland?

There are 46 lifeboat stations on the island of Ireland

How many lifeboat crew have been lost in rescue missions?

How many people are rescued by the RNLI?

In 2019, 8,941 lifeboat launches saved 342 lives across the RNLI fleet.

What type of boats does the RNLI have?

The Irish fleet is a mixture of inshore and all-weather (offshore) craft. The offshore lifeboats, which range from 17m to 12m in length are either moored afloat, launched down a slipway or are towed into the sea on a trailer and launched. The inshore boats are either rigid or non-rigid inflatables.

How are lifeboats called out?

The Irish Coast Guard in the Republic of Ireland or the UK Coastguard in Northern Ireland task lifeboats when an emergency call is received, through any of the recognised systems. These include 999/112 phone calls, Mayday/PanPan calls on VHF, a signal from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or distress signals.

What is the relationship between the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI in Ireland?

The Irish Coast Guard is the government agency responsible for the response to, and co-ordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue operations. To carry out their task the Coast Guard calls on their own resources – Coast Guard units manned by volunteers and contracted helicopters, as well as "declared resources" - RNLI lifeboats and crews. While lifeboats conduct the operation, the coordination is provided by the Coast Guard.

What is a coxswain?

A lifeboat coxswain (pronounced cox'n) is the skipper or master of the lifeboat.

What training do RNLI lifeboat crews get?

RNLI Lifeboat crews are required to follow a particular development plan that covers a pre-agreed range of skills necessary to complete particular tasks. These skills and tasks form part of the competence-based training that is delivered both locally and at the RNLI's Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset