Hydrographic surveys in the Vuoksi river system to ensure safe navigation
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom says it has commissioned hydrographic surveys in the Vuoksi river system in eastern Finland to make navigation safer in the region. The work will be partly carried out by airborne surveys, which will reduce the inconvenience caused to residents.
Traficom is improving and developing the nautical charts on the Vuoksi river system to make navigation safer. Updating nautical charts requires hydrographic surveys in the areas Savonlinna – Rantasalmi – Joroinen – Varkaus – Oravi and in the area between Oravi and Pilppa Canal. The surveys will be carried out during the open water seasons in 2019 and 2020 by IIC Technologies Ltd.
Some of the work will be carried out by airborne laser surveys. This will reduce the need for vessels to operate near the shoreline. The aeroplane will fly back and forth at an altitude of approximately 300–500 metres, following a predetermined line plan. Because of the low altitude, the flights may cause momentary noise. The survey vessels and aircraft will make every effort to cause minimum disturbance to residents.
The survey vessels operate in accordance with a predefined line plan and have limited ability to manoeuvre and yield to other traffic. Shipping and boaters are therefore asked to consider the work and yield to the vessels. To warn other traffic, the vessels have in their mast a blinking white light and the required daylight markings and lights to indicate their limited manoeuvring. Other watercraft should keep well clear of the survey vessels and avoid creating wash.
Fishermen should mark their gear with appropriate, clearly visible flags and markings to avoid damages to either party.
