Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Captain of Ports Department has reopened the Aguada Sand Bar for all water-borne traffic with effect from September 16, 2026, while issuing a series of safety instructions to mariners navigating Goa’s inland waterways and bridges.
The department has also announced that the lighthouses at Campal, Tejo Front, Tejo Rear, Reis Magos, Penha de Franca and Aguada Beacon have resumed functioning with their usual characteristics.
Mariners have been cautioned about the shallow waters around the Aguada Bar, with the minimum depth recorded at 1.8 metres below chart datum at the mouth of the Mandovi River. Vessels with a draught exceeding 1.7 metres have been specifically warned not to attempt crossing the bar without proper assessment.
The department has further warned that weather conditions may deteriorate without warning and advised mariners to exercise extreme caution while crossing the Aguada Bar during rough conditions.
A Black and Yellow Buoy displaying a quick white flash every one second has been placed to mark the shallow patch known as ‘Reis Sand’ opposite the Reis Magos Lighthouse. Vessels proceeding towards the sea have been instructed to keep the buoy to their port side, while vessels entering Panaji Port should keep it to their starboard side at a safe distance.
Mariners have also been warned that the buoy could drift from its designated position and have been advised to proceed slowly, scan the area and immediately inform the Captain of Ports if the buoy is found displaced.
The department has reiterated strict navigation protocols for vessels passing under the Mandovi and Zuari bridges. Vessels are required to pass through designated spans at minimum speed, while navigation under the bridges should be avoided during poor visibility, strong winds, strong currents or other unsafe conditions.
Crossing or overtaking vessels within 500 metres on either side of a bridge has also been strictly prohibited.
A lookout man must be stationed at the bow of vessels operating between Campal Lighthouse and Britona, both during the day and night, to monitor ferryboats, buoys and other vessels.
The notice also highlights the risks posed by spring tides, when strong tidal and cross currents could push vessels towards bridge piers. Masters and crew have been directed to ensure that vessels are seaworthy and properly manned before navigation.
Navigation through the Cumbarjua Canal under the Banastarim Bridge remains completely banned unless prior permission is obtained from the Captain of Ports, Panaji.
Vessels using the New Konkan Railway Bridge at Daujim across the Mandovi River have also been directed to navigate with utmost caution. The bridge has a horizontal clearance of 124.2 metres and a vertical clearance of 12.9 metres.
The Captain of Ports has additionally reminded owners, masters and serangs of barges and other inland vessels to comply with the Inland Vessels (Motor) Navigation Rules, 1968, and remain aware of the clearances of bridges across Goa’s inland waterways.
Passenger ferry boats have the right of way in the waterways, and other vessels have been instructed to keep clear of ferry routes and exercise extreme caution near bridges, piers and passenger crossings.
The department has warned that violations of the navigation instructions will be dealt with severely under the rules in force.
