An exclusion zone prohibits ocean-goers from coming within 100 metres of the decommissioned wave power generator that gathers rust at Oilies, a treasured surf break off Port Kembla.

June storms are thought to have further destabilised the the banged-up structure, prompting renewed attention from Roads and Maritime Services officers.

“Warning signs have been damaged by recent storms and are being reinstated,” a department spokesperson said. 

“There are submerged objects and part of the structure is on the seabed, which poses a risk to vessels, swimmers and surfers.

“RMS carries out regular patrols of the area and takes safety risks seriously to prevent injury to the public. Patrols have increased due to the recent damage to the structure after the storms.”

The spokesman said no fines had yet been issued for entering the exclusion zone.

Oceanlinx made several attempts to remove the rust-gathering wave generator before it went into receivership in 2014, with debts of $10 million. 

The barge became the responsibility of the RMS which, in December 2014, called for expressions of interest to remove it.

Thirteen firms answered the call. The department remains in the process of choosing a tender from five finalists, with the structure to be removed by the end of the year.

In the meantime, the barge has become a prized point of interest for some visitors to the world class wave, often making an appearance in surf videos and photographs.