As part of a German Navy exercise with NATO units, the firing and warning areas of Todendorf, Putlos and the corresponding danger area will be completely closed during the official firing times for the duration of the exercise. However, as 32 practice mines will also be laid for the duration of the manoeuvre and, according to information from the Navy's Todenlos coastal radio station in response to an enquiry from YACHT, there will be increased shipping traffic, the Bundeswehr recommends avoiding the area completely for the duration of the manoeuvre. The mines are of course not live, but the manoeuvre alone means that there are already a lot of ships on the move, explained the captain on duty.
If you have any questions about crossing the area, you can also contact the Todenlos coastal radio station at any time via channel 16 or 11 (call sign "Todenlos Naval") or call the control centre by telephone (Tel.: 04385/591313). The coastal radio station is always manned when there is shooting. On the coming Whitsun weekend, however, at least Saturday and Sunday will be shooting-free.
More importantly, when asked, the captain of the control centre explained that, as things currently stand, the Summer exercise break during the holidays from 29 July to 25 August will be reinstated. This was cancelled in 2022 as part of exercises and tests that were ultimately due to the war in Ukraine. However, it was emphasised that changes could be made at short notice at any time due to changes in the situation. Sailors should therefore check shortly before planned crossings in the summer to make sure that the break will actually take place. This is very easy to do via the BSH information page on the shooting rangewhich always shows the current times for the coming week. Alternatively, you can use the Website of the Lippe Yacht Clubwhich is located on the edge of the shooting range.
The signal masts in Todendorf and Putlos also provide information via light signals before exercises take place. Security vehicles are also deployed.
