Four climate activists charged during the Rising Tide protest at Newcastle Harbour in 2024 are facing a two-day hearing.
They each fronted Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to failing to comply with directions relating to safety on navigable waters.
Police allege three officers gave "numerous directions" that were "said by themselves" and also "heard by others" on the morning of November 24, 2024.
Barrister Shawanah Tasneem, acting for the four accused, said the issue in each case was about the validity of directions and whether those directions were received.
There was no dispute about navigable waters given the shipping channel is open around the clock.
The hearing began in Newcastle on Tuesday before local court judge Scott Nash, and was expected to run for two days. Up to 13 witnesses were expected to be called and audiovisual material played.
The maximum penalty for the charge under the Marine Safety Act is a fine of $3300.
The court heard Robert Goodsell, Megan Frances Quinn, Christopher Maclurcan and Felicity Natasha Forth were environmentalists from group Rising Tide.
They were taking part in a "people's protest" on Newcastle Harbour between November 21 and 24, 2024.
The alleged offences arose from events on the final day of the protest when some people entered the waters off Horseshoe beach on kayaks, other floatation devices, or by swimming.
Detective Senior Constable Cameron Swift was the lead informant for the Rising Tide "protestival" and was the first witness called to give evidence on Tuesday.
The hearing continues before Judge Nash.
More than 250 Rising Tide protesters are set to face hearings later this year for allegations arising from both the 2024 and 2025 events, known as the People's Blockade of the World's Largest Coal Port.
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