to Marienrs No 52 of 2023 Gat No No 17 of 2 Local Authority Notices to Mariners


Local Authority Notices to Mariners



















































































































































































































































































































Week  53


RIVER MEDWAY - LNG VESSEL TRANSIT AND MANOEUVRES


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: a recent near miss incident involving a small fishing boat and an LNG Vessel has highlighted an issue surrounding the movement of such ships and the proximity of small boats. LNG vessel movements are extremely sensitive for a number of reasons; the size of the vessel, the level of tug assistance required, the complexity of the berthing/unberthing manoeuvre and the very nature of the cargo they carry. When an LNG ship is transiting the River Medway or in the process of manoeuvring on/off the berth at Isle of Grain all vessels are required to keep well clear and maintain a safe distance.

The chart above shows the potential turning circle of an LNG ship and indicates the amount of sea room that needs to be kept clear for the turning manoeuvre. The area highlighted may alter depending on the size of the vessel and if the adjacent LNG berth is occupied by another ship, however, the zone marked is based on the largest LNG vessels expected (345m).

When the ship is fast alongside the established LNG berth exclusion zone and associated rules apply to all craft as per Medway NtoM 02 of 2020.


UKHO Chart 1834 refers


Further information may be obtained from Medway VTS on VHF Channel 74, call sign “Medway VTS’ or telephone 0151 949 6148 or 0151 949 6650.




Medway (Peel Ports) Notices to Mariners No 56 of 2020

Medway 56.jpg


Week  53


IRIVER MEDWAY - INCIDENT UPDATE & PROSECUTION STATEMENT

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT : Peel Ports London Medway is committed to providing a safe environment for all river users and reported incidents that demonstrate dangerous behaviour and serious breach of port byelaws will be investigated leading to potential prosecution. We would like to bring to your attention the following statement issued as a result of an inquiry subsequent to an accident earlier this year.


“On the 26th of April 2020 a water craft collided with another vessel causing it to sink and causing serious injury to one of the occupants. Police attended the scene and the defendant was breathalysed and found to have a levels of alcohol in his system exceeding the amount permissible for driving a vehicle on the road, resulting in his arrest. The injured party maintained that the defendant had been performing ‘doughnut’ turns around her vessel but had lost control of his vessel causing it to collide with hers.


The Port of Sheerness Ltd brought prosecution proceedings against the defendant pursuant to the Port Byelaws alleging that the defendant had failed to navigate his vessel with the requisite level of care and that he had been in charge of his vessel whilst unfit by reason of drink, contrary to byelaw’s 22 and 33 respectively. The defendant was summoned to appear before Magistrates sitting at Medway on the 10th of December 2020. At this hearing the defendant pleaded guilty to both allegations and was ordered to pay fines, compensation and costs totalling £3,950.”



Medway (Peel Ports) Notices to Mariners No 57 of 2020

Week  36


RIVER MEDWAY– SALTPAN REACH - Isle of Grain LNG Terminal,  Jetties Nos. 8 & 10 Exclusion Zones

(General Directions for Navigation)


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all mariners are to observe the exclusion zones in relation to the Isle of Grain LNG Terminal Jetties Nos.8 & 10 in Saltpan Reach. Mariners are also to note that any unauthorised infringement of the LNG Exclusion Zones may result in prosecution.

Berth Exclusion Zone Regulations:


1. When there is no LNG vessel berthed at the LNG Terminal no vessel (including pleasure vessels, PWC’s, fishing boats etc.) shall navigate within that part of the River Medway which is within an arc measuring 150 metres in any direction from the cargo transfer arms at the LNG Terminals. The cargo transfer arms are located at the following approximate position:

Terminal No.10 51° 25.9405’N 00° 42.5448’E

Terminal No.8 51° 25.9309’N 00° 42.1760’E


2. When there is an LNG vessel moored at the LNG Terminal no vessel (including pleasure vessels, PWC’s, fishing boats etc.) other than those attending the LNG terminal which are authorised by the Harbour Master or the operator of the LNG Terminal, shall enter any part of the River Medway which is within an arc measuring 250 metres (berth exclusion zone) in any direction from the cargo transfer arms of the LNG Terminal.


3. When there is an LNG vessel moored at the LNG terminal, the speed of all passing vessels navigating outside of the berth exclusion zone should not exceed 7.5 knots through the water whilst transiting.

Further information may be obtained from Medway VTS on VHF Channel 74, call sign “Medway VTS’ or telephone 0151 949 6148 or 0151 949 6650.




Medway (Peel Ports) Notices to Mariners No 2 of 2022 (re-issue)

Medway 2 reissue.jpg




Week  29


Lowestoft Harbour and Approaches –Management of Vessel Speed and Wash

Lowestoft port has in recent months experienced incidents involving excessive speeds,and/or  close  passing distances, within the Harbour and its approaches.  These have resulted  in vessel wash and/or hydrodynamic forces effecting other port users and operations.

Mariners and Port Users are reminded that the maximum speed limit within the harbour is 4  knots.  However, this should not be regarded as  a  target  speed.  Also, at sea the wash from  a  vessel can  be  detrimental to other users when it strikes their craft or the shoreline.  Passage planning in confined waters should consider safe speed and be compliant with regulatory speed limits. During  a  passage  the  speed  of  the  vessel  should  be  closely monitored and adjusted as required.  The effects of vessel wash, and/or the magnitude of hydrodynamic forces between vessels, will depend on a complex array of factors, including, but not limited to the following:

• The speed of the passing vessel(s).

• The passing distance, (with reduced distance leading to greater hydrodynamic forces).

• The underkeel clearance and variations in depth, (the smaller the underkeel clearance the greater the hydrodynamic force).

• The design of the vessel hull.

• The relative displacement of both vessels.

• The orientation of the berth to the passing vessel.  Due  care  should  be  taken  when  passing  vessels, whether  in the approaches or in Harbour limits.  Speed  should  be  such  to  minimise the propagation of wash,whilst maintaining full control over the manoeuvrability of the vessel.  

Necessary reductions in speed should be made gradually and in good time as circumstances allow.  Mariners are advised that it is an offence to proceed at excessive speed where damage or  risk  of  damage  may  be  caused  by  wash  or  displacement.  Caution  should  be exercised when passing piers, berth/moorings, beaches, recreational activities and any other areas involving property or persons. All vessels and craft should be operated in a courteous manner with consideration being given to other mariners.

Please  contact  Lowestoft Port  Control,  VHF  Ch14,  or  Tel.  01502  572286,  if  further information is required



Lowestoft (ABP Ports) Notices to Mariners No 29 of 2020

Week  24


THE SWALE -FAVERSHAM CREEK - Abandoned Craft Wreckage  

NOTICE IS  HEREBY  GIVEN that  due  to movement  and  deterioration  the  steel  framed remains of the vessel “Revenge” that was abandoned in Faversham Creek will be partially removed. The vessel “Liftmoor” will be on site from Monday 1st June 2020 and will be working for approximately 5 days to remove the bow section and parts of the superstructure that are causing a hazard to navigation. The operation will involve cutting/grinding of the steelwork and due to the nature of this “hotwork” passing craft are requested to navigate with caution. “Liftmoor” will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 74 at all times.

Further  information  may  be  obtained  from Medway  VTS on  VHF  Channel  74,  call  sign “Medway VTS’ or telephone 0151 949 6148




Medway (Peel Ports (Notices to Mariners No 27 of 2020

Medway 27.jpg


Week  20


Ministry of Defence (MOD) Shoeburyness: Range Sea Danger Area


In anticipation of the lifting of the Government’s COVID-19 lockdown and a return to recreational use of local waterways, it’s timely to remind local sailing and watersports clubs and associations of the restrictions in the vicinity of the Foulness and Maplin Sands. QinetiQ operates the live weapons test and evaluation Range in Shoeburyness and on Foulness Island in Essex, known as MOD Shoeburyness. The Range is active Monday to Friday (occasionally at weekends), all year round conducting activities that involve firing and detonating live ammunition, often over long distances out to sea.


To enable the Range to work safely and ensure that hazardous activities do not present a risk to members of the public, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Artillery Ranges Byelaws 1936 and the Shoeburyness and District Military Lands Byelaws 1935 (under the Military Lands Acts 1892 to 1903). The byelaws govern the use of the land and rights of access and passage through the byelaw area. The byelaws cover an area of the Thames Estuary and the North Sea and the inner waterway that runs from Havengore Creek across to the River Roach and the River Crouch. This area comprises the Range Sea Danger Area (RSDA), unauthorised entry to this area is both prohibited and dangerous.


QinetiQ is responsible for managing access to the RSDA and ensuring that boats, yachts and personal watercraft do not stray into the area, putting themselves and their vessels at risk. In order to help monitor the RSDA whilst the Range is active, QinetiQ uses marine surveillance radar and has a Range Safety Boat which patrols the in area and advises any unauthorised vessels to leave in accordance with the byelaws and in the interests of health and safety.


To raise awareness of the location of the RSDA and help avoid incursions by unauthorised vessels, there is a section on the MOD Shoeburyness website which is dedicated to safety information for mariners. Here, mariners can find guidance on how to safely navigate in the vicinity of the Range, how to contact Range Control for advice and the meaning of the Red Flags that the Range uses to indicate the status of the Inner and Outer Sea Areas. If you or your members sail in the vicinity of the Range, we strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the restrictions.


Our website also has a guide for anyone wishing to access the inner waterways via Havengore Bridge (currently closed to marine traffic), and we post status alerts on Twitter to notify when either Havengore Bridge or Potton Bridge is non-operational. Follow us @SHB_Alerts.   


We would be most grateful if you could circulate this information amongst your members and other contacts in the sailing and watersports community and where possible, create a link from your website to our Information for Mariners page (see link below). If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the information, please let me know. You may also find the information in the attached leaflet of interest which you can print and circulate amongst your members if you wish.


https://www.qinetiq.com/shoeburyness/Public-Safety#informationformariners


Nicki Uden – Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE
Careline: 0800 0560108
Email:
nuden@QinetiQ.com


Dated 4th May, 2020


There is a pdf Download:  


MOD Shoeburyness

Staying safe near the Range Sea Danger Area

Week 30


Foul Anchorage, River Roach – Quay Reach

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that we have had a report of “foul ground” (Anchorage) approximate depth LW 5m in position

51˚36.206’N

000˚52.223’E

All vessels are advised to avoid this area when anchoring in the River Roach.



Crouch Harbour Authority Notices to Mariners No 24 of 2019

Week 3


Unmarked Obstruction – Faversham Creek


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a report has been received advising of an UNMARKED OBSTRUCTION in Faversham Creek close to the shore line between Buoys No.5 and No.7


The unmarked obstruction is located in Faversham Creek, the Swale in approximate position:


51° 20.193‘ N 00° 54.244’ E


Reports received have identified the obstruction as being near to the shore line and being submerged over mid to high tide times.


Further information may be obtained from Medway Navigation Service (VTS) on VHF Channel 74 call sign “Medway VTS’ or direct on telephone no. 01795 663025.


Peel Ports (Medway) Notices to Mariners No 4 of 2019 (Brought forward from 2017)


Week 3


RIVER MEDWAY – ROCHESTER - BRIDGE REACH


New Wreck Reported


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a new wreck has been reported inshore of Middle Acorn Moorings, Bridge Reach, Rochester, in position –


Latitude 051° 23.61”N Longitude 000° 30.26’E


A minimum depth of 1.5m at Chart Datum has been recorded. Mariners are advised to keep clear and navigate with caution In this area.


Admiralty Chart No. 1835 Refers


Medway (Peel Ports) Notices to Mariners No 7 of 2019 (Brought forward from 2017)


Medway 25.jpg


Week 51


LOWESTOFT - REVISED PORT SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL NOTICE FOR MASTERS

Mariners and Port-Users are advised that the information note for ‘Port Safety and Environmental Notice for Master’ using Lowestoft Harbour has been revised and is attached to this notice. This revision precedes all previous revisions. The new revision mainly effects the below areas; Firstly, ‘Section 10: Lifting operations’ has been added in this revision to provide a reference on how to gain authorisation for the use of mobile cranes on the port estate/quayside areas.

Secondly, ‘Section 13 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)’ has been updated as the port is enhancing its requirement for PPE to be worn when walking within the Port Estate to join / leave a vessel. This includes, Town Quay, Talismans Quay, Silo Quay, All North Quays and Shell Quay. All crew/personnel must wear the minimum PPE requirement of safety helmet and high visibility vest. There will also be a yellow plastic waterproof box at the gated entrance to North Quay and Town Quay (see attached diagram) to deposit the PPE when leaving the port estate, or to collect the PPE when entering the port estate. Boxes will be labelled “SHIPS CREW PPE”.

Thirdly, ‘Section -14 Fresh water’ has been added to inform vessels of the recently implemented changes for the supply of fresh water.

Please bring this notice and the revision of the information to the attention of all Mariners and Port-Users operating in this area.



Lowestoft (ABP Ports) Notices to Mariners no 36 of 2018

Lowestoft 36 Safety-and-Environmental-Notice-2018.pdf



Week 22


INFORMATION


Mariners are courteously reminded of Rule 9 [Narrow Channels] of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 [COLREGS]


Rule 9 – Narrow Channels

(b) A vessel of less than 20m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.

(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway.

The latter may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) [At least five short and rapid blasts on the ship’s whistle] if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.

(g) Any vessel shall if circumstances of the case admit avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.


All commercial ships navigating in the Burnham Fairway will have a Crouch Harbour Authority [CHA] licensed pilot onboard. They will be monitoring VHF Channel 11 whilst within the CHA district. Do not impede these vessels as they can only navigate safely within the Fairway due to amongst other factors constraint of draught.

A ship that is slowing down may not steer very well; it needs propeller action on the rudder to respond, it takes time and considerable distance to stop a ship particularly if it is in a loaded condition.

Ships in narrow channels cannot easily avoid small craft, it is best that you stay clear.

Be especially cautious and vigilant at night or in times of poor visibility, above all keep a good lookout both ahead and astern.


If you cannot see the ships wheelhouse, the ship cannot see you.



Crouch Harbour Commissioners Notice to Mariners No 11 of 2018


Notices still current from 2017 or earlier


Week 37


Passage Plan - Lowestoft Port and Approaches


Mariners and Port users are advised that the UKHO has recently published a new edition of navigational chart BA1535, Lowestoft Port and Approaches. Sounding data from this chart has been used to update the Port’s Passage Plan chart and vessel tracks.


A copy of the chart is attached indicating the tracks likely to be followed by commercial vessels entering and leaving the port of Lowestoft. Masters and Skippers of leisure craft and small vessels should use this information when planning their own passage in the vicinity of the Port of Lowestoft.


The chart is also published on the Port’s website – URL


http://www.abpmarine.co.uk/admin/content/files/Marine/Lowestoft/Lowestoft%20Passage%20Plan%20-%20V08-17%202017.pdf


Local Notice No22 of 2014 is cancelled


If further information is required please contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF CH14 or Tel. No. 01502 572286.


Lowestoft (ABP Ports) Notice to Mariners No 24 of 2017

Chart and Lowestoft Passage Approach Guide shown:


Lowestoft 24 of 2017.jpg



Week 36


LOWESTOFT - REPORTING OF VESSEL MOVEMENTS


Mariners and Port-Users are reminded of the requirement to make contact with Lowestoft Port Control, on VHF Ch14, before port arrival, port departure, and for any internal Harbour transit at Lowestoft. This requirement covers all vessels, including fishing vessels and leisure vessels.


For departures and in-harbour transits, vessels are requested to report intentions via VHF 14 before leaving any berth or area. If vessels/craft do not have VHF radio, then port control must be contacted via telephone, no. 01502 572286.


Please bring this notice to the attention of any port users or vessel owners/operators not included as a recipient of local notices.


Please contact Lowestoft Port Control, VHF Ch14, or Tel. 01502 572286, if further information is required.



Lowestoft (ABP Ports) Notices to Mariners No 22 of 2017

Week 13


Dangerous Wreck on the Buxey Sand edge of the Swallowtail channel

This is an 'unofficial' notice to Mariners.  I have been told by Mr Alan Bird, a local oyster dredger and yachtsman who has seen detail of the 'Obstruction' in the channel between the Swallowtail and the Buxey Sand.  Charts currently show there is an 'Obstn' drying 2m at 51.40'951N, 001.03'541E.  However, Mr Bird records the position as 51°40’924N  001°03’660E - which is further from the edge of the Buxey Sand in approximately 1.5m CD, narrowing the channel between the two sands - and believes the 'Obstn' is substantial and dangerous remains of a wreck.  It is not marked!

Mr Bird has submitted an H102 to the UKHO but kindly given me details of the wreck and a copy of the images.  I have selected the best two images of the overview.  Note that the tail end of the Swallowtail can be seen on the left of the image showing how narrow the channel is.


The waypoint symbol on the chart image shows the position recorded by Mr Bird.