Tuesday 4 September 2018

Notices to Mariners Week 35,36 & 37 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

Week 35

 

UKHO and Trinity House Permanent, Preliminary and Temporary

1. NORTH SEA - Netherlands Sector - Buoyage. - Two temporary cardinal buoys ‘en route’ between the North Hinder system and towards the Westerschelde. - See the image on the usual page: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html
2. ENGLAND - Thames Estuary - Depths. - Two reduced depths in the Deep Water channel of the Knock John Channel. Not likely to hinder leisure craft.:
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Eight reduced depths on the west side of the Corton Sand (which is encroaching). Note in partnership with the following Trinity House NtM.;
4. EAST COAST OF ENGLAND - APPROACHES TO GREAT YARMOUTH - HOLM CHANNEL & HOLM SAND - Movement of six buoys around the Holm Sand. The image includes reduced soundings already reported vide NtoM Nos 272, 2380(P) and 4128 (above).

Local

1. SEA REACH FENDER REPAIR OIKOS JETTY NO. 1 - repair work will commence on Sunday 19th August 2018 to fenders on OIKOS Jetty No. 1. These works are expected to take 4 to 5 days to complete during which time a ‘Proceed with Caution’ will be issued by London VTS where mariners are requested to be mindful of their wash.
2. GRAVESEND REACH JETTY REINSTATEMENT AND WORKS CUSTOMS JETTY - work will commence on or around 28th August 2018 on the reinstatement of the pontoon for Customs Jetty. The works will be carried out with the assistance of SWS SUFFOLK and will consist of removing the brow before reinstating the pontoon, associated fixings and steelwork. The brow will then be reinstated.
3. Harwich Harbour Maintenance dredging – Harwich Haven berths and approaches - on or about the 21st August 2018 the plough dredger FORTH DRUMMER will commence maintenance dredging of the Harwich Haven berths and approaches for a period of approximately 14 days. )n or about the 24th August 2018 the trailer suction dredger Barent Zanen will commence maintenance dredging of the Harwich Haven berths and approaches for a period of approximately 8 days. Survey work in regard to the dredging operations will be conducted by the Harwich Haven Authority vessel Egret. Material from these areas will be disposed to the TH027: Harwich Haven disposal site.
4. Port of Wells - dredging;
5. Blakeney Harbour - The light on Harbour Entrance buoy no. 4 (N 52° 58.777’ E 000° 57.530’) has now been reinstated. Flash sequence is FlG(2.5s).

I can't remember whether it has been said, so in case it hasn't, Havengore Bridge is operational.

CLACTON ON SEA AIRSHOW 23rd /24th August 2018 - between the hours of 11:00 BST to 21:00 BST Thursday 23rd and 11:00 BST to 17:00 BST Friday 24th an Airshow will be taking place offshore from Clacton Seafront.

An area starting Six Cables East of Clacton Pier, approximately Seven Cables to seaward, running parallel to the Shore to Lion Point Jaywick in the West. This area will be a restricted area for all vessels, other than official vessels patrolling or any craft participating in a programmed display on behalf of the show organisers.
Restricted Area:

A. 51’47.55N – 001’10.20E Inshore Limit East of Clacton Pier.
B. 51’46.91N – 001’10.83E Seaward Mark East of Clacton Pier.
C. 51’45.76N – 001’07.51E Seaward Mark West of Clacton Pier,
D. 51’46.30N – 001’07.20E Inshore Limit West of Clacton Pier.

Vessels are advised to keep clear of this area between the hours stated above. Anchoring is prohibited in this area. It is prohibited to launch or recover any vessels within this area during the stated times.

Week 36

 

UKHO Permanent, Preliminary and Temporary Notices

 

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Wreck. Depth. - This is pretty important. This is a new wreck just west of the bank of the Whiting and the symbol used means ‘Wreck over which the exact depth of water is unknown but is thought to be 28 metres or less, and which is considered dangerous to surface Navigation’. Note the sounding at the spot of the wreck is deleted which was 8+m. We might be able to consider that the wreck was lying at 8m depth especially as no urgent wreck marking has been laid but that cannot be certain;
2. ENGLAND - South East Coast - Depths. Wrecks. - This was pretty tedious! - A ‘major’ NtoM: 23 new depths!!! and 4 new wreck off and around the North Foreland and the Falls. But the least sounding is 8 metres so nothing unlikely to hinder leisure craft;
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Four reduced soundings west of the Thames Barrier, three reasonably close, the fourth in Blackwall Reach.

Local

I love a Bank Holiday - never many on a Bank Holiday!

1. River Crouch – Burnham Fairway No 7 Light Buoy has been reported unlit;
2. Ipswich - Diving Operations in New Cut - diving operations will be taking place in and around the tidal barrier construction site from the 22/8 through to the 30th August 2018. These works are to remove the temporary scour mats. The works will be marked by dive flags and a safety boat will be on standby to manage the traffic. Image can be found (as can all the UKHO NtMs) at: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html - this one in the temporary list;
3. Port of Wells - dredging.



Week 37

 

UKHO Permanent/Temporary/Preliminary

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - NM Block. - New block showing the new depths in the Hamilton Dock in Lowestoft. The block can be downloaded at: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Legends. Note. Depths. - Deletion of the reference to Bunkering in the Anchorage in Queens Channel, and one change of depth (unusually) increased to 8.3 in the middle of the Deep Water channel of the Princes Channel just east of the Princes Inner special buoy.
3. NETHERLANDS - Depth. - A new reduced depth just on the northern side of the Steenbaken, one of the banks off shore the Oosterschedt.
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - Wreck. - Change of wreck symbol (exact depth unknown but not considered dangerous…) to depth by sounding. Not likely to hinder leisure craft.

Local

1. WOOLWICH REACH - ENVIRONMENT AGENCY - THAMES BARRIER CLOSURES: The Thames Flood Barrier will be closed once a month for test purposes, in accordance with a programme issued for a period of six months, commencing 01st November 2018 to 09 April, 2019. Full details of the monthly dates at the above page on the Temporary List. During these periods navigation in the Thames Barrier Control Zone, between Margaretness and Blackwall Point, will be restricted and any movements in this area will require permission from London VTS;
2. LONG REACH NAVIGATOR TERMINAL DOLPHIN REPLACEMENT WORKS - construction of a new upriver dolphin at Navigator No.1 Berth will start on or around the 11th September 2018. During the works the jack-up barge ‘COMMANDER’ and various logistics barges will be in use with a tug and safety boat in attendance at all times. A set of tubular piles required for the construction works will be rafted together and moored at Broadness Reach or St Clements Reach (subject to weather and operational conditions), and marked with an all-round white navigation light. The piles are 60m in length and have a freeboard of 600mm and will be towed up river individually to the construction site from the mooring.
3. Felixstowe Harbour - Obstruction on seabed- reduction in charted depth. Mariners are advised of an object on the seabed located 280m due west from the North end of Felixstowe No. 8 berth. The coordinates are- 51° 57.03942’ N, 001° 18.4970’ E (I have added an image showing the position - I suspect nobody would try to anchor in that position!) The minimum available depth above this object is 13.5m below chart datum (1m reduction in charted depth).
4. MEDWAY VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE - RELOCATION - on 01st May 2018 at 06:00 UTC, Medway VTS was relocated to the Group Port Control Centre (GPCC) based in Liverpool. They have just reissued the NtM so it may be that the telephone numbers have been changed - see the details in the Temporary List.
5. River Crouch - Whitaker No 6 Light Buoy - The light is now reinstated and operational.
6. Port of Wells dredging;
7. Kings Lynn - Approaches to King’s Lynn – King’s Lynn Harbour - River Great Ouse: Travis Perkins Skiff Rowing Races Sunday 16th September 2018. Skiff rowing races are planned to be held in King’s Lynn Harbour over the 1129 hrs high water. The races will start at 0930 hrs and will finish at 1230 hrs. The full course will extend from the Outer Purfleet (start/ finish line) to The Free Bridge. Mariners are requested to maintain position north or south of the course while each race is taking place and then navigate with caution and comply with any request of the Safety boat.
8. Havengore Bridge Update (03.09.18) - The specialist contractors have been on site today to diagnose the cause of the latest bridge failure. The east tail lock is stuck in the extended position. The ram that controls the tail lock is mounted at height under the bridge metalwork and requires additional equipment to remove it from its mountings for repair. We will issue a further update when we have confirmation of when the contractors can return with the equipment necessary to complete the work. Our apologies for the ongoing disruption. Nicki Uden – Community Liaison Officer, SHOEBURYNESS RANGE Careline: 0800 0560108

 


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Tuesday 14 August 2018

ntm:Notices to Mariners Week 34 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary

All five on the London River:

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depth. - One reduction of depth on the edge of the deep water channel just east of the Sea Reach 1 South lateral buoy. Not likely to hinder leisure craft.
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Four reduced depths in the main channel of the Thames off and adjacent to East Tilbury. All are at over 8m so unlikely to hinder leisure craft.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Two reduced soundings in the deep water channel of Sea Reach, either side of the pair of No 5. Both at depths that will NOT be likely to hinder leisure craft.
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depth. - One reduced sounding close to north by Tilburyness. Again at 6m, it is unlikely to hinder leisure craft
5. ENGLAND - East Coast - Buoy. - Slight but important move of the Leigh lateral buoy (starboard hand mark for the Thames, port hand mark for Leigh Creek).

Local

Not many today - good oh

1. GRAVESEND REACH WEST STREET PIER - Due to the deteriorated condition of West Street Pier, Mariners are advised that a “Proceed with Caution” is in place until further notice. Mariners should ensure they pass the pier at an appropriate speed to ensure minimum wash, in order to prevent further deterioration to the structure. Vessels are instructed not to moor at West Street Pier until further notice. (Image at the usual page in the Temporary List: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html
2. LOWESTOFT BRIDGE CHANNEL – TRIAL NAVIGATION LIGHTS - Mariners and Port Users are advised that Bridge Channel lights are being trialed on the North side of the Bascule Bridge ‘cut’ with an east and west light each Iso.Y.5s. The lights will be in position for approximately one week. Notice will be provided once they have been removed.
3. Port of Wells - dredging.

That's it.


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Wednesday 8 August 2018

Notices to Mariners Week 33 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Drying heights. Depth. - This is two new drying areas on the shingle banks to the River Ore. Use the East Coast Pilot download for the buoyage at: http://www.eastcoastpilot.com/OreChartlet2018v1.pdf . The ECP correctly shows the two drying areas so this is really about the UKHO catching up on their chart corrections.
2. FRANCE - North Coast - Depths. - A reduction on the north-eastern edge of the Ridens de Calais but still at over 10m this will not hinder leisure craft. Image at http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html as usual.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Obstruction. Buoy. - River Blackwater - The port hand buoy just west of the reduced baffle wall for the old nuclear power station marked the obstruction associated with the removal of the baffle wall wing. At 5.9m depth, it will not hinder leisure users but obviously don’t anchor.
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - NM Blocks. - River Thames - Three UKHO blocks all dealing with the same location but for different charts. This is the area of the Hole Haven. The PDF blocks may be download from the above page.

Local

1. River Crouch – Outer Crouch No 4 Light Buoy - is now operational and exhibiting the correct light pattern.
2. Port of Wells - dredging;
3. Approaches to King’s Lynn – King’s Lynn Harbour - River Great Ouse. - International water ski event Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August 2018. - to be held in King’s Lynn Harbour on Saturday 18th August 2018 over the 1203 hrs high water and on Sunday 19th August 2018 over the 1305 hrs high water. Details in the above quoted page in the Temporary List;
4. Ramsgate - Flap Gate and Lifting Bridge Works Update - The floating crane 'Skylift' will return to Ramsgate this weekend to continue works to re-fit the lifting bridge and flapgate. It will be necessary for the barge to work from a position that will prevent access either to or from the Inner Basin and the TFA fuel barge. The dates when this will occur are between 0800 Monday 13th August and 2000 Tuesday 14th August 2018.



Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Monday 30 July 2018

Notices to Mariners Week 32 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

 

 

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary

1. New Editions of ADMIRALTY Charts published 9th August 2018 - Chart 2571 England - East Coast, The Swale, Whitstable to Harty Ferry. 1:12,500; A Faversham Creek. 1:12,500; B Whitstable Harbour. 1:5,000
2. BELGIUM - Buoyage. - Two temporary south cardinal buoys just off and east of Blankenberge. Could be related to the installation of the UK/Belgium power cable. Image of the location on the usual page: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local

1. GREENWICH REACH TO CROSS DEEP - THE GREAT RIVER RACE - will take place on Saturday 8th September 2018 from 1000 at Masthouse Terrace Pier until approximately 1600 at Ham. Throughout the day there will be Local Traffic Control, pier closures and river closures in place. see the full notice on the above page under the Temporary list.
2. River Crouch – Repair of Sea Defences - Jackson Hyder will be carrying out embankment repair works on behalf of the Environment Agency at Creeksea and Malyons along a 1.43 km section of the River Crouch. (download of map in the Temporary list). The works will be completed two hours either side of high water and are expected to commence on the 1st August 2018, weather permitting. All work will be shore-based and there will not be any vessel operating on the river. However, Mariners are requested to take due care and consideration whilst passing these works and keep their wash to a minimum.
3. River Crouch – Outer Crouch No 4 Light Buoy - has been reported unlit.
4. Port of Wells - dredging



 


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Mike Johnson - RIP




It is with great sadness we have today learned of the death of member Mike Johnson following a heart attack.

Many of you will have memories of Mike and his boat Wobbly Cod and more recently his daily visit to the club to sit and watch everything going on, and always ready for a chat.

Over the years Mike has done much for the club being our “resident” electrician and sign writer and always ready to help other members out.

Mike will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Cathy and his family.




Wednesday 25 July 2018

Local ditch crawler "comes out"

 

Local ditch crawler "comes out"

Author Nick Ardley, often seen cruising the Medway with his wife Christobel in their classic Finesse 24 "Whimbrel" with sailing tender in tow, has revealed that he has prostate cancer. The diagnosis only happened after he insisted on a PSA blood test and he is campaigning for routine screening for men in the same way that women are screened. He …

Read more.


The Voice of Boating on the tidal Medway and Swale - visit www.msba.org.uk

Notices to Mariners Week 30 & 31 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

Week 30

 

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary

Just the one - not very exciting:

ENGLAND - East Coast - Restricted areas. - A small change of the position of the Kentish Flats Wind Farm power cable from the Farm to land. No change in the Berm. See image at the usual page: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local

1. GRAVESEND REACH TO MOUSE CHANNEL - 87TH THAMES SAILING BARGE MATCH - Mariners are advised that the 87th Thames Sailing Barge Match will take place on Saturday 21st July 2018, with participating vessels congregating in Gravesend Reach prior to proceeding to the start line at Mucking No.3 buoy: 10.00am Coasting Class 10.15am Champion Staysail Class 10.30am Champion Bowsprit Class - The race participants together with associated escort and official craft will proceed eastwards to the North Oaze Buoy before turning about to return to Gravesend for the finish of the race. Note the intended route may be shortened subject to weather conditions on the day.

2. LOWER HALSTOW WRECK TO THE NORTH OF LOWER HALSTOW YACHT MOORINGS - the sunken floating dock/converted barge, that has been moored to a large yellow mooring buoy to the north of the Lower Halstow Yacht Moorings has now been refloated. It is now made fast to 3 yellow buoys still at a position (Revised) - 510 22.90N 0000 40.36E;

3. RIVER MEDWAY– SALTPAN REACH Isle of Grain LNG Terminal, Jetties No. 8, 9 & 10. Underwater Pile Inspection Survey - Diving Operations will take place under the jetties from Wednesday 18th July 2018 and are expected to last for approximately 3 weeks;

4. RIVER MEDWAY– SALTPAN REACH - Isle of Grain, Foster Yeoman Terminal, Jetties No. 6 & 7. Underwater Cathodic Protection System Repairs - Diving Operations to make repairs to the cathodic protection system will take place between and under the jetties from Monday 16th July 2018 to Friday 20th July 2018;

5. River Crouch – Upper Reaches Obstruction - the abandoned anchor thought previously to have been attached to a mooring buoy in approximate position: 51˚ 37.793'N, 000˚ 36.316'E has now been re-laid and no longer poses a hazard to navigation.

6. River Crouch - Swallowtail No 4 Light Buoy is re-established;

7. Lighted Beacon Wakering Yacht Club Pontoon - River Roach - the lighted beacon '2 fixed reds' on the end of Wakering Yacht Club's pontoon is re-established;

8. Port of Wells dredging.

 

Week 31

 

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary

1. New Editions of ADMIRALTY Charts published 2 August 2018 - Chart 1835 England - East Coast, River Medway, Folly Point to Maidstone, A Continuation of the River Medway, B Continuation of the River Medway to Maidstone. Includes changes to depths from the latest Medway Port Authority Surveys;
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Wrecks. - Three revised depths over already known wrecks to the east of the Sheringham Wind Farm. All at a depth that they are unlikely to hinder leisure craft;
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Works. Buoy. Depths. - A restricted area off the Bawdsey beach for drilling for the East Anglia One Wind Farm. The instructions opposite are explicit. No mooring, no fishing. The area limits the inshore route from the Deben to the Ore. Not strictly an exclusion zone but going outside the Waverider buoy would make sense! Depths may be more shoal than charted in the vicinity due to the drilling works; - See the image for the area at: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local

1. LEIGH CHANNEL LEIGH BUOY BUOY REPOSITIONED - the Leigh Buoy has been moved approximately 170m to the NNE of her current charted position to reflect changes in depths in the area;
2. SEA REACH CALOR & LONDON GATEWAY TIDE MONITORING EQUIPMENT - during the last week of July 2018 the PLA Hydrographic Service will be deploying a bottom-mounted current monitoring device (an ADCP) mid channel off Calor Canvey. The deployment will last about two weeks after which it will be moved to the approaches to London Gateway 1 for a further two week deployment. The unit stands less than one metre above the bed and the sites have been selected so as to not interfere with any surface shipping, which will not be restricted during these deployments. There will be no surface markers; - Image on the same page but in the Temporary list;
3. Harwich Sea Festival, navigational exclusion zone & Ha'penny Pier pontoon restrictions The Harwich Sea Festival is jointly organised by the Rotary Club and Harwich RNLI. The festival will run from 11:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs on the 29th July 2018. The event organisers have published detailed festival information via the following link https://www.harwichseafestival.co.uk/ . Navigational exclusion zone. On the 29th of July 2018 between approximately 14:45 hrs and 15:15 hrs a navigational exclusion zone will be established in the vicinity of Harwich Ha'penny Pier. This exclusion zone is being established to ensure safety during a helicopter search and rescue demonstration during the Harwich Sea Festival.
The exclusion zone covers the area west of a line drawn between Shotley Point and the eastern end of the Navyard dock, terminating in a line drawn between the tower on Ganges Pier and the eastern end of Harwich International port. During this period no vessel shall enter or pass through the exclusion zone without the expressed permission of the Harbour Master. See images in the Temporary List;
4. Port of Wells - dredging;
5. KING'S LYNN CONSERVANCY BOARD - Approaches to Kings Lynn - UKD "Cherry Sand" Dredging Disposal West Stones Disposal site HU143 - from the Am tide 25th July 2018 through until the AM Tide 4th August 2018, UKD Vessel "Cherry Sand" will be carrying out maintenance dredging for the safety of shipping within the enclosed Docks King's Lynn. Each operational tide the "Cherry Sand" will depart King's Lynn Docks 1 hour to High water and proceed to the disposal area in the vicinity of the West Stones Beacon (52° 49.7'N 000° 21.1'E). The disposal area is marked by 2 Yellow marker buoys; - • North Buoy Fl.Y.5s 52°50.615'N 000°21.190'E • South Buoy Fl.Y.10s 52°50.360'N 000°21.300'E. Discharge will be carried out at approximately High Water followed by return to King's Lynn Docks about 30 minutes after high water;


 

 

 


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Tuesday 17 July 2018

RYA SafeTrx - Slightly old News, but worth installing and using in conjunction with other GMDS safety equipment.



DOWNLOAD the RYA SafeTrx App today!
From today (Wednesday 11 July) the CG66 website will be redirecting everyone to the RYA SafeTrx safety ID scheme. The world-leading RYA SafeTrx app is designed to improve safety at sea and potentially cut vital minutes off the time taken to pinpoint a casualty’s location. It monitors your boat journeys and alerts designated emergency contacts should you fail to arrive on time. The RYA SafeTrx app is available to any UK resident who wants to be safer afloat and already has over 13,000 users. It provides all recreational boat users with an accessible and simple-to-use way of automatically informing HM Coastguard of their voyage plans, vessel and crew information, incident data, dynamic location and even a direct 999 connection in the event of distress. RYA SafeTrx uses real-time advanced technology and allows users to do so much more, including summoning the Coastguard – which means we can reach you quicker. The precise geolocation feature for example, allows the Coastguard to know where the caller is, an important consideration when the person in distress is unsure of where they are, disoriented, injured or unfamiliar with the area. RYA SafeTrx is free to download from Apple app store or Google Play. Once downloaded, boaters can run unlimited free trips using the app. In addition to the Sail Plan mode, the app has a tracking option called Track Only mode, which enables boaters to analyse their speed and performance on the water while racing or cruising. For customers who do not wish to use the mobile app, there is an option to register their details online at https://safetrx.rya.org.uk/login.html SafeTrx
Posted by Maritime and Coastguard Agency on Monday, 25 June 2018

Sunday 15 July 2018

Notices to Mariners Week 27,28,29 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

Week 27

 

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary or Temporary

Only two - and uninteresting:

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. (strange title this week!) - Two reduced depths in the Thames: the first right by the Broadness port hand buoy, the second just east of the QEII bridge. Neither likely to hinder leisure craft.
2. ENGLAND - South East Coast - Wrecks. Depths. - Change of depths on four wrecks east of Kent. All at safe depth for passage by leisure craft.;

Local

1. THAMES BARRIER DREDGING OPERATIONS - On or about Monday 25th June 2018 for approximately 1 week, conducting dredging operations in FOXTROT span of the Thames Barrier. The dredging will be undertaken from a flat top pontoon positioned alongside pier 5 with a hopper barge alongside to take the dredged material. During the dredging operations, FOXTROT span will be in the maintenance position.
2..Rivers Crouch & Roach - CHA Annual Buoy Maintenance - is due to commence on Monday 25th June 2018. The work will be carried out from the vessel 'JUMBO' which will keep a listening watch on VHF channel 11/16. Requested to give a wide berth and pass at a safe speed so as not to create excessive wash whilst the vessel is alongside the navigation marks.
The work is expected to take approximately several weeks.
3. LOWESTOFT OUTER HARBOUR – BRIDGE CHANNEL QUAY WALL MAINTENANCE/REPAIR - schedule to commence on Wednesday 20th June, to repair suspended quay support structures and fender sections on the South side of the Bridge Channel, just East of the Bascule Bridge. The works will be undertaken from Vessel 'Flying Hart' with support craft 'Cargo of Dreams', berthed alongside the areas. All craft will monitor VHF Ch.14. Vessels wishing to transit the area should contact Port Control to obtain information and advice on works activities. Vessels should only pass the works sites once permission has been granted, should afford as wide a berth as is safe and practical, and pass at slow speed to reduce vessel wash. Works are expected to take approx. two weeks to complete.
4. Ramsgate - Mitre Gates and Lifting Bridge Works - Mitre Gates will be reinstated by a floating crane on Wednesday 27 June. On Friday 29 June the Flap Gate will be removed to be overhauled. During these periods, it will not be possible to transit between the Royal Harbour and the Inner Basin. Both operations are subject to weather, further information can be sought from Ramsgate Port Control on VHF Ch. 14. The crane barge 'Skyline 21' will be listening on VHF Ch. 14 - Mariners are asked reduce their speed to create minimum wash when passing the work area.


That's it. There is no report of dredging at Wells this week......


Week 28

 

UKHO Permanent/Temporary/Preliminary

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - Four reduced soundings in the Thames, all in different locations between Sea Reach and Barking 4 images. None going to trouble leisure craft;
2. ENGLAND - South East Coast - Obstruction. - Unexploded ordnance found in the Sandiettie DW channel but at 25m or more, not likely to hinder leisure craft.;
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Dolphins. Lights -Two new lights on Dolphins on the north bank of the Thames, just before Fiddler's Reach.
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - Wreck. Beacon. - The wreck of the SS Lowlands lies at the end of East Mersea in the Colne. Now degraded and so changed as a less obvious wreck and marked by an unlighted East Cardinal Beacon.

Local

1. GRAVESEND REACH SURVEY AND DECK REPAIRS GRAVESEND TOWN PIER - work will commence on Gravesend Town Pier on or around 5th July 2018, and will last approximately 10 weeks. The work involved the inspection and, where necessary, replacement of deck timbers. During this time scaffolding will be in place under and around the pier structure. At times a crane barge will lay alongside the pier ahead for a day at a time;
2. GREENWICH AND WOOLWICH REACH FIREWORKS DISPLAYS LOCAL TRAFFIC CONTROL - fireworks displays will be conducted on behalf of Sail Greenwich in Greenwich Reach and Woolwich Reach. Greenwich Reach On Wednesday 4th July, Thursday 5th July and Friday 6th July 2018 there will be fireworks displays from barges positioned upstream of Greenwich Ship Tier. The displays will commence at 21:45 and delays of up to 10 minutes may be expected. Woolwich Reach On Saturday 7th July 2018 there will be a fireworks display from barges positioned downstream of Woolwich Arsenal Pier. The displays will commence at 21:45 and delays of up to 10 minutes may be expected.

Images of locations at: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html - The Temporary List.

3. As reported - Ipswich Temporary Lock Closure - essential works on behalf of the Environment Agency , Ipswich Lock will be closed for all vessels during the following period :- Monday 9th July from 2200hrs ~ Tuesday 10th July 0600hrs There is a possibility that works could be completed earlier than expected, please contact Orwell Navigation Service on VHF CH 68 for the latest information;
4. Port of Wells - dredging;
5. King's Lynn Harbour - Beacon "Bravo" Navigational Mark - Off Station due to damage. Beacon "Bravo" position 52° 49'.090N 000° 21'.136E. - Mariners are advised to keep clear of this area until damaged beacon has been recovered.

6. There is a new London Array Wind Farm about a Wind Turbine Blades maintenance program but the link doesn't work at the moment. I had emailed the Coordinators for a copy and I will report soon as...


Week 29

 

UKHO Permanent/Temporary/Preliminary

Only the one:

ENGLAND - East Coast - Obstruction. - Delete of previous obstruction in the Medway off Thamesport. I think this has been before.

Temporary

1. River Crouch – Upper Reaches Obstruction - sighting of an abandoned anchor thought previously to have been attached to a mooring buoy in approximate position:
51° 37.793'N, 000° 36.316'E - The anchor constitutes an underwater hazard. Vessels navigating in the vicinity are advised to pay particular attention to under keel clearance as available water may be restricted by up to 1 meter. The Authority will advise once the obstruction is cleared. - I have drawn up an image on the usual Temporary list: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html The spot is 'off South Woodham Ferrers';
2. LOWESTOFT OUTER HARBOUR – BRIDGE CHANNEL QUAY WALL MAINTENANCE/REPAIR - works continue to repair suspended quay support structures and fender sections on the South side of the Bridge Channel, just East of the Bascule Bridge. The works are being undertaken by Vessel 'Flying Hart' with support craft 'Cargo of Dreams', berthed alongside the areas. All craft will monitor VHF Ch.14. Vessels wishing to transit the area should contact Port Control to obtain information and advice on works activities. Vessels should only pass the works sites once permission has been granted, should afford as wide a berth as is safe and practical, and pass at slow speed to reduce vessel wash. NOW - expected to take until approx. the end of August to complete;
3. Addition to last time - Beacon "Bravo" Navigational Mark - Approaches to Kings Lynn - Temporary Mark established - Navigational Mark Beacon "Bravo" has been replaced with a temporary mark and has a light characteristic of Fl.Y.2s. Beacon "Bravo" position 52° 49'.090N 000° 21'.136E
4. Ramsgate Approaches - EAST BRAKE BUOY - Mariners are advised that the East Brake buoy is now back on its charted position of 51˚19.47'N – 001˚29.22'E;
5. Port of Wells - dredging;

Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?503585-Notice-to-Mariners-Week-29#uD4OI3jX8st8O8L6.99

 

 

 

 


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Friday 22 June 2018

Safety Notice - Failure of throw bag rescue lines




 
We have been notified of a fault with RIBER throw bag rescue lines. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch have conducted an investigation and issued a safety notice outlining the details. Read the fullsafety bulletin here.

If you have any throw bags within your equipment please read the safety notice in detail and follow the instructions regarding the faulty product.





Wednesday 20 June 2018

Notices to Mariners Week 26 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

UKHO Permanent/Temporary/Preliminary

1. New Editions of ADMIRALTY Charts published 12 July 2018: Chart 1606 - England - East Coast, Thames Estuary, Fisherman's Gat to Princes Channel. 1:25,000: Chart 1609 England - East Coast, Thames Estuary, Knock John Channel to Sea Reach. 1:25,000 Chart 1834 England - East Coast, River Medway, Garrison Point to Folly Point 1:12,500, Otterham Creek. 1:12,500;
2. NETHERLANDS - Breskens - Buoyage. - Re-designation of light characteristics at a port hand buoy off Breskens.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Horne Gas Field - Obstruction. Platform. Restricted areas. Depth. - The gas head at the Horne and Wren field is removed and an obstruction left. Plenty of depth - 38m;
4. ENGLAND - Thames Estuary - Mouse Channel - Depths. - Reduction of one depth adjacent to the SW Barrow west cardinal buoy. It appears the SW Barrow has ‘gently’ extended SW but only by 0.2m to 4.9m.
5. ENGLAND - East Coast - Lowestoft Harbour - Depths. - There are 12 reduced depths within either Lake Lothing (the outer marina), the Inner Harbour or the commercial part of the Outer Harbour such as the Trawl Dock. None of the reduced soundings affect the Marina Basin.
6. BELGIUM - Westhinder SE - Foul. - This is an identical NtoM (No 2858, last week) but for a different UKHO chart.
7. ENGLAND - East Coast - River Thames - Long Reach - NM Block. Jetties. - New markings of the Oil and Gas Jetties in the Long Reach (just up-river from the QEII bridge).
8. FRANCE - North Coast - Dunkerque - Lights. - All 4 lights marking the Yacht Club Mer du Nord Marina are deleted!

Local

1. THE SWALE – CLAY REACH & ELMLEY REACH - Construction of a new outfall pipeline, Wheelabrator Kemsley Generating Station (WKGS). No navigational concerns;
2. PORT OF GREAT YARMOUTH - Haven Bridge - currently non-operational, and unable to lift for vessel traffic. Engineers are working to diagnose the fault, and formulate a plan of repairs, once the cause of the fault is identified. The timeframe for returning the bridge to operation is unknown at this time, however repairs are unlikely to be completed before this coming weekend (16th & 17th June). This is due to the anticipated timeframe to source spare parts for a 90 year old bridge;
3. Port of Wells dredging;
4. Blakeney Harbour Entrance Channel - three entrance channel buoys have been repositioned - HARBOUR ENTRANCE STARBOARD NO. 4, HARBOUR ENTRANCE PORT NO. 5 and CHANNEL MARKER PORT NO. 8 - details in the Temporary list on: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html
5. Approaches to Kings Lynn - No.16 Light Buoy - light buoy and associated mooring has been re-established and the temporary yellow navigation buoy has been removed.


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Notices to Mariners Week 23-25 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

Week 23

 

UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary

Only the one (unexciting):

BELGIUM - Vlakte van de Raan - Depth. - A reduction of depth close to the S8 buoy north of Zeebrugge. Unlikely to hinder leisure craft at 5.3m!

Local

1. Port of London - CANVEY ISLAND - WASH AND DRAW-OFF DANGERS ON PUBLIC BEACHES - usual annual warning intended mainly for shipping;
2. Ipswich - Dragon Boat Racing Saturday 2nd June 2018 Wet Dock - racing event in Ipswich Wet Dock on Saturday 2nd June 2018 taking place between the hours of :- 1000hrs ~ 1600hrs. More details in the Temporary list at: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html
3. Rescheduled Dredging Operations River Orwell - trailing suction dredger 'UKD Orca' and Bed leveller 'UKD Seahorse' will be working in the Port of Ipswich and River Orwell from or about Tuesday 12th June 2018 for about 6 days. The deposit operation will take place in the Long Reach of the River Orwell. All vessels are requested to give this vessel a wide berth, especially when 'UKD Orca' swings in the Long Reach near No 3 Buoy following the deposit operations.
4. Port of Wells - dredging;
5. Ramsgate - outside the port and environs - Temporary race marks now in place. Listed in the Temporary list as above.

 

Week 24

 

UKHO Permanent/Temporary/Preliminary

1. Admiralty Charts to be published 28 June 2018:
Chart 1504 - England - East Coast, Cromer to Orford Ness. 1:150,000 Includes new East Anglia One offshore windfarm and submarine cables and changes to Horne and Wren Gas Fields and depths from the latest British Government Surveys.
Chart 1975 - England - East Coast, Thames Estuary, Northern Part. 1:50,000 Includes changes to depths from the latest British Government and Port of London Authority surveys;
2. NORTH SEA - Netherlands Sector - Buitenbanken and Approaches to Scheveningen - Buoyage. - Re-designation and change of light characteristics for two of the Maas Channel;
3. NETHERLANDS - Deurloo and Rede Van Vlissingen - Drying height. Depths. - One reduced depth off Vlissingen and one drying height on the Deurloo off the Walcheren coast;
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - Woodbridge Haven - Drying heights. Depth. - Three new drying heights of the Deben Knolls. Please note that the Imray East Coast Pilot replacement chartlet already incorporates those changes. I suggest you download the image from the East Coast Pilot website unless you have already done that. - http://www.eastcoastpilot.com/DebenChartlet2018v1-1.pdf ;
5. ENGLAND - East Coast - The Wash - Buoy. - In confirmation of the recent local Kings Lynn NtM, the No 1 channel buoy now changed from lateral mark to special mark;
6. ENGLAND - East Coast - River Medway - Depths. - Four reduced depths: two in the Thamesport maintained depths (!) and two close to the North Kent starboard hand buoy. None likely to hinder leisure craft;
7. ENGLAND - East Coast - Lowestoft Ness E - Buoy. - In confirmation of the recent local NtM, the Outfall cardinal buoy is temporarily removed. - see images at the usual page: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtoM

1. WOOLWICH FERRY TERMINALS PILING OPERATIONS - On or about 11th June 2018, contractors conducting piling operations on the North and South ferry terminals. This will involve 3 piles being installed at each terminal. Piling operations will be undertaken from the Jack up barge HAVEN SEARISER 4 with the crane barge FORTH ATLAS in attendance. The North terminal piling is expected to commence 11th June 2018 and be completed by 2nd July 2018. The South terminal piling is expected to commence 2nd July 2018 and be completed by 27th July 2018;
2. Harwich Harbour Maintenance dredging – Harwich Haven berths and approaches - on or about the 3rd June 2018 the plough dredger FORTH DRUMMER will commence maintenance dredging of the Harwich Haven berths and approaches for a period of approximately 10 days. On or about the 7th June 2018 the trailer suction dredger UILENSPIEGEL will commence maintenance dredging of the Harwich Haven berths and approaches for a period of approximately 8 days. Survey work in regard to the dredging operations will be conducted by the vessel AQUATROT. Material from these areas will be disposed to the Inner Gabbard disposal site.
3. LOWESTOFT OUTER HARBOUR SEABED OBSTRUCTION IN TRAWL DOCK - from 24th May for a period of approximately 2 weeks, a "Seabed Lander" with recovery rope & data cable attached to it, will be positioned in the Trawl Doc - see the usual page for image of equipment and position;
4. LOWESTOFT OUTER HARBOUR – ROYAL NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK YACHT CLUB TRAFFIC LIGHT FAULT - the traffic lights positioned at the exit of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club, position 52˚ 28.35'N, 01˚ 45.17'E, are faulty. They now permanently display 3 x fixed red (vertical) lights. Vessels must request permission to exit the yacht club on VHF Channel 14 from Lowestoft Port Control. Permission to exit against the red lights will be granted only when considered safe to do so;
5. Port of Wells - dredging;
6. Potton Bridge Update - Work to replace the faulty components will begin on 11 June and currently estimate that the bridge will be back in service on 13 June;
7. Galloper Offshore Wind Farm - Survey - 05-05-2018 (! - just recent published as far as I can see) survey vessel "Morven" will be surveying within the OWF, the Sunk TSS and along the 45km export cable where it makes landfall at Sizewell in Suffolk. The vessel will be towing 1 x side scan sonar approximately 50m astern.
· The vessel will have restricted manoeuvrability whilst towing the side scan sonar. · In addition, the vessel will carry out multibeam operations in the Sunk TSS, with survey lines orientated North – South, perpendicular to the traffic flow. Image of vessel and route can be found in the usual Temporary list in the above quoted web page.

 

Week 25

 

UKHO Permanent/Temporary/Preliminary

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Bull Dog Channel, Bull Dog Sand NW and SW and Kings Lynn - Beacon. Drying heights. Buoy. - One new beacon in the Kings Lynn harbour, 8 revised drying heights alongside the Kings Lynn approach channels and a new port hand buoy 'R'. The position of the buoy in relationship to the current chart indicates the channel has significantly moved.
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Boston - Works. - Warning of works in progress on the River Witham.
3. BELGIUM - Westhinder - Foul. - A new FOUL in the Westhinder shipping anchorage. In over 20m so unlikely to hinder leisure craft!
4. NORTH SEA - Netherlands Sector - Steenbanken and North Hinder Junction - Buoy. Obstruction. Wrecks. - Removal of a cardinal buoy (and increase of depth) marked a wreck in the Middlediep channel off the Dutch coast. Removal of an obstruction in the Bollen Van Goeree channel.
5. BELGIUM - Wielingen - Obstruction. Buoy. - An obstruction, dangerous to surface navigation, exists in position 51° 19´·91N., 3° 08´·39E. A north cardinal light-buoy, Q NM, has been established in position 51° 20´·07N., 3° 07´·99E. An image of course can be found in: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local

1. MEDWAY VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE - 01st May 2018 at 06:00 UTC, Medway VTS was relocated to the Group Port Control Centre (GPCC) based in Liverpool. Callsign 'Medway VTS' will continue to be available on VHF Channel 74 and by telephone on (0151) 949 6656. Medway Duty Pilot desk will continue to be manned 7 days a week (Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30, Weekends 08:30-15:00) and be available by telephone on (01795 662276).
2. RIVER MEDWAY – CHATHAM & UPNOR REACHES - MEDWAY RIVER FESTIVAL - Saturday 16th June 2018 the MEDWAY RIVER FESTIVAL - River Activity Events centred on an area between Thunderbolt Pier and King's Stairs at Chatham Historic Dockyard at various times between 1100 hrs and 1700 hrs. The patrol boat "Maurice Gill" will be in attendance.
3. Pinto Lighted Buoy, River Crouch - ground tackle now overhauled;
4. PORT OF GREAT YARMOUTH - Haven Bridge Lift Allocations - 16th and 17th June 2018 - Bridge lift allocations shall be corralled into the following times: 1130 hours 1330 hours 1600 hours 1800 hours;
5. PORT OF GREAT YARMOUTH - Great Yarmouth Air Show – 16th & 17th June 2018 - taking place between 1000 hours and 2000 hours. The air displays will be taking place offshore from Great Yarmouth seafront. Exclusion zone detail in the Temporary List in the above quoted web page (and indeed the detail of all the Local NtoM.;
6. Port of Wells - dredging;

 

 

 


Link to details -
http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary

 

 

Thursday 24 May 2018

Keep 800 yards NW of Montgomery wreck buoys

Keep 800 yards NW of Montgomery wreck buoys

To clarify the previous article on our website, Peel Ports Notice to Mariners No 20 of 2018 warns us to stay at least 4 cables (approx 800 yards) to the north west of the restricted area marked by the yellow danger buoys around the Montomery wreck until 1st June 2019 (i.e. next year), as shown on this chartlet. The red star …

Read more.



The Voice of Boating on the tidal Medway and Swale - visit www.msba.org.uk

Wednesday 23 May 2018

Avoid Montgomery wreck, 23 May - 1 June

 

Avoid Montgomery wreck, 23 May - 1 June

From 23 May to 1June oceanographic recording equipment with be placed on the seabed just NW of the Wreck Exclusion Zone. The equipment consists of a seabed Lander marked by 3 red buoys and deployed NW of the Wreck Exclusion Zone for the entire period. Mariners are requested to keep a minimum of 4 cables clear of the exclusion zone …

Read more.


The Voice of Boating on the tidal Medway and Swale - visit www.msba.org.uk

Notices to Mariners Week 21 & 22 - Notices to Mariners for the Southern East Coast of the UK and across to France, Belgium and part of Holland

Week 21
Permanent, Preliminary or Temporary UKHO

1. FRANCE - North Coast - Banc In Ratel S - NM Block. Depths. - Three reductions of depth in a small unmarked channel between the offshore sandbanks off Dunkerque. Not a likely place we would be!
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Approaches to Ipswich - Woolverstone Marina - Works. Light. - Deletion of the 2012 reference of works in progress. Readers will recall last week’s local NtM in the Temporary List from ABP Ipswich regarding deletion of a light on Woolverstone Marina.

Local

1. SEA REACH CALOR JETTY JETTY & FENDER WORKS - commencing on the week beginning 15th May 2018 Medtow Marine Ltd will be carrying maintenance to fender units on the Calor Gas Tanker Jetty for about 10 days - it's on Canvey;
2. LOWESTOFT APPROACHES - SEWER BUOYS MAINTENANCE - essential maintenance was scheduled for the Sewer Cardinal Buoys on Friday 11th May (East and South Cardinal Buoys). The buoys are temporarily removed at present;
3. Port of Wells - dredging;
4. King’s Lynn Harbour - Hanse Royal Regatta - on Sunday 20th May 2018 as part of the Hanse Royal Regatta there will be boat racing on the River between the Purfleet and a position to the North of the Free Bridge between 0930 hrs and 1300 hrs. Yellow Race markers will be laid. Mariners are kindly requested to keep clear when the races are underway and to contact King’s Lynn Harbour Radio on VHF Channel 14 prior to manoeuvring within the area of the races.
5. Approaches to Kings Lynn - Amendment to No.1 Light Buoy, Pilot Boarding Area - on or about 9th May 2018 the following amendments to the No. 1 light buoy in position 52° 56’.00N 00° 21’.50E will take place: The colour of the buoy will be changed to Yellow. The character of the light will change to Fl Y 3s. The changes are to reflect the special function of the buoy as the pilot boarding area rather than as a starboard hand mark.
6. Approaches to Ramsgate - EAST BRAKE BUOY - presently displaced 500 meters SW of its charted position of 51˚19.47’N – 001˚29.22’E
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?500467-Notice-to-Mariners-Week-21#wXEXTO6w9Ob1YCCF.99

Week 22
UKHO Permanent, Preliminary or Temporary

1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Winterton Overfalls - Depths. - 2 reduced depths near the Overfalls but this is linked into the next:
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Winterton Overfalls to Lowestoft - Depths. Drying heights. Wrecks. Obstruction. - a Major preliminary notice including 212 reduced depths, 3 drying heights, 5 wrecks and one obstruction - not the nicest to do! - And the area has already issued 5 NtMs this year. I have needed to include 3 images and to be comprehensive I have added the reduced depths from the 5 earlier NtMs.
3. BELGIUM - Zeebrugge - NM Blocks. - a block of the east side of the harbour - image of course on the usual page: http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html

Local

1. Pinto Lighted Buoy - River Crouch - the Pinto Lighted Buoy has been observed to be laying low in the water in and around the high water period;
2. Mariners are courteously reminded of Rule 9 [Narrow Channels] of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 [COLREGS]… 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!
3. Port of Wells - dredging.

Local NtMs compiled by and reproduced by kind permission of Roger Gaspar, author of Crossing the Thames Estuary