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Notices to Mariners on this page are reproduced by kind permission of the Port of London Authority. The MRUA can accept no responsibility for errors or ommisions contained therin. Further information can be obtained by contacting PLA. via www.portoflondon.co.uk

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Notice to Mariners No. U11 of 2006

Reduced Depths

Richmond to Battersea

The Port of London Authority has been advised by the Environment Agency that, due to the ongoing drought, the amount of water flowing over Teddington Weir is being reduced significantly.  Following the exceptionally low rainfall over the last 20 months, groundwater levels across most of the Thames Region are well below normal and river flows are also low.  The reduction in flow over Teddington Weir reflects the low natural river flow and the need to balance this with abstraction of water to support water company supplies.

Water depths in the upper reaches of the tidal river are dependent on the flow of fresh water coming downstream.  River users can expect depths to be significantly reduced from those charted, as a result of the lower water flows.

Richmond Lock

In order to conserve water and maintain water levels upstream of the lock, river users may be required to wait longer to use the lock in order to keep the number of cycles to a minimum and to get as many boats as possible into each lock cycle.  Small craft able to use the boat slide on the Middlesex shore are encouraged to make use of that facility.

See: 

Tide Tables and Port Information 2006 - Page 30

Permanent Notice to Mariners 2005 - P 28

River users should navigate with care, particularly at times of Low Water and listen to the routine traffic broadcasts from London VTS on VHF Channel 14.

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Notice to Mariners No 16 of 2006

THE GREAT RIVER RACE - TWICKENHAM TO GREENWICH

Saturday 16th September 2006

The Great River Race will be rowed with the ebb tide, between Twickenham and Greenwich , by approximately 300 craft on Saturday 16th September 2006 .  Competitors will be accompanied by a number of Safety Boats and there will be Marshal Boats in a number of locations along the course. 

Race start, at 0935 from just down river of Ham Landing , will be staggered and will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.  From 0730 onwards a large number of competing craft will congregate in the start area.  For this reason the river will be closed to through traffic and support craft between the lower end of Eel Pie Island and Richmond Landing Stage, from 0900 until the last competitor has passed the start line, at approximately 1100.  The closure will be indicated by Harbour Service Launches, with flashing blue lights.

Harbour Service Launches, with flashing blue lights, will be stationed as follows:

·      Ahead, in the middle and immediately astern of the competing craft, to control navigation in the race area.

·      In Lambeth/King’s Reach, to control navigation as necessary.

·      At the southern end of Limehouse Reach, to ensure that competitors cross the river.

The Limehouse Reach crossing area will be established off Greenland Pier and it is anticipated that competitors will reach this point from 1230 onwards.

Competitors have been instructed:

·       to keep to the starboard side of the river, as far as the Limehouse Reach crossing area.

·       to cross the river in the vicinity of Greenland Pier, as instructed by PLA Launch and to proceed down the north shore, clear of the fairway, to the finish.

·       to use only those bridge arches specified in Race Guidance Notes and by Marshal and Safety Boats.

·       not to overtake in bridge arches.

·       to follow all instructions from Safety and Marshal Boats.

Competitors are expected to be passing through the City stretch of the river between 1130 and 1330.  To improve safety in the area all piers on the south side of the river between Westminster and Tower Bridges will be closed to passenger traffic between these times.  Masters of vessels operating between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, not involved in the event, are to follow instructions from Harbour Service Launches and are requested not to impede competitors.

It is expected that most boats will cross the finish line off Poplar Rowing Club between 1230 and 1430.  A line of lead-in buoys placed off the Rowing Club and the Thames Sailing Barge “ADIEU”, anchored north of the fairway, will form the finish line. Pontoons will be placed off the foreshore, with a gangway leading ashore, to facilitate crew landing.

Latest information on the race will be given during routine broadcasts by London VTS on VHF Channel 14 and further information will be available from Harbour Service Launches, call sign Thames Patrol, also on VHF Channel 14.

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RIVER THAMES  

PORT OPERATIONAL VHF FREQUENCIES  

Mariners and berth operators are reminded that certain VHF channels are used for berthing and tug operations in the Thames and so far as is practicable should be avoided by vessels using VHF for other purposes.  Permanent Notice to Mariners No P9 of 2005 on the use of VHF Radio is reproduced below.  

The following VHF channels are commonly used for tug operations on the Thames :  

Oil Refineries 36 and 10

Tilbury Docks 15 River - 17 in the dock

River Berths               8, 13 and 72

NHCT                         77  

Vessels wishing to talk inter-ship or use an on-board VHF communication system should, when in the Thames , for safety reasons, as far as is practicable use alternative channels to those above.  

Masters of vessels are reminded that inter-ship navigational messages should be passed on the port operations channel appropriate to the location of those vessels.  In this way other traffic and the relevant PLA VTS Centre may be appraised of vessels' intentions.  

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Notice to Mariners No. M26 Of 2006

By day, three red discs 0.6 metres in diameter at the points of an equilateral triangle with the apex downwards and the base horizontal.

By night, three red lights in similar positions to the discs displayed by day.

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Notice to Mariners No.21 Of 2006

THE BLADE RUN

17th August 2006

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Notice to Mariners No. 14 of 2006

RIVER THAMES

SPEED LIMITS  

Masters of all vessels are reminded that an eight knot speed limit applies in certain parts of the River Thames, specifically, upstream of Wandsworth Bridge and in adjoining creeks and areas around Canvey Island .  

Byelaw 48 of the Port of London River Byelaws 1978 (as amended) sets out the areas, restrictions and exceptions and is reproduced below.  

Speed Limits

48     (1)    The master of a power driven vessel navigating in a part of the Thames to which this byelaw applies shall not cause or permit the vessel to exceed a speed of eight knots through, on or over the water:  

Provided that this byelaw shall not apply-  

(a)   where the vessel is being used for a fire brigade, rescue, ambulance, law enforcement or police purpose or for a purpose of the Port Authority’s harbour service, if the observance of the byelaw would be likely to hinder the use of the vessel for the purpose for which it is being used on that occasion or  

(b)   where-

(i)                 the vessel (having for the purpose of this byelaw been approved by a harbour master as one of which may exceed a speed of eight knots through the water) is engaged in escorting a rowing boat in training;  

or  

(ii)               the vessel is engaged in escorting a boat race or regatta; or

© where the vessel is being used in connection with an activity mentioned in byelaw 51 (1) below [Water-skiing, etc] when taking place in an area authorised by the Port Authority under sub-paragraph (b) thereof.  

         (2)    The parts of the Thames to which this byelaw applies are –  

                  (a) the Thames above Wandsworth Bridge ;

      (b) Deptford Creek

(c) the River Lee or Bow Creek

(d) Barking Creek

(e) Dartford Creek

(f)   the creeks to the north and west of Canvey Island and of the island known as Leigh Marsh or Two Tree Island, that is to say –

(i)         Holehaven, Vange and Pitsea creeks north of line drawn from Holehaven Point on a bearing 270º reckoned clockwise from the true north point of the compass; and

(ii)        Leigh Creek, Hadleigh ray, Benfleet and Easthaven Creeks west of a line drawn from Canvey Point on a bearing 000º reckoned as aforesaid to the Leigh-on-Sea shore and

(g) Yantlet Creek  

Masters’ attention is also drawn to Notice to Mariners No 12 of 2006 which refers to vessels’ speed and potential wash damage to berthed vessels and installations and  to Rule 6 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, which requires that ‘Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed………’

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Notice to Mariners No. 7 of 2006.

 3rd April 2006

SAFETY ADVICE FOR THE USERS OF RIBS AND HIGH-SPEED CRAFT  

There have been a number of serious, and in some instances, fatal accidents in UK waters in the last year involving RIBs and other high-speed craft.  The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has investigated these incidents and made a number of recommendations in its subsequent reports.  

The Port of London Authority ( PLA ) issues general guidance to leisure users in its publication ‘The Tidal Thames – A Guide for Users of Recreational Craft’.  However, this publication does not currently provide any specific advice and guidance in respect of the safe use and operation of RIBs and other high-speed leisure boats.   

The PLA recommends that all operators of such craft ensure that they receive suitable and relevant, accredited training and instruction in the safe use and operation of their vessel.  Numerous training courses are available from a wide range of boating and leisure organisations.  The Maritime & Coastguard Agency and the Royal Yachting Association provide guidance and advice on all types of marine leisure activities.  

In particular, operators and those in charge of such craft should, when underway:  

Ø      Be competent in and aware of the handling (and limitations) of the craft at differing speeds;

Ø      Ensure the keeping of a proper lookout;

Ø      Be aware of other river users, including the effects of their own wash;

Ø      Ensure the proper use of appropriate personal safety and protective equipment;

Ø      Use an effective ‘kill cord’;

Ø      Ensure they have a suitable means of communication on board;

Ø      Understand and be familiar with the action to take in emergency situations, including: distress signals and emergency communications, man overboard, fire fighting, disabled craft and towing and being towed.

The PLA intends to include this additional advice in ‘The Tidal Thames – A Guide for Users of Recreational Craft’ at the next scheduled review, until which time this Notice will remain in force.

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Notice to Mariners No. L4 of 2006

THAMES ESTUARY  

PRINCES CHANNEL  

DREDGING OPERATIONS  

On or about 4^th April 2006 dredging operations will commence at the western end of the Princes Channel to increase the operational depth.  

Either the trailer suction dredger “OSTSEE” or “HAM 311” will work daily between the Shivering Sand Towers and Princes No 4 buoy for up to 10 months.  

The dredger will keep a listening watch on VHF radio Channel 69 and when dredging will display the lights and shapes as prescribed in Regulation 27 (d) of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (as amended).  

Vessels are to keep well clear of the working dredger and pass with caution.  

Information on the position of the dredger will be broadcast on VHF channel 69 by London VTS .  

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BATTERSEA REACH

AND

ST MARGARET'S REACH  

River Bed Obstructions  

The surveys referred to below have been extended and will continue throughout 2006 and 2007.

Commencing on or about 11^th April 2005, ecological surveys will be carried out in the above locations.

Equipment will be laid on the river bed in the areas marked on the attached Chartlets, which will reduce depths by up to one metre within the defined areas.  The obstructions will be in place for several days in each month during neap tides. A small fishing vessel will carry out the deployment and recovery of the equipment on each occasion.

All craft are to navigate with caution in the vicinity of the charted obstructions and so far as possible, keep clear of the marked areas.

Notice to Mariners U5 of 2005 is hereby cancelled.

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Syon Reach & Mortlake Reach.  

Seven Port Hand Buoys – Trial to Separate Rowing Craft from Other Traffic  

On or about 15th February 2006, seven, small red plastic can buoys (port lateral marks) will be laid to mark the southern (Surrey) edge of the navigation channel, (in a charted depth of about 1.0 metres) in the following positions:  

• Near the Driftwood moorings on Syon Reach
• Opposite the upstream end of Lot 's Ait.
• Approx 20m upstream of Hog Hole.
• Approx 30m upstream of downstream end of Lower Brentford Ait.
• By the Harbour Master's Steps 150m downstream of Kew Road Bridge .
• 10m downstream of the downstream end of Oliver’s Ait
• 25m upstream from the upstream end of the University of London ’s slip

These buoys are to be laid in addition to the two port buoys already laid in Barn Elms Reach as a trial following the Salvage Association Risk Assessment of Rowing in the Upper Reaches of the Tidal Thames.  The aim of the buoys is to improve the separation between rowing craft using the inshore area on the Surrey bank from craft in the main navigation channel.  

Instructions to Rowers

Port of London Authority Notice to Mariners U6 of 2002 (“The Rowing Rules”) remains in force.  

When proceeding against the tidal stream (either flood or ebb) on the Surrey bank rowers are to remain as close to the bank as is safe and practical and are to pass between the buoys and the Surrey bank.  If rowing boats stray out into the navigation channel, the buoys are an indication of the need to move back inshore as soon as possible.

When proceeding with the tidal stream, the buoys are an indication of the starboard ( Surrey ) limit of the navigation channel and crews should steer in accordance with the normal navigation rules e.g.  

When rowing on the ebb tide – leave the buoys as close to starboard as is safe and practicable.  

When rowing on the flood tide – rowing boat should be on the starboard side of the channel therefore leaving the buoys well to port.

Further to this the buoy opposite the University of London Boathouse is also to be used to mark the furthest upstream point at which boats from the University Boat Club can enter the inshore zone when, on the ebb, crossing from the Middlesex to the Surrey side of the river and vice versa on the flood.  

Comments

After a trial period of four months, views will be sought on the degree of success of the buoys, and on whether the inshore area is of sufficient size.

The Rowing Risk Assessment Implementation Group would be most grateful to hear the views of the rowing community and other river users as to the effectiveness of the buoys.

Comments on the trial are requested by 15 May 06 and should be sent to:

The River Projects Officer

Port of London Authority

7 Harp Lane

London

EC3R 6LB

020 7743 7996 (Fax)

alex.brown@pola.co.uk

or

The Safety Advisor

Thames Regional Rowing Council

15 Baskerville Road

Wandsworth

London

SW18 3RJ

chrisgeorge@rowing.atics.co.uk  

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WOOLWICH REACH - THAMES BARRIER CLOSURES

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY PROGRAMME NO.47  

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 1^st May 2006 .  

Listed below are the times between which the barrier will be closed to navigation.  During these periods navigation in the Barrier Control Zone, between Margaretness and Blackwall Point, will be restricted, any movements in this area being subject to clearance from the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre.  

The closures will be confirmed and promulgated from London VTS from 24 hours in advance of the operation by VHF on routine broadcasts.  

From the start of each closing procedure until completion of the opening procedure vessels will be prohibited from transiting the barrier.  Most closures are for approximately 2½ hours over the respective low waters.  

The amber flashing lights on top of the barrier Warning-notice boards situated at Barking below the barrier, and at Brunswick and Blackwall Point above the barrier will be operated 30 minutes before each closure, and the red flashing lights on commencement of closure until the barrier is reopened for navigation.  

GATE CLOSURES In addition to the full barrier closures there will be frequent closures of individual gates, subject to a programme issued by the Environment Agency, Thames Region.  The closure of individual gates will change the spans available for navigation.  Information regarding these gate closures and the spans open to navigation will be given by London VTS on VHF Channel 14 routine broadcasts.  A copy of the six month programme may be obtained by applying to the E.A. Area Manager, Thames Barrier, Eastmoor Street, London SE7 8LX.  

During each full barrier or individual gate closure(s), illuminated red crosses will be displayed on both sides of the span(s) indicating that the span(s) are closed to navigation.  

NOTES:

(1)     ANY ADDITIONAL BARRIER CLOSURES FOR TRIAL PURPOSES WILL BE PROMULGATED BY SEPARATE NOTICES TO MARINERS ISSUED 28 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF SUCH CLOSURES.

(2)     BARKING BARRIER WILL BE CLOSED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE THAMES BARRIER.

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THAMES ESTUARY  

THE OAZE, KNOCK JOHN AND PRINCES APPROACH  

ALTERATION AND MOVEMENT OF EXISTING BUOYS  

AND ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW BUOYS  

On or about 12^th January 2006 the following buoy changes will take place in the vicinity of the West Oaze.  

Positions quoted in WGS 84 datum.  

WEST OAZE  

1                    SW OAZE lighted buoy to be discontinued and replaced by a Special Mark buoy with light character Fl (4) Y 10s Yellow ‘X’ Topmark and NAMED “OAZE”.  

2                    W OAZE lighted buoy to be discontinued and replaced by a new lighted buoy with Characteristics Pillar: Red and White Vertical Stripes ISO 5s  Red Spherical Topmark.  

3                    Additional green starboard hand conical buoy named “OAZE BANK” to be established in position 51º 29´.17 N  00º  56´.76 E with light character QG.    

If draught allows, vessels inbound for Sea Reach and those vessels intending to embark their pilot in the Warp should keep to the starboard side of the channel marked by the new OAZE and OAZE BANK buoys, allowing deep draughted vessels to utilise the deeper water to the south of the OAZE and W OAZE buoys.    

KNOCK JOHN  

The following changes will take place on or about 13^th January 2006  

1        KNOCK JOHN 4 lighted buoy to be moved 240º 1096 metres to

 51º  32´.33 N  01º  07´.90 E and light character altered to Q.R  

2        KNOCK JOHN 5 lighted buoy to be moved 240º 1096 metres to

51º  32´.49 N  01º  07´.75 E  

PRINCES APPROACH  

1     PRINCES APPROACH lighted buoy to be moved 162º 556 metres to

       51º 28´.315 N  01º  23´.75 E    

Unless exceptional circumstances make it necessary and safe to do otherwise, vessels should pass this buoy on their port side.  

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Notice to Mariners No. M35 of 2005

Lambeth Reach  

Westminster Bridge – Fascia Replacement  

On or about 14 November 2005, for a period of about 18 months, the fascias of Westminster Bridge will be replaced on the up and down stream sides.

The work will be conducted from construction barges anchored close to the bridge.  The barges will display the lights and shapes as prescribed in Rule 27 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 namely:                                                              

·         By day, three black shapes in a vertical line the highest and lowest of which are balls and the middle one a diamond.

·         By night, three all round lights in a vertical line the highest and lowest of which are red and the middle one white.  

A temporary pier will be constructed on the south embankment approx 100 yards upstream of the bridge and will display:  

·         2 red lights in a vertical line.  

7 Arch will be closed throughout the work.  The other arches will be closed in turn as the work progresses.  Arches closed to navigation will be marked in accordance with the Port of London Authority River Byelaws 1978 (as amended) namely:  

·         By day, three red discs 0.6 metres in diameter at the points of an equilateral triangle with the apex downwards and the base horizontal.

·         By night, three red lights in similar positions to the discs displayed by day.

Further details will be broadcast by London VTS on VHF Channel 14

Persons in charge of vessels are to navigate with extra caution and are to ease down when passing the works.

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Thames Estuary  

Kentish Flats Offshore Windfarm  

Survey of Radar Interference Phenomena

Second Phase  

A number of reports of interference with navigational radar, possibly as a result of the construction works on the Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm, have been received by the PLA .  In view of these reports a survey was commissioned to examine the frequency and severity of such interference.

The survey is taking place in two phases:  The initial phase took place before the turbines were installed during February 2005.  

The second phase will take place following commissioning of the windfarm and will commence on 21^st October 2005 for a period of one month. 

Reports of interference encountered during the second phase should be made using the attached form and forwarded, with enclosures where appropriate to:  

Deputy Harbour Master (Lower District) at the address below, or by email to roy.stanbrook@pola.co.uk

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PALACE OF WESTMINSTER  

Exclusion Zone buoyage  

On or about 27 September 2005, a row of 9 buoys will be established 15 metres from the embankment alongside the Palace of Westminster.

Permanent Notice to Mariners No.P27 refers.  

Buoy No’s 1, 4 and 8 will be lighted, Fl. Y. 2.5s.  

River users are reminded that the exclusion zone for most boats extends 70 metres from the embankment. Only passenger boats going to and from Westminster Pier may encroach on the Exclusion Zone, but at no time may they pass inside the line of the buoys.  

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Notice to Mariners No. L11 of 2005

THAMES ESTUARY 

WATER DEPTHS OUTSIDE MARKED NAVIGATION CHANNELS AND ANCHORAGES 

The sea bed of the Thames Estuary is known to be an area where water depths can vary considerably due to the mobility of sand banks. In view of this the Port of London Authority undertakes frequent periodic surveys of depths in the recognised buoyed channels and anchorages as described in the PLA Tide Tables and Port Information, and General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London. 

Outside the above channels and anchorages, main surveys are carried out less frequently. Mariners are therefore reminded that when navigating outside buoyed channels and designated anchorages they should do so with appropriate caution and not rely on minimum under keel clearances

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Establishment of Exclusion Zone 

Albert Embankment 

With effect from Monday 31 March 2003, an exclusion zone is established in the vicinity of Albert Embankment. The zone will extend from the upstream side of Vauxhall Bridge to the lower side of Lacks Dock extending from the embankment for a distance of 15 metres into the river

No vessel shall, except in an emergency or with the specific permission of a Harbourmaster, navigate within or enter the Exclusion Zone.  

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Notice To Mariners No.23 of 2004

CHANGE OF VTS ESTUARY SECTOR  

MAIN PORT WORKING FREQUENCY 

NTM 15 of 2004 included advanced warning of the intention to change the VTS Estuary Sector Main Port Working Frequency.   

The VTS Estuary Sector Main Port Working frequency (Callsign London VTS) will change from VHF Ch.12 to VHF Ch.69 at 1200 BST (1100 UTC) on Wednesday 8 Sept 2004.   

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