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.

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

 

 

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

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