If you are thinking of sailing in the area of Maplin/Foulness Sands (which surround the live firing Range at MOD Shoeburyness), and intend to use Havengore Passage to reach the inner waterways of the River Crouch/River Roach, we strongly advise you to become familiar with the restrictions on passing Havengore Bridge.

The following information will assist you to plan a successful route:

  1. Havengore Bridge can only be used when the MOD Shoeburyness Range is NOT ACTIVE;
  2. The MOD Shoeburyness Range is normally active Monday to Thursday from 06:00 to 16:30 and Friday 06:00 to 12:30. The “ACTIVE” status of the Range is signalled by the flying of a RED FLAG on the bridge and at intervals around the perimeter of the site. Please note, Range operational hours not fixed and MOD/QQQ reserve the right to operate earlier/later and at weekends. Unusual hours/days of working and unplanned closures please click here.
  3. The Bridgekeeper is on duty for 2 hours either side of high tide (based on Southend-on-Sea tide times), during daylight hours, 365 days a year and can be contacted for basic bridge status advice (see No 5 for contact details).
  4. The Bridge does not operate on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
  5. If you wish to plan your journey in advance and would like advice from the Range about using the bridge on a particular day, please contact our Careline on 0800 0560108 or email us at QQSHBEnquiries@qinetiq.com. Please be aware that information supplied in advance is subject to change and that QinetiQ cannot provide navigational advice.
  6. If you wish to receive ‘on the day’ bridge status advice, you can contact the Bridgekeeper on 01702 383436 or VHF Channel 72 (see No.3).

Further information on the MOD Byelaws can be found on their website at www.shoeburyness.qinetiq.com