In any river or harbour there can be an overlap of responsibilities between different organisations, but here is a list of things on which you may need advice or assistance, and your first point of contact:

Incidents and Emergencies on the River:

Dial 999 and ask for Coastguard

The Coastguard will call out Emergency Services and Search and Rescue resources such as Lifeboats, Helicopters, Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulance.

For non-emergency advice and reports on marine safety matters call HM Coastguard, Walton on Naze, Essex Tel 01255 675518

Police Matters

Dial 999 in case of emergency (24 Hours)

Essex Police HQ main switchboard Tel. 01245 491491

Non Emergency 24 Hours: Dial 101

Burnham Marine Police HQ
49-51 Station Road, Burnham on Crouch, CM0 8HF
Tel. 01621 782121

Marine Unit Duty Phone (Not 24 Hours) 07976065917

  • Theft/Vandalism/Arson on River
  • Violence/Public Order matters
  • Persons in Water/Drownings (In Emergency Dial 999)
  • Immigration matters
  • Smuggling
  • Terrorism/Threats

Crimestoppers

Tell us What You Know about Crime, Not Who You Are
0800 555 111

Call anonymously with information about crime
We never ask your name and cannot trace your call

Crimestoppers is an independent crime-fighting charity which offers an anonymous and secure 24/7 service for you to give information about crimes or criminals.

We will never ask for your name and we cannot trace your call or any information you give online. It is what makes Crimestoppers different.
That information is passed to the appropriate Police Force or other Agency

Remember, Crimestoppers is not an Emergency Service. If you see a crime taking place, dial 999 immediately.

Disposal of Out of Date Flares

Out of date flares can be disposed of at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Office in Colchester on the last Thursday of the month.

Colchester Marine Office
C02 9BY

Please note this service is by APPOINTMENT ONLY which are required to be made by contacting
DOVER COASTGUARD on 01304 218500.

You will be asked to supply
• A list of all Flares to be disposed of
• The type of Flare
• Date of Expiry

This service is only available to individual Members of the Public and is not available to Sailing Clubs and Commercial Organisations.

Crouch Harbour Authority Matters

The CHA is responsible for:

  • Marine Incidents/Damage/Injuries (Non – Emergency)
    NB. Marine related incidents involving damage to vessels or property or injury to persons must also be reported to Marine Accident Investigation Branch, Maritime and Coastguard Agency
    Tel: 023 8023 2527
  • Navigation marking and signage
  • Hazards and obstructions to navigation
  • Oil Pollution (from ships/boats /marine sources)
  • Commercial Shipping/Pilotage
  • River works / Construction
  • Dredging
  • Speed Limits / River Behaviour

Environment Agency Matters

General Enquiries Tel. 08708 506506
Floodline Tel. 0345 9881188
Incident Line 24 Hours Tel. 0800 807060

  • Flooding
  • Flood Warnings
  • Seawalls and Flood Defences
  • Oil Pollution (non-marine sources)
  • Pollution (other) and Water Quality

Fisheries Matters

Kent & Essex IFCA
33-35 High Street
Brightlingsea
Essex
CO7 0AG
Tel. 01206 303261

Reporting a Dead or Stranded Marine Mammal

British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Tel: 01825 765546 (office Hours)
07787 433 412 (Out of Hours)