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

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

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

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)