Navigation – Information Update

The Harbour Master has recently been in receipt of correspondence from several concerned river users that some Ships (see definition below) are anchoring in the CHA District and in particular within the designated anchorage at the entrance to the river Roach without displaying the correct night and day signals (Lights & Shapes).

Accordingly, we remind Mariners of their obligation under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea:

Part C – Lights & Shapes

Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels & Vessel Aground

  1. A vessel at anchor shall exhibit where it can best be seen:

    (i) in the fore part, an all-round white light or one ball;

    (ii) at or near the stern and at a lower level than the light prescribed in subparagraph (i), an all-round white light.

  2. A vessel of less than 50 meters in length may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Rule.
  3. A vessel at anchor may, and a vessel of 100 meters and more in length shall, also use the available working or equivalent lights to illuminate her decks.
  4. A vessel aground shall exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of the Rule and in addition, where they can best be seen;

    (i) two all-round red lights in a vertical line;

    (ii) three balls in a vertical line.

  5. A vessel of less than 7 meters in length, when at anchor not in or near a narrow channel, fairway or where other vessels normally navigate, shall not be required to exhibit the shape prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule.
  6. A vessel of less than 12 meters in length, when aground, shall not be required to exhibit the lights or shapes prescribed in subparagraphs (d)(i) and (ii) of this Rule.

‘Ship’ – Includes every description of vessel used in navigation, seaplanes on the surface of the water and hovercraft within the meaning of the Hovercraft Act 1968.

Captain Susan Harrison MNM
Harbour Master
14th August 2017