3rd June 2026 | by Sarah Taylor
Safe Navigation Whilst in the Vicinity of Commercial Vessels underway
NAVIGATION
Master’s and those at the helm of all vessels are requested to pass commercial shipping underway on the River Crouch and approaches at a safe distance and in particular when crossing ahead.
Please be mindful of the following:
• Blind spots exist around larger vessels.
• The visual contact and presence of small craft may be lost as they approach the larger ship particularly from either directly ahead or astern.
• A minimum crossing distance of 100m should be allowed when passing ahead.
• A ship navigating even at slow speed is unable to stop immediately.
A wide berth should also be given to any ship maneuvering off the jetty at Baltic Wharf.
All commercial ships navigating in the Burnham Fairway will have a Crouch Harbour Authority [CHA] licensed pilot onboard. They will be monitoring VHF Channel 11 and Channel 16 whilst within the CHA district. Do not impede these vessels as they are ‘constrained by their draught’ and can only navigate safely within the Fairway.
A ship that is slowing down may not steer very well; it needs propeller action on the rudder to respond; it takes time and considerable distance to stop a ship particularly if it is in a loaded condition.
Ships in narrow channels cannot easily avoid small craft, it is best that you stay clear.
Be especially cautious and vigilant at night or in times of poor visibility, above all keep a good lookout both ahead and astern.
If you cannot see the ships wheelhouse, the ship cannot see you.
Rule 9 [Narrow Channels] of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 [COLREGS]
Rule 9 – Narrow Channels
(b) A vessel of less than 20m in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
(d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway.
The latter may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) [At least five short and rapid blasts on the ship’s whistle] if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
(g) Any vessel shall if circumstances of the case admit avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.
Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.