NtM no. 23 of 2024 – Thursday 10th October 2024

Sunken Buxey Lighted Buoy – River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that the Sunken Buxey Lighted Buoy in approximate position:

51°39.595 N
001°00.765 E

is now back on station.

NOTICE TO MARINERS 21 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.


NtM no. 22 of 2024 – Tuesday 8th October 2024

Lands End Race Mark – River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that the Lands End Race Mark in approximate position:

51°38.213 N
000°46.102E

has been permanently removed.


NtM no. 21 of 2024 – Monday 7th October 2024

Sunken Buxey Lighted Buoy – River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that the Sunken Buxey Lighted Buoy in approximate position:

51°39.595 N
001°00.765 E

has had to be removed for essential maintenance.


NtM no. 20 of 2024 – Monday 7th October 2024

Whitaker No 2 Lighted Buoy – River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that Whitaker No 2 Lighted Buoy in approximate position:

51°40.250 N

001°05.400 E

is now lit.

NOTICE TO MARINERS 17 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.


NtM no. 19 of 2024 – Wednesday 25th September 2024

Rill Clearance Works at Foulness Island
7th October to 1st November 2024

INFORMATION

Please click on the link for further details.
Rill Clearance Works Foulness Island


NtM no. 18 of 2024 – Tuesday 27th August 2024

Burnham Town Pontoon

INFORMATION

Mariners are advised that installation of the new Maldon District Council owned and operated “Burnham Town Pontoon” at Burnham waterfront is now completed.

Approximate position:
51° 37.450 N
000° 49.110 E

The location and dimensions of the pontoon are similar to those of the previous jetty that was damaged beyond repair during adverse weather conditions in 2022.

Please note that mooring to the pontoon is STRICTLY PROHIBITED at all times, including on the hammerhead which is to be kept clear as its use is reserved solely for commercially operated vessels via private licence arrangements with Maldon District Council.

Any commercial operator wishing permission to use the pontoon should contact Maldon District Council directly:

www.maldon.gov.uk
01621 854477

NOTICE TO MARINERS 15 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED


NtM no. 17 of 2024 – Friday 23rd August 2024

Whitaker No 2 Lighted Buoy

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that Whitaker No 2 Lighted Buoy in approximate position:

51°40.250 N

001°05.400 E

is currently unlit.


NtM no. 16 of 2024 – Thursday 22nd August 2024

Burnham Week 2024 will take place between
Saturday 24th August 2024 ~ Saturday 31st August 2024

INFORMATION

A higher density of sailing and rowing craft are to be expected on the river during this period.

Organisers of the Rowing Craft have been requested to keep the courses outside the main Fairway and NOT use Fairway Buoys as Racing marks.

Mariners are requested to be additionally vigilant and keep a good look out at all times.

River Crouch, Firework Display – Saturday 31st August 2024.
The culmination of 2024 Burnham Week will be marked by a firework display on the evening of Saturday 31st August 2024 at approximately 21:00 hours with an expected duration of around fifteen minutes.
The pyrotechnics will be discharged from a floating pontoon moored fore and aft centered on an approximate position of:

51°37.42 N
000°48.92 E

(opposite the Burnham Quayside, CHA Harbour Office). It may be necessary to alter this location on the day depending on weather conditions.

There will be an exclusion zone in place centered on the position/pontoon of 200 metres.

This will come into force at 20:50 ten minutes prior to commencement of display until its conclusion. Mariners are to remain outside the exclusion zone.

A safety boat will be in attendance throughout the display.


NtM no. 15 of 2024 – Thursday 01st August 2024

Burnham Town Pontoon

INFORMATION

Mariners are advised that work to replace the Burnham Town Pontoon in approximate position 51° 37.450N 000° 49.110E
is scheduled to take place on Monday 05th August 2024.

The new pontoons will be launched from Rice and Cole Boatyard in approximate position
51° 37.367N 000° 49.604E and towed by workboat to the installation site where they will be attached to the existing piles prior to the jetty bridge being replaced.

Whilst work is in progress there will be a Safety Boat in attendance and an exclusion zone of 30 metres will be in place.

Any vessels navigating in the vicinity are requested to stay clear of the works and pass to the South of the “swing-moorings” remaining in or as close to the Burnham Fairway Channel as possible and to do so at SLOW speed so as to cause minimum wash.
Attachment NtM’s No 15 of 2024


NtM no. 14 of 2024 – Wednesday 17th July 2024

Crouch Northerly Cardinal Lighted Buoy

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that Crouch Northerly Cardinal Lighted Buoy in approximate position.

51°37.660 N
000°56.591 E

has now been re-established.

NOTICE TO MARINERS 13 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED


NtM no. 13 of 2024 – Monday 15th July 2024

Crouch Northerly Cardinal Lighted Buoy

NAVIGATION

Crouch Northerly Cardinal Lighted Buoy – River Crouch

Mariners are advised that Crouch Northerly Cardinal Lighted Buoy in approximate position.

51°37.660 N
000°56.591 E

is currently unlit.


NtM no. 12 of 2024 – Monday 24th June 2024

Private slipway Area at South Woodham Ferrers

INFORMATION

Please be aware that the launching of all vessels including canoes/kayaks/paddleboards/sailboards is not permitted from the private area of concrete slipway at South Woodham Ferrers, unless you are a member of the South Woodham Ferrers Ski Club or South Woodham Ferrers Yacht Club or have attained permission from them to do so.


NtM no. 11 of 2024 – Monday 17th June 2024

Newborn seals – Mind your wash

INFORMATION

Mind Your Wash

Mariners are requested to be extra vigilant and reduce their speed and keep wash to as minimal as possible when passing newborn seals, particularly in the River Roach area.

The Conservation of Seals Act (1970) protects common seals during their breeding season and it is illegal to cause disturbance that may affect the newborn pups.

Your co-operation in this matter would be appreciated.


NtM no. 10 of 2024 – Friday 24th May 2024

Excessive Wash

COURTEOUS NAVIGATION

Mariners are reminded of their duty to not only abide by the 8-knot speed limit where applicable but also to be mindful of the wake their vessels create when passing:

• Moored craft.
• Vessels with tenders alongside.
• Small vulnerable craft.

Please also consider and keep to a minimum your wake and wash when passing:

• Through Burnham Fairway.
• Essex Marina.
• North Fambridge swing moorings.
• All areas upriver of Brandy Hole.
• Paglesham swing moorings – River Roach.

NOTICE TO MARINERS NO 18 OF 2017 IS HEREBY CANCELLED


NtM no. 9 of 2024 – Thursday 23rd May 2024

Ministry of Defence (MOD) Shoeburyness: Range Sea Danger Area

SAFETY

We have been asked to publish the following safety information from QinetiQ for mariners to be aware of:

With the summer months just around the corner, it’s timely to remind local sailing and watersports clubs of the restrictions in the vicinity of the Foulness and Maplin Sands. QinetiQ operates the live weapons test and evaluation Range in Shoeburyness and on Foulness Island in Essex, known as MOD Shoeburyness. The Range is active Monday to Friday (occasionally at weekends), all year round, conducting activities that involve firing and detonating live ammunition, often over long distances, out to sea.

To enable the Range to work safely and ensure that hazardous activities do not present a risk to members of the public, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Artillery Ranges Byelaws 1936 and the Shoeburyness and District Military Lands Byelaws 1935 (under the Military Lands Acts 1892 to 1903). The byelaws govern the use of the land and rights of access and passage through the byelaw area. The byelaws cover an area of the Thames Estuary and the North Sea and the inner waterway that runs from Havengore Creek across to the River Roach and the River Crouch. These areas are known collectively as the Range Sea Danger Area (RSDA), unauthorised entry to the RSDA is both illegal and dangerous.

QinetiQ manages access to the RSDA ensuring that boats, yachts and personal watercraft (PWC) do not enter the area illegally, putting themselves and their vessels at risk. In order to monitor the RSDA whilst the Range is active, QinetiQ uses marine surveillance radar and has a Range Safety Boat which patrols and advises any unauthorised vessels to leave in accordance with the byelaws and in the interests of health and safety.

In recent years, there’s been an increase in vessels sailing close to the Range coastline overnight or on weekends, then becoming stranded within the RSDA, effectively leaving the vessel in an active weapons danger area when the Range resumes explosive operations. This is not only dangerous for anyone on board, but also puts the vessel at risk and can delay important Range operations. Recovery of stranded vessels can be costly and difficult with owners having to wait for the Range to authorise access, and for the right tidal conditions etc. This is one of the reasons that the Inner Sea Area is closed to all marine vessels, at all times irrespective of the status of the Range.

Skippers can find guidance on the location of the Inner and Outer Sea Areas that comprise the RSDA on the MOD Shoeburyness website where there is a section dedicated to safety information for mariners. There is also information about how to contact Range Control for advice, and the meaning of the Red Flags that are used to indicate the status of the RSDA. If you or your members sail in the vicinity of the Range, we strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the restrictions.

Our website also has a guide for anyone wishing to access the inner waterways via Havengore Bridge and we post status alerts on X (formerly Twitter), to notify when either Havengore Bridge or Potton Bridge is non-operational due to mechanical failure or maintenance. Follow us @SHB_Alerts or sign up to alerts for the marine community by emailing your request to qqshbenquiries@qinetiq.com
In addition to the restrictions and prohibitions imposed by the MOD byelaws, the MOD foreshore is included in the ‘Restricted Area’ of a PWC PSPO introduced by Southend-on-Sea City Council. Fixed penalties will be issued to anyone found to be in breach of the Order. Full information can be found here.

QinetiQ – Information for Mariners


NtM no. 8 of 2024 – Friday 17th May 2024

Lines attached to Commercial Buoys – River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Please be aware that although there are currently no vessels moored to the commercial mooring buoys on the North shore East of Burnham-on-Crouch in positions:
51°37.285 N
000°50.513 E

51°37.291 N
000°50.433 E

A mooring line still exists connecting the two buoys.
Caution should be taken when navigating within this area and mariners are advised to give the buoys a wide berth.


NtM no. 7 of 2024 – Thursday 28th March 2024

Dredging Operations at Burnham Yacht Harbour

INFORMATION

Please be advised that Burnham Yacht Harbour Marina Ltd have now completed their Maintenance Dredging Operations in the approach to and within Burnham Yacht Harbour, Burnham on Crouch, Essex.

NOTICE TO MARINERS NO 52 OF 2023 IS HEREBY CANCELLED


NtM no. 6 of 2024 – Monday 12th February 2024

Sunken Vessel – River Crouch

INFORMATION

Mariners are advised that the sunken vessel known locally as “The Beach Hut” has been recovered and placed ashore.

NOTICE TO MARINERS 5 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.


NtM no. 5 of 2024 – Monday 8th January 2024

Sunken Vessel – River Crouch

INFORMATION

Mariners are advised that the sunken vessel known locally as “The Beach Hut” has been located on its original mooring and is now marked with a buoy and will be recovered as soon as practicable.

NOTICE TO MARINERS 4 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.


NtM no. 4 of 2024 – Friday 5th January 2024

Sunken Vessel – River Crouch

INFORMATION

Mariners are advised that an open steel hull of approximately 8 metres in length known locally as “The Beach Hut” with its super structure missing and outboard motor attached broke free of her moorings at the lower end of the Burnham Fairway (North of Burnham Fairway number 3 and 5 buoys) during the gales of early this week and is presumed to have sunk in the vicinity. However, attempts to locate the sunken vessel have so far proved unsuccessful.

Mariners are requested to keep a sharp look out and navigate with good under keel clearance whilst underway in the area and report any sighting to the Harbour Authority.


NtM no. 3 of 2024 – Thursday 3rd January 2024

Buxey No 1 Lighted Buoy – River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Buxey No.1 Lighted Buoy- River Crouch

Mariners are advised that Buxey No.1 Lighted Buoy in approximate position.

51°39.178 N
001°01.130 E

is now lit.

NOTICE TO MARINERS 53 of 2023 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.


NtM no. 2 of 2024 -Tuesday 2nd January 2024

Dredging Operations at Essex Marina

INFORMATION

Please be advised that Essex Marina will be undertaking Maintenance Dredging Operations in the approach to and within Essex Marina, Wallasea Island, Essex, starting 2nd January 2024.

Dredging Operations will be carried out by Tugs ASSASSIN & PUNISHER who will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channels 16 and 11.

Caution should be taken when entering and leaving the Marina whilst Dredging Operations are in progress.

For additional information please contact:
Essex Marina
Tel 01702 258531


NtM no. 1 of 2024 – Tuesday 2nd January 2024

Notice to Mariners Remaining in Force as of 1st January 2024

INFORMATION

Please be advised that the following Notice to Mariners remain in force:

2015:
No: 2 of 2015 Ship Generated Waste Notification
2016:
No:35 of 2016 River Roach – Paglesham Boatyard
2017:
No:17 of 2017 Buxey Edge Obstruction
No:18 of 2017 Essex Marina – Excessive Wash
No:41 of 2017 Power Cables – River Roach, Paglesham Creek
2018:
No:11 of 2018 COLREGS Rule 9 Narrow Channels
2019:
No:24 of 2019 Foul Anchorage, River Roach – Quay Reach
2020:
No:33 of 2020 Increase in River Swimmers, Inflatable and Personal Watercraft
2021:
No:28 of 2021 Buoy Changes in Swallowtail and Whitaker Navigation Channels
2022:
No:16 of 2022 Polite Notice – Not permitted to moor vessels on navigation buoy marks.
No:21 of 2022 Areas of High-Density Small Sailing Vessels.
No 24 of 2022 Inappropriate and improper mooring.
No 30 of 2022 Re-location of Swallowtail West Lighted Buoy.
No 31 of 2022 River Crouch Survey Findings.
No 33 of 2022 Removal of Town Pontoon.
2023:
No.37 of 2023 River Crouch Buoys
No.38 of 2023 Raysand – Buoyage and Crossing for Small Leisure Craft
No.48 of 2023 Information regarding Electronic Charts
No.52 of 2023 Dredging Operations at Burnham Yacht Harbour.
N. 53 of 2023 Buxey No.1 Lighted Buoy Unlit- River Crouch

All other Notices to Mariners are hereby cancelled.


NtM no. 53 of 2023 – Thursday 14th December 2023

Buxey No.1 Lighted Buoy- River Crouch

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that Buxey No.1 Lighted Buoy in approximate position.

51°39.178 N
001°01.130 E

is unlit.


NtM no. 52 of 2023 – Tuesday 5th December 2023

Dredging Operations at Burnham Yacht Harbour

INFORMATION

Please be advised that Burnham Yacht Harbour Marina Ltd will be undertaking their Annual Maintenance Dredging Operations in the approach to and within Burnham Yacht Harbour, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, between approximately 8th December 2023 and 31st May 2024.

Dredging Operations will be carried out by Motor Vessel BEAVER.

Caution should be taken when entering and leaving the Marina whilst Dredging Operations are in progress.

For additional information please contact:
Burnham Yacht Harbour Marina Ltd
Tel 01621 782150


NtM no. 48 of 2023 – Thursday 5th October 2023

Raysand – Buoyage and crossing for small leisurecraft

Important Information

It has been reported to the CHA that some electronic charts have not been updated or corrected to reflect the recent changes to buoyage in the area of the Raysand Channel.

Vessels navigating in this area should therefore refer to CHA Notice to Mariners No.38 of 2023.


NtM no. 38 of 2023 – Thursday 13th July 2023

Raysand – Buoyage and Crossing for Small Leisure Craft

NAVIGATION

Following assessment of the latest survey data in the vicinity of the Raysand and Raysand Middle buoys, slightly deeper depths of water were identified to the East of the buoys current positions.

After consultation with Trinity House, the Raysand and Raysand North buoys have been re-located to reflect this information.

New position of Raysand 51º 39.84’ N. 001º 00.57’ E
Characteristic remain unchanged.

New Position of Raysand North 51º 40.81’N 001º 00.57’E
New characteristic – Special Mark-Yellow Unlighted Pillar Buoy

*Note the Raysand Middle buoy has been permanently withdrawn.

See Chartlets – NOT to be used for Navigation

Chartlet 1 NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
Chartlet 2 NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION

The Raysand and Raysand North yellow ‘special mark’ buoys are not marking a
safe-water route merely the best water available in the location for shallow draught vessels at certain states of tide.

Crossing the Raysand should only be undertaken by mariners with local knowledge after due consideration has been given to

• Rise of tide
• Weather conditions
• Passage ideally undertaken on a flood tide only

if in any doubt owners and master’s of vessel crossing to and from the River Blackwater to the River Crouch should do so via the Spitway route further to the East marked by the Swin Spitway and Whitaker Spitway light buoys.


NtM no. 37 of 2023 – Tuesday 11th July 2023

River Crouch Buoys

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that the following pairs of light buoys have been altered to an unsynchronized pattern. The current flash pattern remains the same:

PAIR ONE

Whitaker No.1 Lighted Buoy
51° 40.530′ N
001° 05.400′ E
Fl. G 5s

Whitaker No.2 Lighted Buoy
51° 40.250′ N
001° 05.400′ E
Fl. R 5s

PAIR TWO

Outer Crouch No.1 Lighted Buoy
51° 38.703′ N
000° 59.000′ E
Fl. G 5s

Outer Crouch No.2 Lighted Buoy
51° 38.622′ N
000° 59.200′ E
Fl. R 5s

PAIR THREE

Outer Crouch No.3 Lighted Buoy
51° 38.103′ N
000° 57.843′ E
Fl. G 10s

Outer Crouch No.4 Lighted Buoy
51° 38.000′ N
000° 58.000′ E
Fl. R 10s


NtM no.34 of 2022 – Tuesday 16th August 2022

Removal of Town Pontoon, Burnham-on-Crouch – Amendment to NtM no. 33 of 2022

INFORMATION

Mariners are advised that the damaged Maldon District Council owned Town Pontoon at Burnham on Crouch in approximate position:

51° 37.45 N
000° 49.110 E

will be removed, along with shore to pontoon access ramp. Works are scheduled to commence Monday 15th August 2022.

The associated fixing piles will remain in situ.

Please note the outer most/seaward pair of piles previously securing the hammerhead will now be marked with a QUICK FLASH GREEN LIGHT and not with a fixed green light as previously advised.


NtM no.31 of 2022 – Wednesday 20th July 2022

River Crouch Survey Findings

INFORMATION

The Port of London Authority have on behalf of the CHA recently undertaken Survey Operations on the River Crouch and Approach in areas of particular interest to deeper draught vessel as follows:

• In the vicinity of the Swallowtail West Cardinal Light Buoy
• Between Buxey No 1 Southerly Cardinal Light Buoy and Buxey No 2 Northerly Cardinal Light Buoy
• In the vicinity of the Crouch Northerly Cardinal Light Buoy

This information is available to view on the links below. It will further be incorporated in a new addition of Admiralty Chart 3750 [Rivers Crouch and Roach] scheduled for publication within the next few months by the UK Hydrographic Office [UKHO].

A further survey of the Raysand Channel has been commissioned for later this year.

The CHA will promulgate these findings and any alterations [if necessary] to the buoyage once completed. However, until then we would remind mariners of NTM No 43 of 2021 less water reported and re-emphasis that caution should be taken when using this route.

Buxey Buoys
Crouch Buoy
Swallowtail West


NtM no.30 of 2022 – Monday 18th July 2022

Re-Location of Swallowtail West Lighted Buoy

NAVIGATION

Re-Location of Swallowtail West Lighted Buoy.

Following a recent survey of the Swallowtail Bank undertaken by the Port of London Authority on behalf of the Crouch Harbour Authority, mariners are advised that the Westerly Cardinal light buoy Swallowtail West has been re-located today 18/07/2022 to a new position of:

51° 39.956N
001°02.369E

Light sequence and top-mark remain unchanged.

attachment ntm 30 of 2022


NtM no.24 of 2022 – Friday 13th May 2022

Polite Notice

INFORMATION

Following several reports of inappropriate and improper mooring.

Mariners are courteously reminded that:

• Except for emergency purposes anchoring in the Fairway or Main Channel on the Rivers Crouch and Roach is prohibited.
• Whilst at anchor all vessels must display the appropriate day and night-time signals.
• Mooring to Navigation buoys and marks including racing markers is forbidden.


NtM no.21 of 2022 – Wednesday 5th May 2022

Areas of High Density Small Sailing Vessels

SAFETY/NAVIGATION

Owners and operators of power-driven vessels navigating in areas of high-density small sailing craft, in particular but not restricted to, the upper reaches of the River Crouch between Brandy Hole and Hayes Farm are requested to do so at a slow speed, in a considerate manner, whilst keeping a sharp lookout at all times.

The Up River Yacht Club, South Woodham Ferrers, and Eyott Sailing Clubs (launching from Hullbridge, South Woodham Ferrers and Fenn Creek) host and run well organised regular sailing events, with marshalling and safety boats in attendance at all times.

However, it should be borne in mind that some club members participating are both young, relatively inexperienced, and undergoing training.

The Crouch Harbour Authority therefore respectfully request that those in charge of power-driven vessels navigating in these waters are especially vigilant and cautious.

Organisers of all events taking place within the CHA District should, when considering their race courses, be mindful of designated fairways and restrictions of commercial and larger power-driven vessels constrained by their draught, and ability to manoeuvre, and ensure that their passage is not impeded.


NtM no.16 of 2022 – Monday 21st March 2022

Polite Notice

INFORMATION

Mariners are reminded that it is not permitted to moor their vessels to navigation buoys or marks.


NTM NO.28 OF 2021 – WEDNESDAY 16TH JUNE 2021

Buoy Changes in Swallowtail and Whitaker Navigation Channels

NAVIGATION

Mariners are hereby notified of the following alteration to navigation marks in the Swallowtail and Whitaker Channels as of 15th June 2021.

Swallowtail Channel

• Swallowtail No 1 LT Buoy has been moved to a new position of:
51° 41.400N – 001° 07.500E
Colour, top mark and light characteristic Fl. Y. 5s remain unchanged.

• Swallowtail No 2 LT Buoy has been permanently withdrawn from 51°41.184N 001°06.296E

• Swallowtail No 3 LT Buoy in position 51°40.843N 001°04.391E has been renamed Swallowtail No 2
New light characteristic is Fl. Y. 10s
Colour, shape and top mark remain unchanged.

• Swallowtail No 4 LT Buoy in position 51°40.519N 001°03.487E has been renamed.
Swallowtail No 3
Light characteristic unchanged Fl. (2) Y. 10s
Colour, shape and top mark remain unchanged.

Whitaker Channel

• Whitaker No 1 LT Buoy has been moved to a new position of 51°40.530N 001°05.400E
Shape, colour, top mark and light FL. G. 5. remain unchanged.

• Whitaker No 2 LT Buoy has been moved to a new position of 51°40.250N 001°05.400E
Shape, colour, top mark and light Fl. R. 5s remain unchanged.

• Whitaker No 3 LT Buoy has been permanently withdrawn from 51°40.424N 001°04.719E

• Whitaker No 4 LT Buoy has been permanently withdrawn from 51°40.161N 001°04.912E

• Whitaker No 5 LT Buoy in position 51°40.038N 001°03.217E has been renamed Whitaker No 3 LT Buoy.
New light characteristic is Fl. (2) G. 5s
Shape, colour and top mark remain unchanged.

• Whitaker No 6 LT Buoy in position 51°39.757N 001°03.478E has been remanded Whitaker No 4 LT buoy.
New light characteristic is Fl. (2) R 5s
Shape, colour and top mark remain unchanged.

• Whitaker No 7 LT Buoy in position 51°39.540N 001°02.000E has been renamed Whitaker No 5 LT Buoy.
New light characteristic is Fl. (3) G. 10s
Shape, colour and top mark remain unchanged.

• Whitaker No 8 LT Buoy in position 51°39.351N 001°02.000E has been renamed Whitaker No 6 LT Buoy.
New light characteristic is Fl. (3) R. 10s
Shape, colour and top mark remain unchanged.

Please see chart [not to be used for navigation]
New-Outer-Buoyage-2021


NtM no.33 of 2020 – Wednesday 5th August 2020

Increase in River Swimmers, Inflatable and Personal Watercraft

INFORMATION

During the past few months, the volume of river swimmers, persons using inflatable canoes, paddle boards and personal watercraft has risen enormously within the CHA District and in particular on the upper reaches of the River Crouch.

The CHA has also received reports recently from other Harbour Authorities as well as inland waterway operators that this seems to be a widespread trend post Covid-19 lockdown.
The fact that you can enter the water from any part of accessible sea wall and do not require more formal launching arrangements makes policing of those taking part in these activities extremely difficult.

Regrettably, many taking up these sports for the first time are inexperienced, particularly in tidal waters and are not familiar with robust safety, seamanship, and good manners in not compromising other river users and staying close in toward the riverbanks.

A Sailing Club has reported near miss incidents that took place over the weekend of Sunday 01st August 2020 involving their sailing fleet and a considerable number of swimmers and canoeist.

Could we please ask all river users to keep a good look out at all times, report any cases of near misses, poor behaviour and disregard of others to the Harbour Office providing as much detail as possible.

It is further recommended that if Clubs are not already doing so that they include a section within their event risk assessments to cover this matter.

Your cooperation is appreciated, thank you.


NtM no.24 of 2019 – Tuesday 9th July 2019

Foul Anchorage, River Roach – Quay Reach

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that we have had a report of “foul ground” (Anchorage) approximate depth LW 5m in position

51˚36.206’N
000˚52.223’E

All vessels are advised to avoid this area when anchoring in the River Roach.


NtM no.11 of 2018 – Monday 21st May 2019

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 [COLREGS]

INFORMATION

Mariners are courteously reminded of 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.

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 whilst within the CHA district. Do not impede these vessels as they can only navigate safely within the Fairway due to amongst other factors constraint of draught.

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.


NtM no.41 of 2017 – Monday 4th December 2017

Power Cables – River Roach, Paglesham Creek

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised that the power cables crossing Paglesham Creek (to the south of Wallasea Island) centered on an approximate position of:

51° 36.83’N
000° 47.92’E
are reported to be ‘sagging’.
The electricity company UK Power Networks are aware and the Crouch Harbour Authority is awaiting an update of their intended action.
The cables cross Paglesham Creek in an area that has a charted drying height of 3 and therefore can only be navigated by small shallow draught craft in an around the HW period.
However, any small and in particular sailing vessels underway in the vicinity intending to pass beneath the cables should do so with extreme caution.
For further information please contact UK Power Networks on 0800 029 4285.


NtM no.18 of 2017 – Tuesday 18th April 2017

Essex Marina – Excessive Wash

NAVIGATION

Following reports (including photographic and video evidence) of vessels passing Essex Marina creating unacceptable and inconsiderate amounts of wash over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
Mariners are reminded of their duty not only to abide by the 8 knot speed limit but to be mindful of the wake their vessels create when passing:
•Moored craft
•Vessels with Tenders alongside and
•Small vulnerable craft


NtM no.17 of 2017 – Tuesday 21st March 2017

Admiralty Chart No 1975

NAVIGATION

We have received a report that the Obsn 2 on the Southern edge of the Buxey Sands North of the BUXEY EDGE Light Buoy
(in position Lat. 51˚ 40. 659’ N Long. 001˚03.487’ E) has moved slightly to the South East to a new position of:

Lat. 51˚ 40. 924’ N
Long. 001˚03.660’ E

Now believed to be a wreck of possibly up to 70 feet in length, stanchions have been sighted at low water approximately 1 metre above the water.

Mariners are advised to remain within or close to the Fairway between Swallowtail No 4 and Buxey Edge buoys when navigating in this area.


NtM no.25 of 2016 – Thursday 2nd June 2016

Paglesham Reach, River Roach

NAVIGATION

Mariners are advised to keep to the buoyed channel when passing through Paglesham Reach, River Roach until advised otherwise due to an issue with yacht mooring risers.


NtM no.2 of 2015 – Monday 26th January 2015

Ship-Generated Waste Notification

INFORMATION

SHIPS MASTERS AND AGENTS ARE REMINDED that the notification of ship waste must be submitted at least 24 hours before their arrival in port (except for vessels given exemption by the MCA)

Failure to provide the above notification may require the Crouch Harbour Authority to inform the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Further guidance on the mandatory waste notification process can be found in Maine Guidance Note 387 published by the Marine and Coastguard Agency. It includes a standard waste notification form.

A copy of a standard waste notification form can also be obtained from the Harbour Office Telephone +44 (0)1621 783602
Email info@crouchharbour.org.uk
Or downloaded from www.crouchharbour.org.uk

Completed forms should be emailed to the Ships Agent or Harbour Office.