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.
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.