NtM no. 13 of 2025 – Thursday 1st May 2025
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 26 OF 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED
NtM no. 12 of 2025 – Wednesday 16th April 2025
Increase in River Swimmers, Inflatable and Personal Watercrafts
INFORMATION
With the onset of the sailing season, the volume of river swimmers, people using inflatable canoes, paddle boards and personal watercraft is expected to rise within the CHA District and in particular on the upper reaches of the River Crouch.
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.
The fact that you can enter the water from any part of an accessible sea wall and does not require more formal launching arrangements makes the policing of those taking part in these activities extremely difficult.
To ensure that the waters are a safe and enjoyable place for all leisure pursuits, we respectfully ask that all river users 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. 11 of 2025 – Tuesday 15th April 2025
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 Burnham area, 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. 10 of 2025 – Monday 14th April 2025
Burnham Yacht Harbour – Yellow Lighted Special Mark
NAVIGATION
Mariners are advised that the Yellow Lighted Special Mark at the entrance to Burnham Yacht Harbour in position:
51° 37.498N
000° 48.221E
is back on station
NOTICE TO MARINERS 7 of 2025 IS HEREBY CANCELLED.
NtM no. 9 of 2025 – Tuesday 1st April 2025
Safe Navigation Whilst in the Vicinity of Underway Commercial Vessels
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 manoeuvring off the jetty at Baltic Wharf.
Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated.
NtM no. 8 of 2025 – Thursday 27th March 2025
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 10 of 2024 IS HEREBY CANCELLED
NtM no. 7 of 2025 – Wednesday 26th March 2025
Burnham Yacht Harbour – Yellow Lighted Special Mark
NAVIGATION
Mariners are advised that the Yellow Lighted Special Mark at the entrance to Burnham Yacht Harbour in position:
51° 37.498N
000° 48.221E
is currently off station until further notice whilst undergoing annual maintenance.
NtM no. 6 of 2025 – Monday 24th March 2025
Works at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham-on-Crouch
SAFETY
Please be aware that works are currently being carried out from a pontoon moored directly under the Royal Corinthian balcony.
Work is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete.
Mariners are kindly requested to give a wide berth and pass at low speed and with minimum wash whilst the works are taking place.
Your co-operation would be appreciated.
NtM no. 5 of 2025 – Wednesday 12th March 2025
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.
Notice to Mariners 11 of 2018 is hereby cancelled.
NtM no. 4 of 2025 – Wednesday 12th March 2025
Polite Notice
INFORMATION
Mariners are reminded that it is not permitted to moor their vessels to navigation buoys or marks.
Notice to Mariners No 16 of 2022 is hereby cancelled.
NtM no. 3 of 2025 – Tuesday 11th March 2025
Jetties at Burnham-on-Crouch
INFORMATION
Please be advised that the jetty moorings in Burnham-on-Crouch are privately owned. Any vessel wishing to moor alongside is required to contact the relevant parties.
See CHA Website for contact details: https://crouchharbour.uk/contacts/other/
The mooring of any vessels alongside Kings Wharf is strictly prohibited.
NtM no. 2 of 2025 – Tuesday 21stJanuary 2025
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 w/c 27th January 2025.
Dredging Operations will be carried out by Tug 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 2025 – Monday 6th January 2025
Notice to Mariners remaining in force as at 6th January 2025
INFORMATION
Please be advised that the following Notice to Mariners remain in force:
2015:
No: 2 of 2015 Ship Generated Waste Notification
2017:
No:17 of 2017 Buxey Edge Obstruction
No:41 of 2017 Power Cables – River Roach, Paglesham Creek
2019:
No:24 of 2019 Foul Anchorage, River Roach – Quay Reach
2021:
No:28 of 2021 Buoy Changes to Swallowtail and Whitaker Navigation Channels
2022:
No:30 of 2022 Re-location of Swallowtail West Lighted Buoy.
No:31 of 2022 River Crouch Survey Findings.
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
2024
No: 8 of 2024 Lines attached to Commercial Buoys – River Crouch
No: 9 of 2024 Ministry of Defence (MOD) Shoeburyness Range Sea Range Area
No: 12 of 2024 Private Slipway at South Woodham Ferrers
No: 18 of 2024 Burnham Town Pontoon
No: 22 of 2024 Lands End Race Mark – River Crouch
No: 26 of 2024 Dredging Operations at Burnham Yacht Harbour
All other Notices to Mariners are hereby cancelled.
Please refer to the Ports Website www.crouchharbour.uk for details of Notices.
NtM no. 26 of 2024 – Monday 16th December 2024
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 22nd December 2024 and 31st May 2025.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.