Yachtsman`s Guide

VHF R/T
Port Operation Channels
The yachtsman’s guide to
Southampton Water
and it’s approaches
Yachts are reminded that Channel 16 is
a DISTRESS SAFETY AND CALLING
CHANNEL ONLY.
Other than for distress it must only be
used to establish contact before going to a
working channel. Port Operation channels
must not be used for boat communications.
The recognised boat to boat channels are 6,
72 and 77.
Port operation channels are as follows:
}
Vessel Traffic Services (VTS)
Southampton Harbour Master
Queen’s Harbour Master, Portsmouth
Harbour Master, Hamble
Harbour Master, Cowes
}
HM Coastguard
Working channels
12
14 11 68 69 If you can’t
see the ship’s
wheelhouse,
the ship can’t
see you!
67 73 }
71 74 10
09 08
Ship/tug/pilot working channels
NOT TO BE USED BY
RECREATIONAL CRAFT
80 Marina working channels
VESSELS OVER 20 METRES MUST
REPORT TO VTS AT DESIGNATED
REPORTING POINTS (AS PER
ADMIRALTY CHARTS AND ALRS
VOLUME SIX)
Port of Southampton
This information has been produced by
Associated British Ports specifically for
people who enjoy recreational activities
afloat.
Some facts you should keep in mind:
1. The number of large commercial ships
serving the Port of Southampton and the
number of recreational craft afloat in local
waters is increasing. It is essential that
close quarters situations are minimised.
2. Most of the commercial vessels you meet
will have a UK Pilot on board regardless
of the ship’s flag. They will be monitoring
VHF Channel 12.
3. Most ships travel at manoeuvring speeds
of between 10 and 15 knots whilst in the
Solent and Southampton Water. This will
vary from ship to ship and is “as safe as
navigation and conditions permit”.
4. Light, partially loaded or unevenly trimmed
ships may require to maintain a higher
“as safe as navigation permits” speed to
remain under full control.
5. It may take less than 10 minutes for a ship
to reach you from your visible horizon, in
hazy conditions it will take a lot less. At 10
knots a ship travels one nautical mile in
six minutes. At 15 knots it takes only four
minutes.
6. Ships cannot easily avoid small craft in
narrow channels, it is better for you to stay
clear.
7. A large ship that is slowing down may not
steer very well, it needs propeller action
on the rudder to respond. When the ship’s
engine is put astern it’s manoeuvrability
will be affected. Remember that it takes
time and a considerable distance for a ship
to stop.
8. There are numerous other small vessels
operating within the Solent and Port of
Southampton. Watch out for ferries, fast
catamarans, fishing boats and tugs towing
barges (especially at night when barges
may not be clearly visible).
Note that a towing cable may be partially
submerged.
What can you do?
1. Whenever possible, avoid sailing in
commercial shipping channels, especially
in poor visibility. If it is absolutely
necessary to use these channels then
observe Rule 9 of the COLREGS by
keeping to the starboard side of the
channel and crossing, at right angles, only
when this does not impede the passage
of a vessel that can safely navigate only
within that channel.
2. Do not underestimate the speed of ships.
If your vessel is slow, allow sufficient time
to take any necessary action.
3. Be visible. At night, make sure your
navigation lights can be seen. If you
suspect that you have not been seen
by an approaching ship shine a torch,
searchlight or spotlight on your mast or
sail. Carry a radar reflector high on your
mast. Remember that from the bridge of a
large container ship or tanker the Pilot or
Master may lose sight of you up to half a
mile ahead even though you can see the
ship quite clearly.
4. Be alert. Keep a good lookout at all times,
especially astern!
5. Night-time sailing. Even on a clear night
you may have difficulty seeing a ship
approach. You might notice it first as a
black shadow against a background of
shore lights, or as a growing shadow – at
that point you are not far apart! Remember
that your lights may not be easily spotted
from a ship, especially lights at the top
of your mast which can merge with
background shore lights when viewed
from a large commercial vessel.
6. Study the ship’s lights. If you can see both
sidelights you are dead ahead and need to
react quickly.
7. Precautionary Area. See ‘Caution One’
on the accompanying chartlet. Be aware
that ships make large alterations of course
at the West Bramble and Calshot turns.
Ensure that you comply with the MOVING
PROHIBITED ZONE.
8. Recognise whistle signals. Five or more
short blasts means your intentions are not
understood and you are causing concern
to the ship. One short blast means the ship
is altering course to starboard. Two short
blasts, altering course to port. Three short
blasts the ship is putting engines astern.
9. Know ship signals. A ship which displays
a black cylinder in the daylight or three red
lights in a vertical line at night indicates
that she is constrained by her draught.
Give her a wide berth.
10.VHF Channels. Keep your radio on
Channel 12 which is the port working
frequency used by Southampton Vessel
Traffic Services (VTS) and shipping. Every
2 hours from 0610-2210 there will be a
broadcast on Channel 14 ( pre-empted
by a transmission on Channel 12) giving
information on large ship movements,
local weather conditions and any new
Navigational Warnings.
Personal Watercraft (PWs)
PWs, otherwise known as jet-skis and
waterbikes, are required to exercise caution
with due regard to other water users when
in the Port of Southampton and approaches.
When close to the shoreline, in particular,
keep a good lookout for swimmers. Be aware
of your speed and keep clear of ships and
other craft. Always wear the Kill Cord. The 6
knot limit in the Docks applies to all powered
craft!
Collision Avoidance Check List
• Avoid ship channels when possible. Cross them quickly and at right angles
• Be alert, watch for ship traffic
• Be seen, especially at night
• Know whistle signals- five or more short blasts, your intentions are not understood!
• Listen to VHF channel 12 - if you have to transmit keep your message brief
• Use up to date navigation charts - read Local Notice to Mariners at your local club/marina
or on www.southamptonvts.co.uk
• When in doubt, keep clear. Always be prepared for the unexpected
• Lifejackets do not help if you’re not wearing them!
Typical
Southampton
Tidal Curves
For Springs
and Neaps
5
First H.W. Springs
4.5
Second H.W.
4
3.5
Neaps
3
Metres
Welcome to the
2.5
Springs
2
Young Flood Stand
1.5
Dock Head Spring Tide Curve
1
Dock Head Neap Tide Curve
Mean Tide Level
0.5
Low Water
Chart Datum
0
0:00
3:0
6:00
Time
9:00
12:00
15:00
18:00
21:00
00:00
Southampton Water
Kemps Marina
See
Continuation
Below
Saxon Wharf
Shamrock Quay
DP World
Container
Terminal
No.10 SG
Bury
No.8 SG
Millbrook
Southampton
No.6 SG
No.4 SG
No.2 SG
Marchwood YC
Itchen Bridge
Cracknore
Husband’s
Shipyard
(28.9m above chart datum)
Mulberry
Marchwood
Military Port
Waterskiing Area
See Caution Two
eway
Ocean Village Marina
Town Quay Marina
Pier Head
Crackmore Hard SC
Caus
and it’s approaches
Western Docks
Woolston
For centuries the Port of Southampton has played a vital
role in British sea trade and is situated on one of the finest
natural harbours in the world. Southampton Water and it’s
approaches offer any leisure user excellent sailing waters and
numerous facilities from the Isle of Wight to the Rivers Test
and Itchen.
Royal Southampton YC
Dibden Bay
Eastern Docks
Gymp Elbow
Southampton SC
Southampton Harbour Master
Vessel Traffic Services Centre (VTS)
Gymp
Dibden Bay
Port Development Land
No.1
Swanwick Marina
Hythe Knock
Weston SC
Weston Shelf
Moorhead
Hythe Marina Village
Universal Marina
Upstream of this line
MAX SPEED 6 Knots
Eling SC
NW Netley
Netley Cliff SC
This guide is designed to provide yachtsmen with a level of
information which will contribute to the safe navigation and
enjoyment of the area.
Mercury Yacht Harbour
Deans Elbow
Eling
Netley
Hythe SC
Hythe
No.16
Port Hamble Marina
No.12
Redbridge Channel
No.14
Bird Pile
Bury
Symbols Key
RAF YC
Hound
Royal Southern YC
Lains Lake
After Barn
Marchwood YC
Hamble River SC
Hamble
Caution One
Warsash
Hamble Point Marina
Greenland
Slipway
Cadland
Recommended
Crossing Points
Precautionary Area
All vessels over 150m in length, whilst navigating this area, will have
a MOVING PROHIBITED ZONE 1000m ahead and 100m to either
side. These vessels are required to display a black cylinder by day
and three all round red lights in a vertical line at night.
Vessels under 20m are prohibited from entering the Moving
Prohibited Zone.
Whenever possible, vessels over 150m will be escorted by a patrol
launch showing a blue flashing light. The absence of the launch will
not invalidate the Moving Prohibited Zone. (see LNTM No. 3/2014)
BP Hamble Jetty
Hamble Harbour Master
Warsash SC
Visitor Moorings
Boat Yard
Rubbish Bins
Oil Waste Disposal
Recycling
VHF Radio
Bar
Provisions
Boat Hoist
Laundrette
Showers
Electricity
Petrol
Diesel
Available Hamble Yacht Services
Bottled Gas
Available Saxon Wharf
Launching Slip
Available
Scrubbing Berth
Southampton Marina Facilities
Sewage Waste Disposal
College of Maritime Studies
Fawley Marine
Terminal
Hamble Pt
Solent Breezes
Bald Head
Hook
Ashlett SC
Ashlett Creek
Fawley
Coronation
Hook
Hythe Marina Village
02380 207073
Kemps Marina
02380 632323
Ocean Village Marina
02380 229385
Shamrock Quay
02380 229461
Town Quay Marina
02380 234397
Hamble Point Marina
02380 452464
Port Hamble Marina
02380 452741
Fawley Power Station SC
Black Jack
Calshot
Radar Tower
Fawley
Chimney
CA
LS
Reach
Swanwick Marina
01489 884081
Universal Marina
01489 574272
EA
CH
Caution Two
Calshot
Calshot Spit
Bourne Gap
NO
RT
North Thorn
East Knoll
HC
HA
NN
EL
Hill Head
TH
O
NE Gurnard
Stone Pt.
Lepe Spit
it
Bn
West Bramble
Typical track of commercial vessels at
South Bramble
Ebbtide (Floodtide)
m
Li
R iver
West Knoll
Precautionary Area
See Caution One
rt
lie
u
Po
Be
au
Bramble Bank
Thorn Knoll
RN
Stansore Pt.
Por
t Lim
CH
AN
NE
L
02380 455994
TR
Castle Pt
Calshot
Mercury Yacht Harbour
HO
Calshot SC
W Ryde
Middle
it
NOT TO BE USED
FOR NAVIGATION
East Lepe
Prince Consort
Western
Approach
Channel
Caution Three
Gurnard
Egypt
Point
Norris
Royal Yacht Squadron
Royal London YC
Island SC
Cowes Cornathian YC
Gurnard Ledge
Waterskiing
Waterskiing is not permitted in the port except in the designated area
at Redbridge or with the written permission of the Harbour Master. It
is an offence under Harbour Bye-Laws to waterski outside this area
and offenders may be prosecuted. The Bye-Laws also require there
to be two people in any boat towing a waterski.
Redbridge – This area is usable from approximately 1 hour before
until 2 hours after the 1st High Water. There are some obstructions
in the area and large scale Admiralty Charts should be consulted
beforehand.
Isle of Wight
Old
Castle
Point
OSBORNE BAY
See Caution Three
Osborne Bay: This area is not recommended as a small craft
anchorage due to the possibility of wash from passing vessels.
Legal requirement and navigation
Guidance Notes
Navigational Safety
The principal deep water navigational
channels within the statutory limits
of the Port of Southampton are
well marked by buoys and lights.
These channels are in constant use
by commercial vessels, including
large deep-draught tankers (VLCC),
container ships, ferries and other
traffic.
Recreational users of the area are
advised to keep clear of these
channels and use the recommended
crossing points (as shown on chartlet
overleaf). When channels have to be
crossed, this should be done as nearly
as practicable at right angles.
and the ship itself.
Recreational users of the port must
familiarise themselves with, and
observe, the COLREGS, Port of
Southampton Bye-Laws and Local
Notice to Mariners.
Information is available on:
www.southamptonvts.co.uk
In compliance with Southampton
Harbour Bye-Laws:
1. Proceed at a safe speed with
due regard to other water users,
buoys, moorings and banks of
the harbour area or any other
property.
The Harbour Patrol Launch
maintains a listening watch on VHF
Channel 12 ( call sign Southampton
Patrol). The crew will be happy to
offer advice and information on the
Harbour and Approaches.
This vessel, having a royal blue hull
with white upper works, is easily
recognisable by the broad yellow
diagonal stripe on each side of the
bow. At night, in addition to the
steaming lights, an all round blue light
is displayed at the mast head.
2. Reduce speed and wash when
passing a dredger, vessel engaged
in diving operations or vessel
working on a buoy or mooring.
3. Observe 6 knot speed limit north
of an imaginary line between
Hythe Pier and Weston Shelf buoy.
LARGE SHIPS OFTEN HAVE
RESTRICTED VISIBILITY
AVOID CROSSING THE BOWS
OF ON-COMING COMMERCIAL
TRAFFIC
Large container ships, in particular,
usually have restricted visibility ahead
(see diagram below). You may be
able to see them clearly but can
they see you? If the full width of the
wheelhouse on the ship is not visible
then you may not have been seen!
Most recreational sailors take a
justifiable pride in the responsible way
they conduct themselves. Part of this
is the realization that hindering the
safe passage of commercial vessels
is not only bad seamanship but
dangerous to themselves, their crews
Speed of vessels
used mainly to escort large vessels
safely into or out of the harbour area
to ensure that the main navigable
channels are kept clear for their safe
transit.
HT
LINE OF SIG
1/2 MILE
Harbour Patrol
The Harbour Master operates a
Harbour Patrol Launch service within
the limits of the Port of Southampton
throughout the year. This service is
DEEP DRAUGHT VESSELS
HAVE LITTLE ROOM TO
MANOEUVRE IN NARROW
CHANNELS
UNDERKEEL CLEARANCE CAN BE AS LITTLE AS 1 METRE
Code Flag A
Black
By Night
Black
By Night
Red
Towing Lights
& Signals
Foul Side
COLREGS
Rule 27 (b)
Lights (Vertical)
White
Red
Red
Side vessels
may pass
Red
White
Green
Red
Red
Green
Port Side View
Bow
view
Stern
view
Visual & Sound Signals in Fog
Lights
Deep Draught Vessels
Vessels Not Under
Command
Vessels at Anchor
Sound Signal
Sound Signal
By Day
By Day
By Day
Port Side Rule
View 35(c)
COLREGS
COLREGS Rule 35(c)
Black Cylinder
2 Black Balls
1 Black Ball
By Night
By Night
By Night
COLREGS
Rule 28
3 Red Lights (Vertical)
COLREGS
Rule 27(a)
2 Red Lights (Vertical)
COLREGS
Rule 30(a)
All Round White Light
Sound Signal
Sound Signal
Bow
Stern
COLREGS Rule
27(e)
view
view
Marina
Signals
Common
Flag Signals
VisualEntry
& Sound
Signals
in Fog
Lights
Meaning
Vessels Not Under
Deep Draught Vessels
Command
Vessels shall
Fixed
By Day
By Day
not proceed
Black Fixed
Cylinder
By Night
R
Y
I
Vessels may
2 Black
Balls
proceed with
caution
Two way traffic
R
Vessels
at slow
Anchor
Pass
me at
speed
By Day
Engaged in survey work
1 Black Ball
By Night
By Night
Manoeuvering
& Warning Signals
Vessels may
COLREGS
COLREGS
COLREGS
Fixed
proceed with
caution
Rule 28
Rule
27(a)
Rule 30(a)
3 Red Lights (Vertical)One way traffic
2 Red Lights (Vertical)
AllbeRound
White Light
These signals may
supplemented
by
light signals
Flashing
Sound Signal
Serious Emergency
all vessels to stop
1 Short blast
or divert according
2 Short blasts
to instructions
3 Short blasts
COLREGS
Only ONE GROUP of lights to be shown
Power Driven Vessels
Sound Signal
Bell
COLREGS
Sound Signal
COLREGS: International
Regulation for
Preventing Collisions
at Sea 1972-As amended
Making Way
Stopped
COLREGS Rule 35(a) or (b)
Sound Signal
Altering to starbord
Altering to port
Going astern
Rule
35(c)
COLREGS Rule 35(g)
5 Or more short blasts Your intentions are unclear
Sailing Vessels
COLREGS Rule 35(c)
Vessels Restricted in
Their Ability to Manoeuvre
Vessels Engaged in
Dredging/Underwater Ops
Vessels Engaged in
Diving Ops
By Day
By Day
By Day
Ball
Diamond
Ball
By Night
Black
Foul Side
Black
By Night
Bell
Side vessels
may pass
Code Flag A
Power Driven Vessels
Sound Signal
COLREGS Rule 35(c)
COLREGS Rule 35(g)
Sailing Vessels
COLREGS
Sound Signal
COLREGS: International
Regulation for
Preventing Collisions
at Sea 1972-As amended
Making Way
Stopped
COLREGS Rule 35(a) or (b)
COLREGS Rule 35(c)
Vessels Restricted in
Their Ability to Manoeuvre
Vessels Engaged in
Dredging/Underwater Ops
Vessels Engaged in
Diving Ops
By Day
By Day
By Day
Ball
Diamond
Ball
By Night
Black
Code Flag A
Black
By Night
Red
COLREGS
Rule 27 (b)
Lights (Vertical)
Side vessels
may pass
Foul Side
White
Red
Foul Side
Red
Side vessels
may pass
Red
White
Green
Red
Red
Green
Lights
Sound Signal
Sound Signal
COLREGS Rule 35(c)
COLREGS Rule 35(c)
COLREGS Rule 27(e)
Marine information and
Useful addresses and
Environmental Data
Telephone Numbers
Associated British Ports (ABP)
Ocean Gate Atlantic Way
Southampton
Hampshire. SO14 3QN
Legend
Special Protection Areas
Special Areas of Conservation
Tel: 02380 488800
Fax: 02380 336402
Harbour Master’s Office
Tel: 02380 608208
Fax: 02380 232991
Produced by ABPmer
© ABPmer, All rights reserved, 2014
Data Sources: Natural England © Crown Copyright & Database Right 2014.
NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION
0
Southampton Water is of
international importance for nature
conservation. Its mudflats and other
habitats support a wide variety
of birds and the creatures they
feed on throughout the year. In
recognition of this, Southampton
Water is designated as part of the
Solent European Marine Site, with
Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
for birds and Special Areas of
Conservation (SACS) for habitats
and other species. A management
scheme has been developed to
ensure that a balance of activities
can be maintained within the
site, allowing port operations,
recreational sailing and wildlife to
co-exist.
2.5
5
10
km
ABP, in its role as the Statutory
Harbour Authority for Southampton
Water, has a strong commitment
to protecting the local environment
and we play an active role in the
management scheme for the
European Marine Site. Recreational
sailors are well known for enjoying
and taking care of the environment
in which they spend their leisure
time. In order to maintain
Southampton Water as a pleasant
place to sail, remember that the UK
has strict rules on dumping litter at
sea, with substantial penalties for
offenders. Please retain all rubbish
on board and dispose of it safely in
proper facilities once you return to
shore.
Vessel Traffic Services Centre
(VTS)
Tel: 02380 608208 (24hrs)
www.southamptonvts.co.uk
Visitors can access regularly
updated shipping movements,
cruise schedules, Notices to
Mariners and tidal forecasts.
The Yachtsman’s Guide is produced by
ABP as a reference and safety guide only
and must not be used as a navigation
chart.
Solent Harbour Master
Beaulieu River
01590 616200
Cowes 01983 293952
Hamble 01489 576387
Portsmouth 02392 723694
(Harbour Control, QHM)
HM Coastguard
Lee on Solent
02392 552100
HM Revenue and Customs
Yachtline
0845 723 1110
Customs Helpline 0300 200 3700
Customs Hotline 0800 595 5000
www.hmrc.gov.uk
Border Force South (Immigration)
N.O.H 0300 056 8120
O.O.H - Until 22.30 02380 627107
www.gov.uk/border-force
Port Health
Southampton
Portsmouth
02380 226631
02392 688653
All numbers and information contained
within were correct at time of publication.
If your organisation needs additional
copies of this publication please forward
your requests to ABP.
Tel: 02380 608206 or 02380 608211
Designed and Produced by Media10
www.media10.co.uk 07852 582822
Isssue 2- Apr/2014