Local Notice to Mariners No 11 2009

Local Notice to Mariners No 7 2009

Speed Restrictions River Orwell

Mariners and Port Users are advised that all vessels are requested when circumstances permit, to maintain a speed of less than 6 knots between the Port of Ipswich and Foxes Bottom light buoy, on both inward and outward voyages.

There is already a speed limit of 6 knots, for all non-commercial vessels under 50 GRT in the River Orwell. This remains in force for those vessels between the Port of Ipswich and the Orwell Buoy.

Part II –Ipswich General Byelaws 1996

Section 12.       Vessels to be Navigated with Care and Caution

a. No person shall navigate a vessel without care and caution or at a speed or in a manner which, having regard to all the circumstances, endangers the safety of or causes injury or damage, either directly or indirectly to any person or any other vessel, buoy, mooring, river bank or other property, or which interferes with the navigation, manoeuvring, loading or discharge of any vessel

b. The speed of vessels must be reduced to the minimum consistent with safe navigation and the avoidance of any unsafe wash effect when passing yacht moorings at Pin Mill, Woolverstone and other places, or other vessels moored, or dredgers operating, or works of repair, maintenance or construction in progress

c. All vessels navigating within the Authority’s area do so at the sole risk of the Master and Owners thereof, who shall be responsible and liable for the safety and security of their vessel and for any damage done to the property of the Authority and other persons.

Harbour Master

12^th May 2009

Local Notice to Mariners No 6 2009

Buoy Movements Ipswich Port

Mariners and Port Users are advised that the following light buoys in the River Orwell have been moved to new positions.

Harbour Master

5th May 2009

Local Notice to Mariners No 5 2008

Impeding Safe Navigation to Large Vessels

Mariners and Port Users involved with small craft and recreational activities are reminded that they must not obstruct or impede the movement of large vessels using the navigable channel or the approaches to a vessels berth.

Small craft must always take early action to move out of the navigation channel when a large commercial vessel is approaching.

A warning of the large vessels position may be given by one prolonged blast.

The view from loaded container vessels and other large vessels is restricted in the area immediately in front of the vessel. If you cannot see the bridge of a commercial vessel then it is unlikely the lookout will be able to see you from the bridge of the vessel.

It is this loss of visibility that when in close proximity to a large vessel you should not attempt to cross under a vessels bow. This is important in all situations including racing situations where any breakdown or difficulty your vessel encounters may go unnoticed on the larger vessel. Race organizers are requested to inform anyone taking part in an event of the dangers crossing ahead in a close quarters situation.

Harbour Master

23rd May 2008

Mariners and Port Users are advised that the new Environment Agency floodgates are now installed and working in the Wet Dock lock.

The floodgates have been extended to a height 1.84 metres above the top of lock coping stones.

The gates will be closed when the height of the tide is expected to reach 4.5 metres above chart datum. There will be no access into or out of the Wet Dock during the period the gates are closed.

The Lock Master or Operator will advise when movements through the lock can resume. Contact via VHF68 or telephone 01473 213526.

Harbour Master

22nd January 2009