POTENTIAL WASH DAMAGE TO BERTHED VESSELS AND INSTALLATIONS
Port of London Authority investigations into a number of recent incidents, which have resulted in damage to installations and vessels alongside, have revealed that the cause in some cases was that the vessel involved had slack mooring lines; the outcome of the incident being aggravated by draw-off and the speed and proximity of a passing vessel or vessels.
Masters of vessels are reminded that tidal ranges of up to 7 metres can be encountered in the tidal River Thames and that moorings will need to be adjusted accordingly whilst the vessel is alongside over one or more tides.
This precaution is of particular relevance and importance for vessels which are:
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1 |
transferring bulk liquids |
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2 |
laying at berths where they may take the ground on a sloping river bed; or |
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3 |
where the berth is close to the channel and may be affected by passing river traffic. |
Master of vessels are further reminded of the contents of Permanent Notice to Mariners 2005 Notice P7 a copy of which is included overleaf for convenience:
PORT OF LONDON – PERMANENT NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 7 OF 2005
VESSEL SPEED
Mariners are reminded of the requirement to navigate their vessels at all times at a speed commensurate with local circumstances and conditions. Experience indicates that, in the area Gravesend Reach and above, a speed in excess of 10 knots through the water can be liable to injure or endanger persons, other vessels or property. Due care should be taken in the vicinity of vessels moored and working on berths closely adjacent to the navigation channel, particularly when these vessels are handling dangerous goods and displaying the red flag or light required by Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations.
Extreme caution is necessary over the low water period when “draw off” can cause particular problems to berthed vessels.
When details are broadcast by London VTS of ‘vessels engaged in dangerous cargo operations’ berthed at Coryton or West Thurrock, the speed of passing vessels should be reduced to 8 knots or the minimum speed necessary to maintain adequate steerageway. In addition, frequent large vessel movements take place at Shellhaven and Coryton, which may involve mooring vessels and vessels entering the fairway from adjacent berths. Mariners are reminded of the requirement to navigate their vessels at all times at a speed commensurate with the local circumstances and conditions so as not to endanger persons, other vessels or property.
Additional special precautions for oil and gas terminals are contained elsewhere in Permanent Notices to Mariners.
Special operations, details of which will be broadcast by London VTS, may require greatly reduced speeds in the vicinity of the works.
Notwithstanding the above mentioned specific conditions, mariners’ attention is drawn to Section 108 of the Port of London Act which provides:
A Master who navigates his vessel on the Thames:
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(a) |
without due care and attention; or |
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(b) |
in a manner liable to injure or endanger persons, other vessels, the banks of the Thames (whether above or below mean high water level) or any structure or installation in or beside the Thames; |
shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine upon conviction.
