Notice to Mariners

A number of recent incidents in the Thames estuary have been attributable to  vessels in transit being unable to contact fishing vessels by VHF due to the crew of the fishing vessel being out of the wheelhouse or otherwise unable to hear transmissions.

Skippers and crews of fishing vessels operating in the Thames Estuary are reminded of the contents of Marine Guidance Note 313 (F) – Keeping a safe navigational watch on Fishing Vessels.  This includes the requirement to keep a proper lookout and radio watch at all times.

They are also reminded of Port of London Authority General Direction 8 (7) which requires fishing vessels to report their departure from berth or mooring or entry into the Thames and to provide a periodic update of their intentions and movements inside port limits.

It is strongly recommended that where background noise may prevent the crews of fishing vessels on deck from hearing VHF transmissions, a suitable loudspeaker system connected to the VHF radio should be fitted outside the wheelhouse.