8 of 2009

Introduction
The procedures for the regulation of navigation described in this Notice have been established following a dedicated navigational risk assessment undertaken jointly by the Port of London Authority (PLA), the British Waterways Board (BWB) and relevant commercial operators.

The risk assessment and the associated procedures relate to the construction of Three Mills Lock (previously known as the Prescott Lock) in the Prescott Channel and the proposed movement of construction materials and other cargoes in Bow Creek, to and from the Olympic site at Stratford.

Background
On 1 June 2009 Three Mills Lock will become operational for traffic using Bow Creek through to the non-tidal area above the lock.

BWB has ceded to the PLA, navigational control and management of the area from the limit of the PLA's jurisdiction at the A13 Bridge to the entrances of Bow Locks and Three Mills Lock(“The Area”).

It will be a condition of the BWB’s licence to operate, issued to vessels navigating in The Area, to comply with relevant PLA rules and regulations and any Directions issued by the PLA Harbour Master or his designated deputies or assistants.

Upstream of Three Mills Lock in the Prescott Channel BWB will retain navigational control and management.

Procedures to Remain in Force
From 1^st June 2009 the following procedures come into force and remain in force, subject to any subsequent change or development, as advised by the PLA until 31^st December 2013.

Jurisdiction
Wherever applicable, the following Port of London regulations (and any subsequent revisions and amendments) shall apply in the Area:

·  Port of London Act 1968 (amended).
·  Port of London River Byelaws.
·  Port of London General Directions.
·  Port of London Craft and Boat Registration and Regulation Byelaws.
·  Port of London Permanent Notices to Mariners.
·  Port of London Notices to Mariners.

A number of local Codes of Practice are also relevant and applicable to marine operations in The Area, including:  Safe Mooring, Craft Towage and (potentially in the future) Passenger Vessel Operations.

The waters in the Area and throughout Bow Creek are designated as "Category C Waters" (MSN 1776) and lie within the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Boatmaster Licence, London Local Knowledge Endorsement area (MGN 334(M)).  All associated legislation regarding the National Boatmasters Licence applies i.e. SI 2006 No. 3223 The Merchant Shipping (Inland waterways and Limited Coastal Operations) (Boatmasters’ Qualification and Hours of Work) Regulations 2006, and all associated MCA notices and guidance.

Charts
The area between the entrance to Bow Creek and Three Mills Lock is regularly surveyed and up to date charts can be obtained from the Port Hydrographer (01 474 562 207).

Regulation of Navigation
From 1^st June 2009, all navigation in The Area and throughout the tidal Bow Creek to its junction with the River Thames is subject to the following regulations and procedures:

1.  Thames AIS

The following power driven vessels, when navigating or working anywhere up stream of the entrance to Bow Creek shall carry and operate THAMES AIS or AIS A:
a)  Vessels of more than 40m in length overall;
b)  Vessels having a gross tonnage of more than 50 tons (other than Pleasure Vessels (recreational craft) having a gross tonnage of more than 50 tons, but which are under 40m in length overall);
c)  Tugs engaged in towing, or about to tow one or more vessels;          
d)  Class IV, V and Class VI Passenger Vessels; and
e)  Specified Vessels or vessels carrying Marine Pollutants in Bulk.

2.  Traffic Control
Vessel traffic will be monitored and regulated by London VTS based at the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre (TBNC) Woolwich.  The Duty Officer at TBNC acts with the delegated authority of the Harbour Master and is empowered to direct traffic within the scope of PLA rules and regulations.

3.  Traffic Clearance
Vessels subject to PLA General Direction 4 (use of VHF Radio) are to obtain traffic clearance from London VTS on VHF Channel 14 10 minutes before:

·  Entering Bow Creek.
·  Leaving Bow Locks into The Area.
·  Leaving Three Mills Lock into The Area.
·  Moving from any alongside berth, mooring or anchorage in Bow Creek between the River Thames and Three Mills Lock.

All vessels referred to above should contact London VTS again before entering the River Thames when passing Leamouth Wharf.

Any recreational craft or vessels not subject to PLA General Direction 4 shall contact London VTS by telephone 10 minutes before entering or commencing navigation in any part of Bow Creek, including The Area.  Such vessels shall report again to London VTS once they have cleared Bow Creek and entered the River Thames or arrived at any lock or berth in Bow Creek. BWB lock keepers will also advise London VTS when recreational craft exit Bow Locks or Three Mills Lock into the Area.

London VTS may be contacted 24 hours a day on 0208 855 0315 or VHF Channel 14.

4.  Passage Plans and Risk Assessments
Commercially operating companies are to ensure that appropriate risk assessments and passage plans have been completed and are in place, prior to commencing navigation in Bow Creek or The Area. 

Special care is needed to take into account the air draft of the Rail Bridge immediately upstream of Bow Locks.

5.  Passing
Vessels are not to pass in the following sections upstream of the entrance to Bow Creek between:

·  The entrance to Bow Creek and 100 metres upstream of Canning Town Bridge. 
·  The Barge Dock Bridge (9.7m) and the Ailsa Wharf Bridge (5.4m).
·  Twelve Trees Crescent Bridge (5.0m) and Three Mills Lock.

6.  Overtaking 
No vessel is permitted to overtake another anywhere upstream of the entrance to Bow Creek without permission of London VTS. 

7.  Tidal Information 
By 1 June 2009 tide boards will be established in the following locations:

·  Entrance to Bow Creek on the east river wall.
·  Upstream from Bow Locks on the east bridge abutment of Twelve Trees Crescent bridge.
·  On the downstream tip of the Three Mills Lock island.

The Silvertown tide reading included on the routine half hourly river broadcast by London VTS on VHF channel 14 will provide a good approximation of the height of tide in Bow Creek.

8.  Maximum number of barges 
The maximum number of barges to be towed upstream of the entrance to Bow Creek is to be established by the vessel operator through risk assessment and, in any event, is not to exceed 2 ranks of 2 barges.  The vessel master will confirm the number of barges under tow when he reports to London VTS, prior to entering Bow Creek or entering or getting underway in the Area.

9.  Liaison between Bow Locks, Three Mills Lock and London VTS. 
The lock foremen of Bow Locks and Three Mills Lock are to keep London VTS informed of all vessel movements, both commercial and leisure, in or out of The Area.  All vessel traffic entering and leaving Bow Creek through Bow Locks and Three Mills Lock will be controlled by London VTS in conjunction with BWB Lock Foremen.

10.  Air Draught 
Masters of vessels are to be particularly mindful of their air draft and that of any barges being pushed or towed.

11.  Passage on BWB’s waterways upstream of Bow Locks and Three Mills Lock
All vessels passing through Bow Locks and/or Three Mills Lock are to book passage through BWB controlled waters 24 hours beforehand by contacting BWB’s Limehouse office on 020 7308 9930.

Separate documentation will be required for passage on BWB’s controlled waters upstream of Bow Locks and Three Mills Lock.

Vessel Licensing Requirements
All commercial vessels operating and navigating in the Area will be subject to the PLA’s licensing requirements as set out in the Port of London Craft and Boat Registration and Regulation Byelaws.