This Notice replaces Permanent Notice to Mariners P3 of 2008, which is hereby rescinded.
Maintenance of Moorings
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 was incorrectly moored with slack or inadequate mooring lines, bollards of insufficient strength or improper use of springs; the outcome of the incident being aggravated by draw-off and the speed and proximity of a passing vessel or vessels.
Master 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. (River Byelaw 12 refers)
These precautions are of particular relevance and importance for vessels which are:
1. transferring bulk liquids;
2. laying at berth where they may take the ground on a sloping river bed; or
3. where the berth is close to the channel and may be affected by passing river traffic.
Vessel Speed and Draw-off
Mariners are reminded of the requirement to navigate their vessels at all times at a speed commensurate with local circumstances and conditions and that an eight knot speed limit applies in certain parts of the River Thames, specifically, upstream of Wandsworth Bridge and in adjoining creeks and areas around Canvey Island. (River Byelaw 48 refers)
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.
Dangerous Cargo Operations
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 berthing and unberthing operations 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, including diving and men working on the waterline, details of which will be broadcast by London VTS, may require greatly reduced speeds in the vicinity of river works.
Notwithstanding the above, mariners attention is drawn to Section 108 of the Port of London Act which provides that:
A Master who navigates his vessel on the Thames:
(a) without due care and attention; or
(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.
Please place a copy of this notice within your Permanent Notice to Mariners 2008 booklet
