M5 of 2010

It is noted that on occasion Class V vessels and High Speed Craft (HSC) are navigating inside the Dolphin off the Surrey Entrance and inshore of the Shadwell Basin Project Moorings. It is acknowledged that no specific byelaw or direction bans navigation inshore of either, but it is imprudent not to remain in the authorised channel.

Using the inshore passage in both locations places vessels in close proximity to both the River Walls and either the Dolphin, or the moorings; it also puts Class V and HSC vessels into the zone commonly used by recreational craft. This unnecessarily exposes both the Class V vessel and particularly small unpowered recreational craft to greater risk of collision in the event of machinery failure, propulsion failure, steering gear failure or ship handling misjudgement.

Consideration that such a collision has not occurred previously would not be sufficient on its own as a mitigation measure for such an incident not occurring in the future.  Many ‘near-misses’ and incidents of the failures described above are on record.

In the event of a collision, evidence of a risk assessment and navigation passage plan showing the requirement for navigating in these restricted spaces would be required. Risk assessments need to show particular reference to the possible consequence of machinery failure, propulsion failure, steering gear failure, ship handling misjudgement, and the maximum permitted speed when passing to reduce the consequence of collision should these failures occur. It would also be necessary to show that navigation at the time was in accordance with the passage plan and risk control measures detailed in the risk assessment.

In consideration of the above it is very strongly recommended that High Speed Craft and Class V vessels navigate within the authorised channel, and cease navigating inshore of the Surrey Dock Entrance Dolphin and the Shadwell Basin Project Moorings except in emergency.