LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS NO 07 OF 2011
March 08, 2011 12:20 0 comments
COWES HARBOUR FAIRWAY – NAVIGATION WITHIN THE FAIRWAY AND THE USE OF ENGINES BY SAILING VESSELS
(This Notice to Mariners supersedes LNTM 09 of 2009 which is hereby cancelled)
All vessels when navigating in or near the Cowes Fairway should do so with extreme caution maintaining a good look out ahead and astern. Sailing vessels are strongly recommended to use their engines if fitted whilst navigating within the main harbour fairway.
All mariners are reminded of the requirements under Rule 9 of the MS (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions Regulations 1996 (COLREGS) and in particular parts a) and b) that state:
(a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
(b) A vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
Vessels under sail alone may not be able to comply with Rule 9 as stated above or take action to avoid a close quarters situation in ample time. For this reason they are asked to utilise their engine, if fitted, when navigating within the main fairway.
During strong tides and/or winds it may not be possible for some commercial vessels to proceed at less than 6 knots whilst maintaining their required course. This is particularly true in the vicinity of the harbour entrance. All small craft must comply with Rule 9 and not impede the passage of these vessels.
Your attention is also brought to LNTM 27(T) of 2010 Cowes Chain Ferry, which gives details of the operation and items to be given consideration.
Harbour Patrol staff have been instructed to bring this notice to the attention of vessels seen navigating within this area.
Captain S McIntosh
Harbour Master, Harbour Office, Town Quay, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7AS
Email: chc@cowes.co.uk Internet: www.cowesharbourcommission.co.uk
8th March 2011
