LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS NO 08 OF 2011
March 08, 2011 12:21 0 comments
HARBOUR SPEED LIMIT AND WASH
(This is a re-issue of LNTM 13 of 2006 which is hereby cancelled)
All Harbour users are reminded of the byelaws concerning the speed limits within the area of Cowes Harbour and Cowes Roads.
Byelaw
“Every mechanically propelled vessel navigating in the Harbour or Roads, unless otherwise authorized by the Harbour Master in writing, be navigated at a speed not exceeding 6 knots over the ground and in a manner which shall not endanger the safety of other vessels, boats or property or cause damage thereto.
Every such vessel shall reduce speed as necessary in the observance of the normal practice of safe seamanship when passing mooring trots, boats alongside wharfs, jetties, pontoons, vessels engaged in maritime works or in any other circumstances which could endanger the safety of other persons, vessels, boats or properties or cause damage thereto.”
The area of Cowes Harbour, including the Roads, may be defined as south of a line drawn from Egypt Point up to Prince Consort North Cardinal Buoy to Old Castle Point and southward to the Folly Public House on the River Medina.
In addition to the stated speed limit of 6 knots over the ground all vessels operating must have due regard to one’s wash and its effects upon others in the close vicinity especially other craft moored up on pontoons or buoyage. Small vessels moored up may be embarking or disembarking persons/passengers and will be particularly vulnerable to excessive wash.
Harbour patrol craft and staff carefully monitor the situation of vessels and their speed. The use of a ‘speed gun’, close circuit television (CCTV) and videotapes may be used in evidence in the ultimate step to prosecute byelaw offenders
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
08th March 2011
