Contact: Tony Clatworthy, tel (01489) 576389

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises the activities and events on the River from 19 August 2005. Any incidents taking place after this report is distributed will be the subject of a separate annex to be distributed at the meeting.

2. Corporate Strategy

2.1 This report supports Aims 1 to 5 of the Corporate Strategy (Maximising Life Opportunities, Stewardship of the Environment, Achieving Economic Prosperity, Building Strong and Safe Communities and Improving Services) by contributing to the statutory duties entailed in the management of the River Hamble.

3. Report

3.1 The River has been patrolled daily by the duty Harbour Master and Coxswains from 0600 hours to 2359 hours until 4 September and from 0700 hours until 1830 hours thereafter (when winter routine came into effect).

4. Incidents

4.1 On 19 August patrol stopped an RIB that was not showing any navigation lights. The elderly couple explained they had been travelling on the River for 35 years without navigation lights, why should they start now. This has only been included in the report to indicate the level of education required.

4.2 On 20 August report of pontoon at Universal Marina being held down and then breaking a metal pile. Pile guide had caught on worn area on pile and the force of the tide rising had put enough pressure on the pile to break it.

4.3 On 25 August east cardinal (beacon number 2) top mark replaced at a cost of £2,434.

4.4 On 26 and 27 August the Bursledon Regatta took place, including many on the water events, gathering of most of the Gaffers on south coast, fireworks and a spectacular re-enactment of The Battle of Trafalgar. It was a very well run regatta which was extremely well attended. The River was very busy during the whole period.

4.5 During the Bursledon Regatta it was noted that a great many small tenders and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are still failing to show any lights. To help overcome this problem the Harbour Office will initiate an education programme through yacht clubs and marinas during the winter.

4.6 On 27 August at 1540 hours a casualty with a head injury landed at Hamble Point jetty.

4.7 On 2 September there were reports of youths removing a fuel tank from a tender at Hamble Jetty. Patrol reported four youths in an inflatable boat leaving the River and requested the Marine Police to attend. Four youths were arrested and charged with theft of the boat and other items.

4.8 On 2 September easterly cardinal mark (beacon number 2) missing following a collision. This mark has only recently been repaired at a cost of £2,434. The access ladder has also been damaged beyond repair.

4.9 On 3 September a casualty with a head injury landed at Hamble Jetty. Casualty removed to hospital by ambulance.

4.10 On 5 September damage was caused to Warsash Harbour Master's Jetty by a visiting survey vessel. Repairs have been completed and the invoice will be paid by the survey company.

4.11 On 6 September at 0500 hours there was fire aboard a moored cabin cruiser in Mercury Marina. The vessel, a 28 foot Fairline, burnt down to the water line. Boats either side were scorched but not set on fire. The Fire Service attended and the Marina's emergency response plans worked well. Vessel was lifted from the water with very little debris into the River. Area inspected for any environmental damage but none was found.

4.12 On 6 September a Swordsman 33 caught on moorings off the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash. Lines were cut away from the vessel and moorings but the vessel was disabled.

4.13 On 8 September a small power boat with small cabin was found turned upside down at Lands End scrubbing piles. Vessel was returned to normal by patrol. Vessel had gone when patrol returned. Not seen again.

4.14 On 11 September a small private hovercraft was found operating in the River. The craft was stopped and the byelaws explained The vessel left via the slipway at Swanwick.

4.15 Survey by hovercraft of intertidal mud was completed for the Environment Agency. Hovercraft was used to enable readings to be obtained from areas normally not accessible.

4.16 Raw sewage was found coming from an area below the slipway at Hamble-le-Rice. After long investigation and discussions with the Environment Agency and Southern Water the source of the leak was reported as being a sewage pipe which was blocked further up the hill in Hamble. The sewage was then flowing into the surface water drains and then into the River. Southern Water attended and it was reported that the blockage was corrected.

4.17 Sewage leak again at Hamble Slipway. Southern Water called again.

4.18 The Harbour Office closes during the winter season at 1830 hours. Reports are being received from River users of vessels speeding and ignoring the byelaws after 1830 hours. Also, vessels arrive at the visitors' facilities after the office is closed and depart early in the morning before the patrol is able to get on the water at 0830 hours, thereby losing revenue.

5. Problems with Youths During the Summer Season

5.1 Throughout this period the patrol has had to respond to a number of incidents involving children causing a nuisance and being a danger to others as well as themselves. The patrol or police are unable to control the situation because bye-laws for these situations do not exist. The patrol officers are put under a great deal of pressure to deal with a situation without being armed with any suitable legislation. It appears the police are not willing to pursue these youths as they do not have any legal powers to deal with them.

5.2 Harbour Authority Patrol Officers, who can see the dangers the youngsters are causing, are being pressurised by river users at the scene of these incidents to act. Unfortunately, in many cases the Harbour Authority does not have powers to do anything and therefore must be very careful.

5.3 If the patrol officers are successful in clearing a jetty, as soon as the patrol departs the youths return to the jetty. The Marine Coastguard Agency has reminded the Harbour Master that it is the responsibility of the Harbour Authority to ensure that these landings and the Harbour are kept safe for navigation. It has advised the Harbour Master that these offenders can be prosecuted under Section 12 of the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990. The police disagree with this and do not recommend prosecutions under this legislation. The legislation is designed as an anti-terrorist measure and not to remove youths from landings and jetties. Problems encountered are:

(i) children/youths jumping in front of the ferry and other boats on Hamble Jetty;

(ii) children/youths crowding on Hamble Jetty causing a danger to vessels coming alongside;

(iii) children/youths swimming in area of heavy boat movements;

(iv) children/youths causing a disturbance on the Country Park jetty, not allowing boats to land; and

(v) children/youths on A27 road bridge as previously reported.

5.4 To ensure the safety of all that use the River the Harbour Patrol staff require bye-laws in place that are clear and concise.

6. Patrol Activities

6.1 Throughout this period the patrol has attended a number of moored vessels to tighten springs and breast lines, adjust fenders and fold away unfurled sails. When required owners have been contacted and informed.

6.2 Patrols have also been very active in the upper Hamble attempting to reduce the number of incidents of speeding and trying to reduce the incidents of poor and un-seaman like behaviour.

7. Impact Assessments

7.1 This report provides a position statement only, therefore an impact assessment, in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, has not been undertaken.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

622A/TC