Archived decisions

Contact: Tony Clatworthy, tel 01489 576387

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises the activities and events on the River from 28 February 2006. 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 from 0700 hours until 1830 hours under the winter routine and from 1 May at varying times from 0600 hours through to 2000 hours, 2200 hours or 2359 hours. The four summer Coxswains commenced work on 1 May and underwent an introduction and training period before commencing lone working patrols.

4. Incidents

4.1 On 26 March:

(i) Bow lines parted from a vessel on a Hamble River Sailing Club berth. The lines were re-secured with new lines and the Club informed.

(ii) A RIB used for instruction was found drifting in the River and out of fuel. This is the second time this has occurred with this particular sea school. The Royal Yacht Association, which licences the school, was informed.

4.2 On 27 March the patrol removed an old Admiralty mooring pontoon from under the trees at Bursledon Bend to Riverside Boatyard for demolition. This pontoon was part of the Section 106 compensation agreement with Fareham Borough Council prior to the build of the Fishermen's Jetty at Warsash.

4.3 On 27 and 28 March gale force winds produced a number of mooring related incidents attended to by the patrol. A number of small tenders also were retrieved from the River.

4.4 On 29 March the patrol stood by and then gave assistance to a 34 foot yacht with engine failure. This was recovered to Mercury Marina.

4.5 On 30 March a man fell from the stern (bathing platform) of his moored motor launch at the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash. He was in the water for two minutes before being pulled out of the water by passers-by. A lifejacket was not worn.

4.6 On 1 April the patrol assisted a yacht with engine failure, re-ran a snapped bow line on a public mooring and assisted a yacht having difficulties mooring. A 16 foot motor cruiser was found hard against the south side of Institute Jetty, swept by wind and tide after engine failure. The patrol had difficulty in towing the vessel to safety and was assisted by Hamble Lifeboat. Two persons were on board, and the vessel was recovered to Warsash Jetty.

4.7 On 2 April:

(i) The patrol assisted a yacht experiencing engine failure in the main fairway. The vessel was towed and recovered to moorings. This quickly turned into a rescue situation and the patrol was forced to intervene to limit possible injuries or damage.

(ii) The patrol's attention was drawn to a small speedboat speeding along the eastern bank. It went aground dramatically at speed and found itself on the mud on a falling tide. The patrol towed the boat clear of the mud twice. There were four youths on board (no lifejackets) who then received a lecture on the introduction to safety and seamanship. No further action was taken at this time but vessel and master's name was recorded.

(iii) Two children were found navigating the River on a polystyrene float with poles as oars. The children were only dressed in normal street clothes and were without life jackets. They abandoned the float and ran off across the marshes.

5. Port Marine Safety Code Navigational Safety: Risk Assessment

5.1 An update of the general risk assessment for navigational safety is currently taking place. This will include the main fairway, channels and traffic levels. Comments have been requested in writing from 205 associations, agencies, groups, organisations, boatyards and marinas, 605 mooring holders and all individual masters and owners of vessels over 18 metres. Comments have been requested on all navigational safety matters and the suggested following subjects:

NtRU 4 of 2006

Procedures governing fishing in the main fairway

Procedures governing control of the College Jetty

Operation of the Hamble Warsash Ferry

Diving Operations

Fore and Aft moorings close to the main channel

Procedures governing dredging and piling works

Use of tenders and other low freeboard craft

Dinghy racing starts in the main channel

Movement of large craft such as barges and piling platforms

Use of the fuelling and bunkering barges

Knowledge of any incidents or near misses (specific information about the incident to enable the Authority to investigate further would be required)

Current navigation marks and lights

Large tourist-type vessels using the River

The use of VHF channel 68 `Hamble Radio'

The use of CCTV for vessel traffic management.

5.2 It is hoped that a report with any recommendations will be ready to go before the next meeting of the Harbour Board on 14 July 2006.

6. Annual Incident Report

6.1 The River Hamble Harbour Board has instructed the Harbour Master to produce an annual listing of incidents from which lessons may be learnt by all River users (see paragraph 4.7 above). This will form part of the Harbour Master's Report, along with a two yearly audit of navigational safety matters on 14 July 2006.

8. Impact Assessments

8.1 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.

909B/TC