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Brightlingsea Approaches

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Please be advised that consent is given to the publishing of the above survey information but be aware that these surveys are reproduced free of charge under kind permission of the Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners and are published for the general information of the readership. Although due care has been taken in the compilation and preparation of the survey, the publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided together with, and to the extent permitted by law, any liabilities, losses, claims or damages that arise there from.

It should be noted that meteorological conditions may affect and alter the areas surveyed and the data published therein merely reflects the measurements taken, at the last survey and does not necessarily reflect the situation as may exist at a subsequent occasion for any particular location.

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23 June 2009

Local Notice to Mariners No. 4/09
Activity in the River Colne and Brightlingsea Harbour

This Notice cancels Notices to Mariners 1 2 & 3/09.

This Notice is being promulgated because of changes to the activity associated with the construction of the Gunfleet Windfarm.

The work platforms anchored in the River Colne have now completed their task and have left the area. There are no permanently anchored vessels or work platforms in the River Colne and the last vessel associated with the works and using the Colne anchorage should have finished by the end of June.

Adhering to the guidelines detailed below is particularly important for the safety of all vessels especially small vessels which may be particularly vulnerable.

There has been a significant increase in traffic in the River Colne and Brightlingsea Harbour due to the movement of vessels engaged in the construction of the Gunfleet Windfarm. This level of traffic has now reduced but will continue for the foreseeable future. The future traffic will consist mostly of small (circa 15 metre) high speed crew vessels.

VHF Communication

For the safety of all vessels in the River Colne all vessels fitted with VHF radio and navigating in the River Colne should keep a listening watch on channel 16 & channel 68. Other vessels should be called on channel 16. If vessels cannot be raised on channel 16, they may be called on channel 68. Vessels in contact with each other should then switch to a mutually agreed working channel. The vessels working on the Windfarm use a private channel for calling and communication but sometimes use channel 6 for intership communication.

Dangerous Wash

It is incumbent on all vessels to travel at a safe speed and avoid a close quarters situation.
There have been incidents of dangerous wash from fast vessels being reported by small craft.
All small vessels should choose a course to keep a safe distance from fast moving vessels and avoid anchoring in the navigable channel of the River Colne below Brightlingsea Spit Buoy.
All fast vessels should be aware of the large number of small vessels navigating or engaged in sailing and fishing in the River Colne estuary including the area below Buoy 13 during the summer months and adjust their speed accordingly to avoid creating heavy wash when passing close to small vessels.