Chichester Harbour Conservancy Was Created to Manage This Unique Area for Recreation, Nature Conservation and to Protect Its Natural Beauty
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Chichester Harbour Information for Mariners 2021 www.conservancy.co.uk CELEBRATING 50 YEARS This year, brings with it a very special milestone - our 50th anniversary. In 1971 Chichester Harbour Conservancy was created to manage this unique area for recreation, nature conservation and to protect its natural beauty. It is testament to the well thought out statutory arrangements underpinning the organisation, and in particular the strong involvement of Harbour users in its management, that it has been such a successful body. Thanks go in particular to the impressive contribution of Chichester Harbour Federation, and to enlightened Harbour users demonstrating consideration in sharing this fantastic Harbour with a multitude of others and the rich wildlife. We’ve incorporated the 50th anniversary into this year’s plaque, and will also be marking the milestone with some new initiatives through the year. Look out for more information in subsequent issues of Harbour Life. Richard Craven, Director and Harbour Master Contents Senior Deputy Harbour Master's Update 2 Tide Times 2021/22 9 Chichester Harbour Area Map 12 Directory 14 Contacts Chichester Harbour Conservancy Harbour Office, Itchenor, Chichester PO20 7AW Tel. 01243 512301 www.conservancy.co.uk [email protected] Office Hours: Mon –Fri 0900–1700 Sat 0900–1300 (1 Apr–30 Sep) Harbour Patrol Tel. 01243 512301 [email protected] VHF Channel 14 (156.70 mhz) Callsign Chichester Harbour Radio Harbour Office, Emsworth Tel. 01243 376422 (not manned continuously) Mobile 07864 915247 Bosham Quaymaster Tel. 01243 573336 (not manned continuously) Mobile 07918 683584 ChichesterHarbour Education Centre Dell Quay, PO20 7EE @ChichesterHarbo Tel. 01243 789173 [email protected] chichesterharbourconservancy Welcome Wishing you a warm welcome to Chichester Harbour in 2021 | Ed Carter, Senior Deputy Harbour Master Despite a somewhat delayed start, as a result of the March lockdown, Chichester Harbour saw a large influx of people during the 2020 season. The combination of good weather and people at home meant that the Harbour was used as a place for exercise, recreation and time out. As a result our Patrol Team at times found themselves stretched between monitoring the waters and being called to instances of anti-social behaviour at locations across the Harbour, especially during periods of particularly hot weather and at high water. During July and August, the Harbour experienced a significant surge of visitors. Locations including Langstone Bridge, Emsworth, Prinsted, Bosham and Dell Quay became hugely popular destinations for people at times of high water and the number of paddleboards registered for harbour dues doubled. 2 Patrol Update Over the year our Patrol Team dealt with 258 incidents, just slightly fewer than in 2019. The biggest reason for call outs was for towage, usually due to mechanical failure, continuing the trend we’ve seen over the past last four years. It’s important to ensure that any boat is regularly inspected and maintained, and you are confident of its seaworthiness before heading out. Given the lengthy periods of lockdown we’ve seen, ensuring a proper service is carried out before getting out on the water is more important than ever. Health and Safety Sadly, an increase in injuries was seen last year with 11 incidents attended, a rise from six in 2019. There was no discernible pattern, but some are worth noting. Two involved propellor injuries at Itchenor Hard, as a result of attempting to ‘test run’ outboard engines whilst the vessel was on a trailer. Both cases needed to be treated by paramedics. Another two instances occurred as part of club racing, and although not serious, required triage and first aid treatment. With many more people in the area, Conservancy staff were pro-active in engaging with issues surrounding quay jumping and tombstoning. One incident resulted in a dislocated shoulder after a person jumped from the Chalkdock navigation beacon, which required prompt attention from Patrol and a quick transfer to the ambulance service for treatment. While incidents of this nature are very rare, it was decided to fit clear ‘No Climbing’ signs to all piled navigation marks and to continue active patrols and education if and when instances are spotted. Moving Around the Harbour Another area of focus is safety with 46 byelaw warnings issued for exceeding the speed limit and/or navigating without care and caution. A small proportion of these were taken forward to court but given the restrictions most cases are still to be heard. Five collisions/near misses between moving vessels and nine collisions with moored vessels or navigation aids were reported with all deemed to be due to ‘human error’, highlighting the need for careful steering at all times. Thankfully, the patrol only needed to assist 18 vessels aground last season, and given the range of locations involved, we’re confident that there is no single area of concern. 3 Excessive Wash The issue of excessive wash and the dangers it poses, especially to small craft, remains an area of concern. During the season a number of Harbour users got in touch with reports of wash, especially within mooring areas. We’re working hard to highlight this important point, through the Weekend Navigation Bulletin and clear signage. Please do bear in mind the effect of excessive wash on others when using the Harbour. Lifejacket Reminder In late August, a significant incident saw a small RIB with six people on board capsized in the waves over West Pole Sands. After a MAYDAY from a passing vessel, Harbour Patrol, Hayling Rescue and the Hayling Lifeboat attended the scene and all six casualties were recovered from the water safely. Only one casualty was wearing a lifejacket. A full investigation concluded that the capsize was the result of vessel overloading and an inexperienced helm, with alcohol also potentially adding to poor judgement. It was a very lucky escape, and without the quick actions of the passing vessel and the excellent response times of all rescue craft, the situation could have had a very different outcome. Four man- overboard incidents were also reported this season; two from capsized tenders, one where the occupants of a kayak were unable to get back on board and one where a person fell from the deck of a vessel whilst coming alongside the jetty at Itchenor. One of the capsized tender cases saw the person involved suffer a suspected cardiac arrest while trying to start their engine. After collapsing, they hit their head on the outboard engine and entered the water unconscious. Thankfully, a passing vessel witnessed the event and was able to grab hold of the casualty and call the Patrol Team. Without this timely intervention, it’s likely things would have ended fatally as the casualty wasn’t wearing a buoyancy device. Please always bear in mind how important it is to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid no matter how short the journey. 4 Chichester Harbour Conservancy Chichester Bar Beacon The Chichester Bar Beacon is an important aid to navigation, positioned between Eastoke Buoy and West Pole at the entrance to Chichester Harbour. Following an incident with a dredger, the beacon was badly damaged and needed repair so we took the opportunity to go back to the drawing board when designing the new one. Working with Walcon Marine in Southampton we created a bespoke design, which saw the size and visibility of the structure increased, following feedback from sailors, and the ease of access for maintenance improved. The beacon was also fitted with a LED light that can be remotely monitored from anywhere in the world and allows the team to access data such as battery voltage, solar panel output and to confirm the light is operational. It can even be activated remotely in poor weather and fog if required. The new beacon was installed in May and is now a striking feature at the Harbour entrance, and will stand sentry for many years to come. 5 Harbour Team Ed Carter Anna Perkins James Wallace Rowena Judd Phil Walker Senior Deputy Moorings Lead Harbour Technician Lead Patrol Harbour Master Officer Technician Emsworth Officer (Seasonal) Adrian Karn Jeff Riley Chris Green Joe Watts Deputy Harbour Moorings Harbour Apprentice Master Health Officer Technician Harbour and Safety (Maternity Cover) Bosham Technician Our team is supported by a team of seasonal staff during main months of the season. James Wallace – Lead Technician James Wallace has been promoted to Lead Technician. James has been around boats and the Harbour his whole life with local family boatyard connections and a long stint running the ISC ferry. He trained in military marine and electrical engineering at HMS Sultan and joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, deployed most recently in the Middle East. He also crewed the Solar Heritage for a number of years before joining us as a permanent member of staff in 2019. Jeff Riley – Moorings Officer (maternity cover) Jeff will be covering for Anna Perkins whilst she is on maternity leave. Jeff spent the summer of 2020 with us as a Seasonal Patrol Officer after finishing a long and successful career in the police. He has considerable experience of boats and boating and will be available to help moorings customers over the season. 6 Chichester Harbour Conservancy UK/EU Entry & Exit Formalities Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, owners of recreational pleasure craft (non-commercial) who sail their craft to and from the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands) must notify the UK border authorities upon their first arrival into a UK port. Before leaving the UK (which includes going to the Channel Islands), you must advise the Border Force of your intentions by posting form C1331 (the address it must be posted to can be found on the form).