General Directions to Shipping

Gloucester Harbour Trustees in exercise of the powers conferred by articles 10 and 11 of The Gloucester Harbour Revision Order 1994 (S.I. 1994 No. 3162) and all other powers them enabling, hereby make the following General Directions which will come into force on 1 August 2003.

1. INTERPRETATION.

In these General Directions, unless the context otherwise requires:

  • a)
    the following words shall have the same meaning as that ascribed to them in Byelaw 3 of the Gloucester Harbour Byelaws made the 17th day of July 1997 and confirmed, with modifications, by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the 16th October 1998:
    • "the Harbour Master"
      "main navigation channel"
      "master"
      "small vessel"
      "vessel"
  • b)
    "the Duty Harbour Master" means the Duty Harbour Master for the time being of Gloucester Harbour Trustees whose address and telephone and fax numbers are as follows:-

Sharpness Port Authority
Navigation House
The Docks
SHARPNESS
Glos. GL13 9UD

Tel +44 (0) 1453 811862
Fax +44 (0) 1453 811863

  • c)
    "the Marine Officer" means the Marine Officer for the time being of Gloucester Harbour Trustees whose address and telephone and fax numbers are as follows:-
    • Gloucester Harbour Trustees
      Navigation House
      The Docks
      SHARPNESS
      Glos. GL13 9UD

      Tel +44 (0) 1453 811913
      Fax +44 (0) 1453 810381
  • d)
    "Sharpness Pierhead" means the Radio Station at Sharpness Pierhead which uses vhf channel 13 or telephone +44 (0) 1453 511968
  • e)
    "Avonmouth Signal Station" means the Signal Station at Avonmouth Docks which uses vhf channel 12 or telephone +44 (0) 117 982 2257
  • f)
    the masculine shall include the feminine and the singular shall include the plural and vice versa
  • g)
    a reference to an Act of Parliament shall include any statutory modification, extension or re-enactment of the same for the time being in force and shall include all orders, regulations, byelaws and directions made, issued or given under that Act or deriving validity from it.

2. HARBOUR LIMITS.

The limits of the Gloucester Harbour are prescribed under article 11 of The Gloucester Harbour Revision (Constitution) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002 No. 3268). (A map shewing the inward and outward boundaries is attached at Schedule 1).

The Harbour limits embrace those parts of the estuary of the River Severn above Redwick on the Welsh shore and Severn Beach on the English shore; the River Severn to Llanthony and Maisemore weirs at Gloucester, and the River Wye downstream of Bigsweir Bridge.

3. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.

To ensure the safety of all vessels, the main navigation channel below Sharpness Point (reference point SO667029) must be recognised as a narrow channel in the context of the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996 No. 75) (M.1642). The attention of all masters is drawn to the provision of rule 9 of these regulations. (A copy of the relevant rule is set out at Schedule 2). Masters of small vessels are reminded that the narrow confines of the navigation channel below Sharpness Point and the severe tidal regime impose considerable restrictions on the navigation of larger less manoeuvrable vessels and in consequence their ability to take avoiding action might on occasions be severely restricted.

A vessel traffic monitoring scheme is in operation for the assistance of all vessels. The master of an inward bound vessel which is subject to compulsory pilotage must, on passing the Lower Shoots Beacon, report to Sharpness Pierhead. The master of an outward bound vessel subject to compulsory pilotage must, on passing the Lower Shoots Beacon, report to Avonmouth Signal Station.

The master of a small vessel is advised to follow the above procedures for the safety of himself, his vessel and crew.

The master of a vessel carrying dangerous or polluting goods is required to give notice of entry into the Harbour to the Duty Harbour Master at least 24 hours before entering the Harbour.

The master of a vessel should ensure that it is not leaking or otherwise discharging oil or other polluting material and that all ballasting or deballasting operations are completed before entering the Harbour. Ballast working and/or all internal transfers of fuel and other oil within the Harbour is prohibited without compelling operational necessity and the prior consent of the Duty Harbour Master.

4. RESTRICTED AREAS.

Details of areas in which navigation is restricted or prohibited are:-

1) Second Severn Crossing

NAVIGATION IS PROHIBITED within a zone 250 metres either side of the centre line of the Second Severn Crossing:-

  • i) From the English shore to the eastern edge of The Shoots, and
  • ii) From the Welsh shore to the western edge of The Shoots.

Exceptions:-

  • a) Vessels operating in connection with maintenance of the bridge,
  • b) Vessels of less than 100 tonnes deadweight,
  • c) Survey or Rescue vessels,
  • d) Vessels less than 24 metres long.

Vessels listed in the exceptions above shall, if navigating within the restricted area, keep well clear of the bridge piers and shall not stop or anchor within the area except in an emergency or unless authorised by Gloucester Harbour Trustees.

2) Narlwood Cooling Water Reservoir

NAVIGATION IS PROHIBITED to all vessels unless specifically authorised by Gloucester Harbour Trustees and BNFL Magnox (Oldbury) or in the case of an emergency within the restricted area encompassed by positions as follows:-

From the shore at 51° 38'.45N 2 ° 34'.56W thence to 51° 39'.28N 2 ° 35'.23W thence to 51° 39'.50N 2 ° 35'.10W thence to 51° 39'.72N 2 ° 34'.07W thence to the shore at 51° 39'.70N, 2 ° 33'.75W.

Positions are referred to the WGS84 compatible datum.

Reference should be made to British Admiralty Chart 1166.

5. FIRING PRACTICE AREAS

Firing practice takes place onshore at the rifle ranges listed below. The designated Range Authorities are responsible for ensuring that there should be no risk of damage to any vessel navigating within the offshore areas listed below.

Rogiet Moor.

A Danger Area extends one mile seaward in a southeasterly direction from the shore at Rogiet Moor.

Vessels are advised to keep clear of the area bounded by the following positions:

From the shore at
51° 34'.50N, 2° 46'.20W
51° 34'.00N, 2° 45'.75W
51° 33'.40N, 2° 45'.20W
51° 33'.90N, 2° 44'.65W
51° 34'.25N, 2° 45'.20W
To the shore at 51° 34'.55N, 2° 44'.85W

This area lies to seaward of the firing range at Rogiet Moor, near Caldicot. The ranges are heavily used at all times. When firing is in progress red flags are exhibited from flagstaffs on the seawall.

For further information contact the Range Warden on 01633 882184

6. SIZE OF VESSEL.

The size of vessel navigating in the Shoots is currently limited by the New Severn Bridge (Restriction of Navigation) Regulations 1993 (S.I. 1993 No. 190). A copy of article 3 (Prohibition of Navigation) is included at Schedule 3.

7. PILOTWATCH RADAR SYSTEM.

  • (a)
    From the date of these directions all Pilots shall when piloting a vessel carry with them portable equipment capable of receiving the radar signals generated by the Pilotwatch radar stations sited at Black Rock, Severn Beach and Sheperdine if, in the opinion of the Pilot, weather conditions and/or the condition and/or type of vessel to be piloted or its equipment make it desirable to do so. The guidelines which may be taken into account by the Pilot are set out in Schedule 4.
  • (b)
    From such date as the Trustees shall determine the holder of a Pilotage Exemption Certificate shall if so required by the Trustees not navigate a vessel within the harbour limits unless the vessel carries portable equipment capable of receiving the radar signals generated by the Pilotwatch radar stations sited at Black Rock, Severn Beach and Sheperdine and he has demonstrated his ability to use such equipment.
  • (c)
    The current guidelines which are to be followed by the Pilots in the use of the portable equipment capable of receiving the radar signals generated by the Pilotwatch radar stations at Black Rock, Severn Beach and Sheperdine are set out in Schedule 4.

8. ANCHORAGES.

In emergencies, Northwick Roadstead, NE of Dun Sands may be used with extreme caution.

The Duty Harbour Master, Avonmouth Signal Station and Sharpness Pierhead must be notified immediately if a vessel requires use of the anchorage.

9. BYELAWS.

Masters of vessels navigating within the Harbour should familiarise themselves with the Gloucester Harbour Byelaws, effective from 14 November 1998 which regulate the conduct of vessels in the Harbour.

10. PILOTAGE.

The Gloucester Harbour Trustees have made Directions under Section 7 of the Pilotage Act 1987.

Pilotage is compulsory within the Harbour for all vessels except for those:

Whose deadweight tonnage is less than 100 tonnes or whose notional superficial area calculated by multiplying the overall length in metres by extreme breadth in metres is less than 200 m2 and, in either case:

  • i) not carrying dangerous or polluting goods as specified in Statutory Instrument 1987 No. 37 The Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations 1987 and Statutory Instrument 1995 No 2498 The Merchant Shipping (Reporting Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous or Polluting Goods) Regulations 1995, or
  • ii) not carrying more than 12 passengers.

Note: In the case of towed vessels the greater of the sum of the deadweight tonnage or notional superficial areas of the towing and towed vessels shall determine whether or not the criteria for compulsory pilotage are met.

For further information about pilotage and exemptions refer to the Pilotage Directions or contact the Duty Harbour Master or Marine Officer.

Dated this 19th day of July 2002

Susie J Oakley, Clerk to the Trustees

SCHEDULE 1

SCHEDULE 2

Rule 9 of the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996

Rule 9

Narrow channels

  • (a) A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
  • (b) A vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
  • (c) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway.
  • (d) A vessel shall not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway. The latter vessel may use the sound signal prescribed in Rule 34(d) if in doubt as to the intention of the crossing vessel.
  • (e)
    i. In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking can take place only if the vessel to be overtaken has to take action to permit safe passing, the vessel intending to overtake shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(i). The vessel to be overtaken shall, if in agreement, sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c)(ii) and take steps to permit safe passing. If in doubt she may sound the signals prescribed in Rule 34(d).
    ii. This Rule does not relieve the overtaking vessel of her obligation under Rule 13.
  • (f) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e).
  • (g) Any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid anchoring in a narrow channel.

SCHEDULE 3

The New Severn Bridge (Restriction of Navigation) Regulations 1993

Prohibition of Navigation

3. (1) No person shall navigate or cause or permit to be navigated any vessel within any part of the river, other than the Shoots, situated within 250 metres on either side of the centre line of the new bridge, except-

  • (a) a vessel whilst it is in use for the purposes of or in connection with the construction or maintenance of the new bridge;
  • (b) a vessel having a deadweight of less than 100 tonnes;
  • (c) a survey or rescue vessel authorised by the Gloucester Harbour Trustees; or
  • (d) a vessel less than 24 metres long.

(2) No person shall navigate or cause or permit to be navigated any vessel in the Shoots except-

  • (a) a vessel falling within any of sub-paragraphs (a) to (d) of paragraph (1) above;
  • (b) a vessel less than 47.5 metres long and used for fishing or for sport or recreation;
  • (c) a vessel which is recorded in Lloyd's Register of Ships and is either-
    • (i) not given an Ice Class special features notation and is recorded as having a deadweight not exceeding 8000 tonnes; or
    • (ii) is given one of the Ice Class special features notations referred to in column (1) of the table below and is recorded as having a deadweight not exceeding that specified opposite that notation in column (2) of the table:-
  •  

(1) Lloyd's Ice Class

(2) Deadweight in tonnes

1AS

6500

1A

6500

1B

7000

1C

7500

1D

7500; and
  • (d) a vessel which is recorded in a register kept by an approved classification society and which the Secretary of State has accepted in writing as having, in all material respects, characteristics equivalent to those of a vessel falling within sub-paragraph (c) of this paragraph.
  • NOTE: The register referred to in article 3(d) above has not yet been prepared. Anyone wishing to introduce a vessel exceeding 7500 dwt into the compulsory pilotage area must provide full details of the vessel to the Marine Officer at Sharpness by facsimile on 01453 811913 at least 48 hours prior to introducing the vessel into the compulsory area.

·         SCHEDULE 4

  • Current guidelines relating to the use of the portable equipment capable of receiving the radar signals generated by the Trustees' Pilotwatch radar system.
  • 1 The principal use of the portable equipment is to provide Pilots with an independent radar picture of the approaches to the Second Severn Crossing should a defect be experienced in the radar of a vessel being or to be piloted.
  • 2 Pilots should ensure they are familiar with the portable equipment and will be able to make immediate use of it in an emergency. It is essential that the portable equipment is used frequently in normal operational conditions to ensure that Pilots are familiarised in its use.
  • 3 The portable equipment should be carried as part of the Pilots' normal equipment.
  • 4 Operational use of the equipment is left to the Pilots' discretion but must be used when any of the following conditions apply:-
    • a) When there is any reasonable doubt as to the reliability of the radar equipment installed on a vessel being or to be piloted, or
    • b) When visibility in the Harbour downstream of the Inward Rock light is expected or likely to be reduced to less than 1 nautical mile, or
    • c) When the Duty harbour Master considers it necessary in the interests of navigational safety.

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