PLNTM 003 MINISTRY OF DEFENCE POLICE - MARINE UNIT - INFORMATION

Print

King's Harbour Master Plymouth

LNTM No 003/23

PLYMOUTH LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS 003/23

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE POLICE - MARINE UNIT - INFORMATION

1. This notice is issued for information by the King’s Harbour Master (KHM), Plymouth.

2. The water users in the Dockyard Port of Plymouth benefit from a significant marine police presence provided by the Ministry of Defence Police - Devonport Marine Unit. This is almost without equal in the United Kingdom.

3. Mariners within the Dockyard Port of Plymouth should not take the support of the Devonport Marine Unit for granted. Its primary purpose is to enhance the security of MoD property and to police the implementation of the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 2020. Whilst ready to provide assistance when possible, the Unit is often requested as a general breakdown service by members of the marine public, to the detriment of the Unit’s primary purpose. Members of the marine public should not assume that a unit will be available or attend. If the Marine Police were not available, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), RNLI lifeboat or a marina workboat would be needed to provide the necessary service. Many incidents to which the Devonport Marine Unit are called are preventable by owners or mariners possessing a minimum level of competence and taking reasonable care of their craft and their own safety. Mariners should ensure the serviceability and seaworthiness of their craft including engines, lines, rigging and safety equipment.

4. Additionally third party liability insurance cover should be held by boat owners to cover unexpected incidents, injury and damage to other people and their property, and to cover the expenses of other parties involved in rendering assistance, including the removal of wrecked or damaged vessels obstructing fairways and anchorages and other locations.

5. The Ministry of Defence Police – (Devonport Marine Unit) operate the local Boat Watch scheme, KHM encourages all local boat owners to join the scheme. For further information telephone 01752 552686 and ask for the Boat Watch Co-ordinators or email: [email protected]

6. Although this PLNTM encourages mariners to take reasonable precautions and responsibility for their own safety, they should also be reassured that the MoD Police Devonport Marine Unit will render assistance to those in genuine emergency situations.