PLYMOUTH LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS 018/22
DIVING IN PLYMOUTH SOUND - INFORMATION
1. This notice is issued for information by the Queens Harbour Master Plymouth
2. The Dockyard Port Order 2020 contains Regulations (Schedule 1, Part 1, Reg 11) which preclude diving within the main shipping channels and in areas where anchorage is prohibited as depicted on Admiralty Charts, without the permission of the Queen’s Harbour Master.
3. Following previous near miss incidents involving recreational divers adjacent to the main channel, in conflict with large vessel movements, permission will not routinely be granted for any diving within these reserved areas.
4. Specifically, approval to dive will not be granted in Plymouth Sound north of a line joining Fort Picklecombe and Mount Batten Tower, including Smeaton Pass, Drake Channel and the Narrows together with Cobbler Channel and the Cattewater. The prohibited area shall not include the small craft anchorages and bathing areas shown on current Admiralty charts.
5. Recognised diving organisations/clubs who wish to dive in the above area may request to be included on a list of approved users having supplied details of procedures and assurance of safety arrangements. Further detail of the requirements can be obtained from QHM’s Port Safety Officer (email: [email protected] ).
