PLNTM 020 Remote and Autonomous Vessel Trials Information

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King's Harbour Master Plymouth

LNTM No 020/22

PLYMOUTH LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS 020/22

PLYMOUTH SOUND

REMOTE & AUTONOMOUS VESSELS TRIALS - INFORMATION

1. This notice is for information from the Queen’s Harbour Master Plymouth pursuant to the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 2020.

2. Unmanned surface and underwater remotely operated and autonomous vessel trials are regularly conducted within the Dockyard Port of Plymouth (DPOP). The following acronyms are used as identifiers:

USV: Unmanned Surface Vessel

AUV: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

UUV: Unmanned Underwater Vehicle

ROV: Remotely Operated Vehicle

3. Two designated areas are routinely used for trials, Cawsand Bay and South of the Breakwater (see Annex A). However, trials outside these areas may be conducted, subject to QHM approval.

4. Within the DPOP Remote/Autonomous vessels conducting trials are required to be escorted by a support vessel,at all times. Trials vessels/platforms will normally be towed to the designated trials areas. A support vessel will remain in close proximity to the trials vessel, where appropriate show signals as required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and will monitor VHF Channel 14 throughout. The support vessel may approach other vessels to alert them to the presence of the trials vessel/platform.

5. Mariners encountering a vessel conducting remote/autonomous trials are requested to pass at a safe distance and to minimise wash.

6. A separate PLNTM may be issued for any trials outside the above areas or those of a particular sensitive nature or requiring specific additional safety measures.

Annex A

AREAS DESIGNATED FOR REMOTE/AUTONOMOUS TRIALS