PLNTM 054_26 FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIPS AND DRONE DISPLAY - Direction

PLYMOUTH LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS 054/26

 

PLYMOUTH SOUND AND CATTEWATER - DIRECTION

 

FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIPS AND DRONE DISPLAY 12 & 13 AUGUST 2026

 

1. This notice is a direction by the King’s Harbour Master Plymouth pursuant to the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 2020. It is issued jointly with The Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.

    

2. A drone display and the 2026 British Fireworks Championships will take place from Mount Batten Breakwater on Wed 12 and Thu 13 Aug 26 starting at 2115 each evening.

    

3. During the drone display, drones will be airborne towards the north of Mount Batten Breakwater. During the fireworks displays, fireworks will be projected from Mount Batten Breakwater towards the north and spent fireworks may fall in the vicinity during the display.

    

4. To minimise risk to waterborne spectators an exclusion zone is established to the North, South and West of Mount Batten Breakwater on each day between the hours of 2045 and 2240, or as determined by competition timings. The exclusion zone will remain in force for 20 minutes on completion of the final display until checks confirm that any remaining fireworks are safe. Should weather conditions dictate, it may be necessary to tailor or extend the exclusion zone to safeguard craft and spectators. Annex A shows the exclusion zone.

    

5. During the period 2045 - 2240 or as directed by Plymouth VTS, all craft, whether carrying spectators or in transit are to keep clear of the exclusion zone. Official marshal craft will patrol the area boundaries and invite spectators or other craft to remain clear of the exclusion zone. Marshal craft will display an illuminated blue flag and an amber flashing light to aid identification. A static marshal craft may be moored to delineate the northern limit of the zone. Policing craft will direct vessels that ignore the marshals’ invitation to remain clear of the exclusion zone. Mariners are reminded that failure to comply with official direction by the Officers of the King’s Harbour Master, which includes MOD Police Officers, Devon and Cornwall Police, UK Border Force, Cattewater Harbour Master, and Sutton Harbour Lock keepers, may result in prosecution.

    

6. Masters and skippers of craft are reminded to be particularly vigilant during the displays when there is a high risk of being distracted from the demands of navigational safety.

    

7. Access to or from the Cattewater for large commercial vessels will not be permitted immediately preceding, during, and after the displays. Mariners are to navigate with particular caution and give the vessel a wide berth where possible during this event.

    

8. Mariners and water users are reminded that the Dockyard Port of Plymouth (2020) Schedule 1 Part 1 Point 8, which regulates the Port of Plymouth, states: “The master of a vessel or any other person must not navigate within the dockyard port when under the influence of intoxicating drink, drugs and other substances.” Harbour Authorities and MOD Police are the enforcing authorities and have the authority to prosecute under the above legislation and will be actively enforcing the legislation to ensure the safety and enjoyment of other water users. Penalties: A person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction in England and Wales to fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (up to £1000) plus costs.

    

9. Cancel this Notice on 13 Aug 26.

Annex A: