INSTITUTE OF NAVAL MEDICINE LIFEJACKET TRIAL – 4/5 JULY 2024

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King's Harbour Master Portsmouth that the Institute of Naval Medicine will be conducting a Lifejacket trial on Thursday 4 July 2024 (spare day Friday 5 July 2024) in the central Solent area.

2. The trial will be conducted from a Royal Naval P2000 patrol vessel, HMS EXPLOIT, supported by a RN Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB). Precise location for the trial will depend on the weather and tide conditions, but the start position is likely to be in the vicinity of Stokes Bay. 

3. The trial will commence at around 0930, completing at around 1330. The trial will consist of a trial subject floating in the water wearing a lifejacket for up to 60 minutes. A safety swimmer will either be in the water or available at immediate notice, either on the P2000 or in the RHIB. The trial subject will be tethered and tended by a safety number on the P2000 at all times. Once the first subject has completed the trial, it will be repeated for a second subject.

4. HMS EXPLOIT and the RHIB will both display Flag Alpha at all times when personnel are in the water, and will keep watch on VHF Channels 11, 12 and 16. The RHIB will act as a patrol and safety craft.

5. Mariners are requested to keep a sharp lookout in the area and keep well clear of HMS EXPLOIT and the trial personnel.

6. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners 6 July 2024.