UNCREWED SURFACE VESSEL TRIALS 8 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2026

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) trials will be conducted within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth during the period 8 January to 31 December 2026.

2. The USV trials will be conducted in the Hayling Bay or Ryde Middle area (weather dependent).

3. The USV, PD007, is a 7.5 metre grey and black rigid hull inflatable vessel. Trial staff operators will be embarked on the USV and will intervene if required.

4. Trials will take place between 0800 and 1600. PD007 will only be operated in autonomous mode when in the trials area. Where possible, PD007 will maintain a minimum 200-metre separation from other craft, and trial runs will be modified or aborted if a close-quarters situation is developing.

5. The trial staff operators will be listening on VHF Ch 11, 12, 72 and 16.

6. The USV will obey the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) at all times.

7. Cancel this LNTM on 31 December 2026.