1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that 14 Navigation Aid marks and lighting equipment will be installed onto the piles installed both inside the harbour and in the harbour approaches, detailed in QHM NAVWARN 39/16, as part of the preparations for the Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. Installation operations will be conducted by the crane barge “STEMAT 63”. The purpose of this LNTM is to detail additional traffic restrictions that will be in place while the “STEMAT 63” is working to ensure the safety of the operation. This LNTM replaces LNTM 48/16 which is hereby cancelled.
2. The installation consists of a number of operations which are expected to take 2-3 days per Navigation Aid. Some of these operations involve lifting large and heavy objects, and swell and wake waves make these potentially dangerous to the personnel involved and the equipment being used. Operations are weather and sea state limited, and the Contractor will only commence operations when conditions are within their preset limits. However, vessel generated wake wash and swell is also be a significant hazard to operations. This is likely to affect the marks outside the harbour the most and the approximate positions of the marks are as shown in the chartlet below.
3. In order to minimise this risk, all vessels are to adhere to a six knot speed limit within 1000 yards of the “STEMAT 63” when the barge is in position by the Navigation Aids. “STEMAT 63” will not remain in position when not conducting operations, and will return to Middle Slip Jetty overnight each day.
4. In addition to the six knot speed limit, all vessels are to ensure that they give the “STEMAT 63” a safe wide berth and monitor their wake at all times to ensure it does not impact on the barge. Any vessels unable to operate at 6 knots may have their transits past “STEMAT 63” delayed and are to contact QHM in advance of transiting the area.
5. When directed by QHM, large traffic passing through the Solent to/from Southampton will be required to reduce their speed to no more than 12 knots when within 2 miles and beyond 1000 yards of the “STEMAT 63”. QHM will liaise with VTS Southampton when this further precaution is deemed necessary.
6. “STEMAT 63” and QHM will monitor conditions carefully at all times and enforcement action will be taken against vessels not adhereing to this temporary speed limit. Attention is also drawn to General Direction 3/13 Wash Effects in the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.
7. “STEMAT 63” will be listening on VHF Channel 11and Channel 12 (for liaison with VTS Southampton) throughout and QHM Harbour Control will make regular broadcasts to highlight the need for minimal wak. QHM can be contacted on Channel 11 or on 02392 723694 for updates on current operations if required.
8. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners 30 September 2016.
S O Hopper
Queen's Harbour Master
Owners, Agents, Charterers, Marinas, Yacht Clubs and Recreational Sailing Organisations should ensure that the contents of this Notice are made known to the masters or persons in charge of their vessels or craft.
