1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that the First Patrol Boat Squadron will be conducting combined exercises in the waters of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth on 26 and 27 September 2018. This will involve up to 14 P2000 20 metre patrol boats in close formation.
2. On 26 September, the vessels will depart Portsmouth Harbour in two columns of seven vessels, the first departing the harbour at 1330, and the second at 1400. Vessels will depart 2 Basin independently, and will form up in one of the areas indicated in the chartlet below.
3. QHM will coordinate other traffic to ensure these groups of vessels have a clear passage out of harbour. Vessels will be under control of each lead ship in column and will take action as required to avoid other traffic. Operations will be coordinated with QHM on VHF Channel 11. The two groups of vessels will return to port at approximately 1630.
4. On Thursday 27 September, all 14 vessels will depart together, forming up from 1015 in the positions indicated before departing together at 1050. A Clear Channel will be in force for this departure and will be indicated on QHM Daily Movements. All other traffic is requested to stay clear of the formation until they are clear of the harbour entrance.
5. 11 units will return to port together at 1330. Again, a Closed Channel will be in force, and promulgated in QHM Daily Movements.
6. Weather permitting, on both days, the units will exercise in the area indicated above. In inclement weather, reduced numbers of units may exercise in the Eastern Solent.
7. Where possible, mariners are requested to keep clear of the formation. QHM and the Officer in Charge of the formation can be contacted on VHF Channel 11.
8. Cancel this notice to mariners 28 September 2018.
Tuesday 25 Sep 2018
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.
