1. During a recent survey, depths less than 10.5m on the western side of the Main Portsmouth Approach Channel were discovered approximately 240 metres SSE from the Port Hand Buoy “Spit Elbow” position 50 45.70N 001 05.47W. Depths in this area to the western boundary of the channel are reduced to 10.4m.
2. The affected area does not represent a significant narrowing of the minimum width of the channel in this location (which remains at 350m) and it is assessed that there is no danger to the normal movement of marine traffic in the area except when vessels are operating at the limit of available water. In such cases, mariners are advised to exercise particular caution and ensure their vessels remain in the centre of the channel when transiting the 348°/168° Bearing / Transit on an inbound/outbound track towards the harbour.
3. A monitoring survey will be conducted in early 2024 and the areas dredged as a priority at the next planned dredging campaign.
4. The following Portsmouth NAVWARNs remain in force: 65/23, 63/23, 62/23, 55/23, 54/23, 50/23, 24/23, 23/23, 06/23, 15/22, 57/20, 44/20, 15/19, 60/18, 75/17, 33/17, 27/14, 57/12, 52/11.
