Traffic Rules And Regulations

King's Harbour Master Plymouth

LNTM No 5/14

This notice is a direction by the Queens Harbour Master Plymouth and is issued pursuant to the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999 and is promulgated by the Queen’s Harbour Master Plymouth on behalf of the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.
Definitions.

Sutton Channel: That part of the Cattewater north of Fisher’s Nose leading to the entrance to Sutton Harbour and bounded to the east by Queen Anne’s Battery Marina.

Queen Anne’s Battery Marina: The wave screen, pontoons and landward works situated on and off Queen Anne’s Battery, otherwise known as “Plymouth Marine Events Base”.
Modifications to and Amplifications of Certain Rules in the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999.
1. Narrow Channels (Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999, Schedule 2 Rule 2): The whole of the Cattewater comprises a “Narrow Channel” for the purposes of Rule 9 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972. This means that all vessels over 20 metres in length have right of way over all vessels under 20 metres in length or any sailing vessel or any vessel engaged in fishing. Large vessels requiring a clear channel are to sound one long and two short blasts on passing Batten End inbound, or on shaping up for the channel when leaving their berth. On hearing such a signal all small craft are to clear the main channel immediately. Large vessels requiring Sutton Channel to be cleared are to sound two groups of one long and two short blasts. On hearing such a signal small craft are to clear Sutton Channel immediately; any small craft in the western part of the main channel are also to clear the channel.
2. Speed Limits (Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999, Schedule 2 Rule 10): The speed limit of 8 knots to the east of the line joining Fisher’s Nose and the western end of Mount Batten Breakwater is reduced to 4 knots to the north of the line joining Fisher’s Nose and the southern most point of Queen Anne’s Battery Marina (ie. in Sutton Channel). Wash is to be kept to a minimum.
3. Parascending may not take place within the limits of the Cattewater due to the constricted nature of the harbour.
4. Board sailing may not take place in the merchant ship turning area to the east of a line joining the western end of Sparrows Quay (50 21.73N 004 07.38W) and the leading lights off the hoist at Plymouth Yacht Haven Marina (50 21.47N 004 07.43W) or any area further to the east within the Cattewater.
5. Right of Way (Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999, Schedule 2 Rule 13): This Rule does not apply in the Cattewater due to the relatively low rate of the tidal stream and traffic patterns. This Rule is replaced in the Cattewater by the following:
  
  Vessels Over 20 Metres in Length:
  
  Outbound vessels over 20 metres in length have right of way over all inbound vessels and those crossing or joining channels. Outbound vessels over 20 metres in length in the main east-west channel have right of way over vessels under 20 metres in length leaving Sutton Channel.
  
  Inbound vessels over 20 metres in length must give way to outbound vessels over 20 metres in length. Inbound vessels over 20 metres in length have right of way over crossing and joining traffic.
  
  Vessels Under 20 Metres in Length:
  
  Outbound vessels under 20 metres in length are to give way to all vessels over 20 metres in length. Outbound vessels under 20 metres in length in the main east-west channel have right of way over vessels under 20 metres in length leaving Sutton Channel.
  
  Inbound vessels under 20 metres in length are to give way to all outbound vessels.
  
  Vessels Joining or Crossing a Channel:
  Vessels joining, manoeuvring to join, or wishing to cross a channel are to keep clear of the channel until all vessels navigating in the channel (whether outbound or inbound) have passed.
This Notice shall not in any way restrict the powers of the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners in the exercise of powers, duties or discretions exercisable by them in respect of areas falling under their jurisdiction.
Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Wed 31st Dec 2014 (113 days)