EASTERN SOLENT ASV TRIALS 14 - 15 DECEMBER 2021

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King's Harbour Master Portsmouth

LNTM No 93/21

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) trials will be conducted in the eastern Solent between 14 and 15 December 2021.

2. ASV operations will be conducted in daylight only with a safety vessel in attendance throughout. Two ASVs, callsigns “MAST 9” and “MAST 13” will be used for the trials. MAST 9 will be used on both days with MAST 13 joining it on 15 December. MAST 9 is a 8.8m long craft, and MAST 13 is a 12m long craft. Although both vessels will be operated in remote and autonomous control as part of the trial, they will both be manned at all times. Embarked crew will be able to intervene at any time to ensure safety of the vessels and other craft in the vicinity. The vessels will be accompanied by the “VALKYRIE 6”, which will act as the control vessel for the trials as well as acting as safety vessel.

MAST 9

MAST 13

 VALKYRIE 6

3. Trials will take place from approximately 1100 to 1500 on each day. Three areas have been designated as shown in the diagrams and area selection will depend on weather conditions and traffic density. VALKYRIE will report to QHM which area is to be used. If weather is suitable, Area 2 will be the most likely area to be used. Each area is approximately 1.5km x 1.5 km, the corners of which are as follows:

Area 1 – Osborne Bay

500 45.461N 0010 13.460W                   
500 45.200N 0010 12.250W
500 44.745N 0010 12.510W
500 45.028N 0010 13.717W 

Area 2 – Hayling Bay

500 45.974N 0010 03.717W                   
500 45.974N 0010 02.230W
500 45.322N 0010 02.230W 
500 45.322N    0010 03.717W 

Area 3 – Ryde

500 45.350N 0010 11.587’W
500 45.350N 0010 10.258’W
500 44.551N 0010 10.258’W
500 44.551N 0010 11.587’W

4. The safety vessel will be listening on VHF Ch 11, Ch 12 and 16. Where possible, trials vessels will maintain a 400m separation from other craft, and trials runs will be modified or aborted if a close-quarters situation is developing. During trials, the MAST vessels will be limited to 10kts. Higher speeds may be used when on transit when the vessels are more than 1000 yards from shore.

5. Mariners are requested to keep clear of the trials vessels where possible.

6. Cancel this LNTM on 16 December 2021.

 

Monday 13 Dec 2021

N J RANDALL
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.