1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) trials will be conducted in the eastern Solent between 25 and 29 April 2022.
2. USV operations will be conducted in daylight only with a safety vessel in attendance throughout. A modified Pacific 24 Rigid Inflatable Boat “APAC24” will be used for the trial. It will be supported by the VALKYRIE 6, which will act as the safety vessel for the trials. APAC24 will be manned throughout and will be operated by the crew for transits to and from the operating areas. For the trials serials, APAC24 will be remotely controlled, with the remote operator following the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) at all times. The embarked crew will be able to intervene if a close quarters situation is deemed to be developing, and runs will be aborted if necessary. In addition, every effort will be made to maintain a separation of at least 200 metres from any non-participating craft when in remote control mode.
APAC24
VALKYRIE 6
3. Two trials areas have been designated as detailed below and area selection will depend on weather conditions and traffic density. The preferred area is the Roway Wreck area. VALKYRIE 6 will report to QHM which area is to be used. The corners of each area are as follows:
Roway Wreck Area:
50˚46.136’N, 1˚03.643’W
50˚46.511’N, 1˚01.579’W
50˚45.052’N, 1˚00.619’W
50˚44.696’N, 1˚02.625’W
Osborne Bay Area:
50˚46.363’N, 1˚15.562’W
50˚46.886’N, 1˚14.379’W
50˚45.332’N, 1˚11.703’W
50˚44.882’N, 1˚12.984’W
4. Trials will involve a variety of manoeuvres and equipment tests. Speeds of up to 20 knots will be used where safe. For high-speed runs, a minimum separation from third party craft of 300 metres will be maintained. Speeds will be limited to 10 knots when within 1000 yards of shore in the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth.
5. The safety vessel will be listening on VHF Ch 11, Ch 12 and 16.
6. Cancel this LNTM on 30 April 2022.
Thursday 14 Apr 2022
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.
