Big Mutha

Would't it be fun if QHM titled their notices like that? We have a warning today that a nuclear sub is visiting on 28th September, details below. It got me wondering what the fuss was about, so a quick visit to Wikipedia throws this up. Our Vanguard class of subs are 491 feet long with a draught of 39 feet. Compare that with our aircraft carriers, not much longer at 686 feet but with a draught of only 26 feet. No wonder QHM is warning us to keep out of the way, squeezing a sub of that size up the Nab Channel will be tricky.

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that a Nuclear Powered Submarine will visit Portsmouth Harbour between the 28th September 2010 and the 03rd of October 2010.

2. Timings (including a closed channel) will be promulgated by the usual movements signal.

3. Mariners are advised that the Submarine whilst on passage between the Nab Tower and its berth is considered “a vessel constrained by her draught” as defined under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Escorting tugs will display the appropriate signals for a vessel constrained by her draught. Vessels are to avoid taking any action that will impede her safe passage. LNTM 40/05 (Dormant Exclusion Zone for Underway Warships) will be enforced for this vessel during her transit into and out of harbour.

4. Police craft will be in attendance with the Submarine to enforce the requirements of this Local Notice to Mariners. They will be clearly identifiable and will be acting on the authority of the Queens Harbour Master. All vessels are to comply with their instructions. Mariners attention is also drawn to LNTM 28/07 (Keep Clear of Warship Berths) regarding the mandatory 100 metres exclusion zone whilst submarines are alongside in the harbour.



Exercise Solfire East 10 - Solent Disaster Practice

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that the annual SOLFIRE Exercise, designed to test emergency response procedures in the Solent, will take place on the afternoon of 21 September 2010.

1. This year’s exercise, “SOLFIRE EAST 10” will be run by QHM Portsmouth from a Maritime Response Centre in Semaphore Tower and activities will be concentrated in the Spithead area and the southern part of Portsmouth Harbour. The scenario will include a simulated fire onboard a Wightlink Car Ferry in the Central Solent followed by a collision with a fuelling tanker alongside the Wightlink Moorings near Gunwharf leading to a minor oil pollution incident. The exercise is due to start at 1145 and will be completed by 1700.
2. Units taking part will include the Wightlink Ferry ST HELEN, the Whitaker’s tanker WHITCHALLENGER, Ministry of Defence Police vessels, Tugs and Marine Services Craft from Serco Denholm and the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter from Lee on Solent. Disruption to other users of the Harbour will be kept to a minimum however mariners are requested if possible to keep clear of participating vessels during the exercise.
3. QHM Harbour Control will be kept informed of the progress of the exercise who may be contacted on VHF Channel 11 or by telephone on 02392 723694.
4. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Wed 22nd Sep 2010 (6 days)