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)