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.



Navy Activities Portsmouth 24-27 July

This could be worth going to -or if you are planning to fish in or near Portsmouth Harbour entrance you need to be aware of the QHM Nav Warning just issued:

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth that between 24 and 27 July 2008 due to the “Meet Your Navy” event (Navy Days) there will be the following Portsmouth Harbour Channel closures and adjustments to the Small Boat Channel Rules. These measures are necessary to ensure safety during the various air and on-water displays, which are planned to take place in the Harbour between South Railway Jetty and No 3 Buoy and in order to maintain security during the event. As far as possible, these displays have been arranged so as not to conflict with commercial movements within the Harbour.


2. Table of programmed closures:Date Time Closed Area Display/Activity24 Jul 08 1700-1725 Portsmouth Harbour area as RM Dynamic Display 1745-1810 outlined in para 3 (Rehearsal) 25-27 Jul 08 1300-1330 Portsmouth Harbour area as RN SAR Display Outlined in para 325-27 Jul 08 1405-1435 Portsmouth Harbour south of RN Historic Flight Display50° 50’ N and Main Approach Channel 25-27 Jul 08 1505-1525 Portsmouth Harbour area as CG SAR Display outlined in para 325-27 Jul 08 1610-1640 Portsmouth Harbour area as RM Dynamic Display outlined in para 325 Jul 08 1700-1730 Portsmouth Harbour south of Red Arrows Air Display50° 50’ N and Main Approach Channel These timings, which are subject to modification will appear on the Daily Harbour Movements Signal and be announced on the day by QHM Harbour Control on VHF Channel 11.


3. During the Red Arrows and RN Historic Flight Displays the entire Harbour and Main Channel south of 50° 50’ N will be closed and is to be clear of all traffic. During the other Displays a Temporary Exclusion Zone will be set up between the following points: the southern corner of North West Wall Jetty, to Pile 101, to Pile 98, to Pile 95, to Shell Pier, to the southern end of Oil Fuel Jetty to the southern end of South Railway Jetty. During Harbour closures and when this Temporary Exclusion Zone is in operation the Harbour will be patrolled by Ministry of Defence Police Launches and RIBs and vessels of the Volunteer Harbour Patrol.


4. As part of the safety requirement for the Red Arrows and RN Historic Flight Displays, the following Navigation Marks will be temporarily enhanced by the use of large yacht racing buoys: Ballast Pile, No 3 Buoy and Pile 96.


5. Outwith the closed periods outlined in paragraphs 2 and 3, vessels under 20 metres in length are to comply with the normal small craft rules as outlined in LNTM 42/05 and 28/07 adjusted as follows:a. For the duration of the “Meet Your Navy” Event, the Small Boat Channel will be extended northwards to the vicinity of No 3 Mooring Buoy. b. Notwithstanding the 50 metre exclusion zone outlined in LNTM 28/07, all craft are to use the extended Small Boat Channel when transiting the Harbour and are not to approach Warships alongside to avoid unnecessary security concerns.


6. Vessels should only cross the Harbour with direct permission of QHM Harbour Control and should only request this clearance if they have a confirmed booking at Gunwharf Quays or the Town Camber.


7. The routine Tour Boats will be allowed to continue but their operation will be affected by the Channel and Harbour Closures outlined above.


8. Further details of the “Meet Your Navy” event can be found at the website: http://www.meetyournavy.co.uk/


9. Cancel this Local Notice To Mariners Mon 28th Jul 2008 (12 days)