Medway and Swale Boating Association
The voice of boating on the tidal Medway and Swale
Two updates today to Peel Ports Notices to Mariners:
No 16: The missing topmark on the new Uplees north cardinal buoy, marking the trawler wreck at Harty, has been replaced.
No 19: The large “tree root” which was obstructing the navigable channel just downstream of the M20 bridge has now been removed.
UPDATE 22 May: Hayley Taylor from Medway Council advises that the token machine has just been replaced at Rochester Pier, so it is open again. However there are still electrical supply problems at Sun Pier so it can only be used by Jetstream Tours, who have a key.
Peel Ports Notice to Mariners No 3 Update
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a SUNKEN 50 foot converted fishing trawler is lying awash in the small craft moorings adjacent to the “Scrubbing Dock” in the East Swale. The vessel is now marked by the UPLEES NORTH CARDINAL BUOY, light characteristic is a QUICK FLASH WHITE LIGHT. In position 51° 21.31’ N 000° 52.69’ E
Mariners are reminded that only the whip VHF aerial of the sunken vessel is visible at high water. The two yellow pellet buoys previously used to mark the wreck have now been removed.
UPDATE 18.5.15: Topmark is reported missing
The substantial 50 foot converted trawler, Tavana, which sank among the moorings at Harty (near the scrubbing posts) on the Swale last year is now marked with only one yellow buoy, which we presume is near the bow of the vessel. At high water, only the slender tip of the taller antenna is visible. Peel Ports have confirmed that they have no plans to recover the vessel or mark it more effectively. Notice to Mariners No 3 of 2015 refers. Extreme care is advised.
UPDATE 28 April: Peel Ports have now placed more appropriate wreck buoyage, including a cardinal mark, with assistance from Medway Pilots. A NtM will be published tomorrow.
UPDATE 1 June: The missing topmark on the new Uplees NCB has been replaced.
Kevin Beacon, Port Control Manager, reports that this winter there has been a noticeable increase in recreational craft coming adrift, sometimes with their mooring still attached. Mooring masters are asked to ensure that moorings are regularly maintained and that owners secure their boats properly.
A Notice to Mariners lists boating events of which Peel Ports have been notified: NtoM No 13 of 2015 – River Events
Organisers of Events are reminded of Medway Ports River Byelaw 1991, No. 53, Boat Races and Regattas. The Organiser of any boat race, regatta public procession or similar event when a number of vessels are expected to assemble on the waters of the Port or Medway approach area are required to give not less than 28 days’ notice of an Event to Peel Ports Medway.
At the recent MSBA/RYA conference, Dave Newbury, Senior Manager of Marine Operations, announced that Ian Clarke will starting as Marine Manager on 18th May. Ian has strong connections to the commercial shipping and leisure boating fraternities, and has volunteered on TS Royalist and PS Waverley. Max Taylor, who was Deputy Harbour Master, is also a Medway Pilot (and yachtsman) but will remain as a part-time member of the marine management team at Sheerness.
A Peel Ports Notice to Mariners issued yesterday states that normal bridge operations have now been restored. Neverthless we understand that a major refurbishment is still required at some future date.
NtoM No 09 of 2015 – Kingsferry Bridge – Normal Conditions Restored
Peel Ports advise that bridge span lifts will not be possible during peak train operating times and all lifts will take approximately 1 hour to complete. A minimum of 3 hours notice will be required to arrange a bridge span lift. Vessel movements may have to be delayed to facilitate the most efficient use of each bridge span lift.
All leisure vessels requiring to transit the bridge should contact the bridge operator on VHF channel 10 to be advised of the next available bridge span lift time.
NtoM No 08 of 2015 – Kingsferry Bridge – limited span lift capabilities until further notice
Max Taylor, Peel Ports DHM, tells us that changes in the train time table now result in commercial vessels planning bridge lifts at minute 10 and minute 40 past the hour. (The trains pass the Swale halt at minute 5 and minute 35 past the hour). This is useful info for the recreational boater wishing to use the bridge. It should be noted that most commercial lifts only take place 5 hours before HW to 1 hour after HW.