Urgent Boating News
Please note - When reading this section, we advise that you always check the Notices to Mariners section for further information
Boat Fire Safety Week
(word document) [27kb]
Local boat owners urged to wise up to deadly fire carbon monoxide risk and to give their boats a check-up for the boat fire safety week May 25-31.
BSS points boaters to important safety issues highlighted by Windermere’s Easter tragedy (pdf document) [33kb]
On the eve of Boat Fire Safety Week, the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is pointing UK boaters to the safety issues identified today in the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) Safety Bulletin concerning the death of mother and her 10-year old daughter aboard the motor cruiser Arniston on Lake Windermere at Easter.
Safety Bulletin -the importance of using the kill cord.
(pdf document) [675kb]
The publication of Safety Bulletin by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) follows the tragic accident on the Camel Estuary where a family of six were ejected from an 8m RHIB, leading to two fatalities and serious injuries to two people, on 5 May 2013.
The Safety Bulletin seeks to convey the importance of using the kill cord and aims to bring this safety issue to the attention of the leisure boating community ahead of the forthcoming boating season.
Update on bridges – 30 April 2013
Oulton Broad lifting road Bridge ( Mutford Lock) – Not operational
Please note that due to accidental impact by a vehicle the bridge is currently not able to lift. Engineers are currently working to rectify the problem. Vessels able to pass through the bridge hole without a lift will still able to pass through. We will update this as soon as we receive any information.
Trowse Bridge - Not operational (but can be opened at very restricted times, see below)
Network Rail have informed us that the current testing has been exhausted without achieving reliable operations of the bridge. Outside contractors are now being sought to rectify the reliability problems.
Due to the fact that the bridge has been out of action for sometime Network Rail have agreed that they are willing to swing the bridge manually by bringing in Plant staff when required. Due to the frequency of London trains and the time it takes to operate a swing manually the bridge can be opened on a Sunday at 09:05 and any night between 02:00 – 04:00 provided 7 days notice has been given to allow for Plant staff to be on site. Openings within these times can be arranged by contacting Network Rail through their Area Incident Control Centre. This is manned 24/7 and they will then pass on the request to the Ipswich Distribution & Plant team for a response.
Phone:- 02079 793609
Email:- CO-ANG-EAH-11A@networkrail.co.uk
Please find below opening times for the bridge once it becomes operational.
Times relevant from Sunday 9th December 2012 to Saturday 18th May 2013
Mon - Fri Sat Sun
1002 0910 0905
1107 1107 1128
1406 1405 1426
1606 1608 1726
1842 1809 1926
Carrow Bridge - Fully operational
Oulton Broad Swing Bridge - Fully operational
Somerleyton Bridge - Fully operational
Reedham Bridge - Fully operational
Beccles Bypass Bridge - Fully operational
Vauxhall Railway Bridge- Fully operational
Breydon Bridge - Fully operational
Haven Bridge – Fully operational
BSS Weedhatch Warning
Owners of boats with weed hatches are being reminded by the Boat Safety Scheme to make a routine of checking the security of weed hatch covers before setting off, if they want to avoid that sinking feeling.
BSS Weedhatch Warning Information (Word document) [63kb]
River Chet Emergency Works - Broadland Environmental Services Ltd (BESL)
BESL are currently undertaking emergency works on the River Chet, adjacent to Norton Marshes, Nogdam End.
In addition to the failed piling removal there will be a need to rollback the bank from the river's edge. This will entail excavating a new soke dyke to provide a good base and then using material from the old bank to bring it to height. The channel edge will then be re-profiled and planted with reed rhizome.
Please navigate the area with care and caution, adhering to any signage or any instructions given by the works team.
'Fit a smoke alarm and keep it working', is the blunt advice from the Boat Safety Scheme following a recent boat fire where the owner was potentially only seconds away from death.
See here for more information.
Fuel Quality Directive
Sulphur Free Gas Oil regulations came into force on the 1 January 2011. For information on on how this may affect you and what you need to know please read the attached word document [64kb].
Information on the Upper Thurne
If you are boating, fishing or canoeing in the Upper Thurne please avoid these important wildfowl refuges. It is an offence without reasonable excuse to intentionally or recklessly disturb wintering birds for which Horsey Mere, Martham Broads and other areas of the Upper Thurne are designated of special interest. A person found guilty of any such an offense may be liable for a fine of up to £20,000. For more information please see the projects page.
Safety Alerts
Wise up to Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning
This is the plea from the Boat Safety Scheme as it reveals that in the past 20 years over two-dozen boaters have died from exposure to the toxic fumes. Further information can be found here (word document) [28kb]
Portable Gas Appliances on Boats
The Boat Safety Scheme Office has issued a safety alert advising boat owners to avoid using portable gas appliances with integral gas canisters on board boats following a recent incident on the Broads. More information can be found here (pdf document) [152kb].
Fire Risk from Bulls Eye deck lights
The Boat Safety Scheme Office recently issued a safety alert to boat owners relating to the potential fire risk posed by Bulls Eye deck lights in strong sunlight.
More information can be found here (pdf document) [89kb].
Boat owners asked to act early and be vigilant for petrol system problems
Boaters whose boats have petrol engines need to take more care to avoid the dangers of petrol vapour as the numbers of incidents on inland waters linked to petrol and petrol engines rose for the second year running from one in 2007 to nine in 2009. Read more (pdf document) [39kb].
Take care with portable petrol engines says BSS
Boaters who use petrol generators and other petrol-engined power tools may need to raise their game to avoid the dangers of petrol vapour and exhaust fumes says the Boat Safety Scheme, as the numbers of incidents on inland waters linked to petrol and petrol engines rose for the second year running from one in 2007 to nine in 2009. Read more (pdf document) [39kb].
Boat Fire
Following a boat fire on the River Yare at Thorpe St Andrew the 45ft sunken vessel now sits 4 to 5 metres into the channel. The wreck is marked with yellow buoys, flashing lights and is isolated by an oil pollution boom. The wreck will be removed by the owner as soon as possible. Please take care whilst navigating in the area and please be vigilant.
Potentially Fatal Issue from Belling, Flavel, Leisure, and New World Cookers
An urgent appeal has been lodged through the Environment Agency for boaters who may be at risk from potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning from Belling, Flavel, Leisure and New World cookers. See more about affected appliances here (word document) [26kb].
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Recall Alert
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is alerting anyone with a battery powered carbon monoxide alarm supplied by Lloytron (model B822) or PowerPlus (model BWK034C/Ref 6167) that some units are being recalled. Find out more about affected alarms here (word document) [28kb].
Micromark Fan Alert
Micromark has identified a possible fault with the above fans that, with extensive continuous use, could cause the product to overheat and pose a potential fire risk. Further information about the affected products can be found here (pdf document) [22kb].
Portable Gas Stove Safety Alert
A safety alert has been issued to boaters about portable gas cookers with integral gas canisters following incidents where people have been seriously burnt.
Further information on the portable gas stove safety alert can be found here (word document) [150kb].
Broads Beat Information
Police are asking boat owners and members of the public who visit the Broads over the forthcoming weeks to be on guard and report any suspicious activity on the Broads to the police.
In an emergency, when a crime is taking place or assistance is needed immediately call 999. For non emergency calls please dial 101.
Boat owners are also being advised to:
- Remove all valuables from the boat including TVs and radios - thieves will window shop.
- Property mark valuables you cannot easily remove.
- Black out or close curtains where possible.
- Ensure all food is removed from on board.
- Gas bottles, batteries and fuel containers should be removed.
- Use strong padlocks or rimlocks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.
- Lock your boat when you leave it unattended.
