Urgent Boating News
Please note - When reading this section, we advise that you always check the Notices to Mariners section for further information
‘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.
Update on bridges - 30 January 2012
Trowse Bridge - Not operational
Network Rail discovered a crack on one of the scarf joints for which a replacement has to be manufactured and the current estimated time for repair is now mid May.
Carrow Bridge
Fully operational
Oulton Broad Swing Bridge
Fully operational
Somerleyton Bridge
Fully operational
Reedham Bridge
Fully Operational
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].
(pdf document) [65kb]
Interim guidance from the Environment Agency - avoiding the spread of the invasive shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus
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
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. To report a crime that has taken place, to speak to an officer or to order a cover call 0845 456 4567.
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.
