Urgent Boating News
Please note - When reading this section, we advise that you always check the Notices to Mariners section for further information
Update on bridges
Somerleyton Bridge Update
Network Rail, the statutory operator and owner of the Somerleyton Bridge, has informed the Authority that the mitigation measures that were put in place on 22 July 2010 to reduce the possibility of a complete failure of the bridge swinging mechanism have been revised. With effect from Monday 16th August 2010, until Friday 22nd October 2010 the Somerleyton Bridge can be swung open for river traffic for 3 x 10 minute periods, Monday through Friday inclusive, for 2 x 10 minute periods on Saturdays and for 2 x 1 hour periods on Sundays.
The Bridge can therefore be swung upon river traffic request at the following times:
Monday to Friday:1005 to 1015, 1530 to 1540 and 1840 to 1850
Saturday:0930 to 0940 and 1530 to 1540
Sunday:1010 to 1110 and 1610 to 1710
The Broads Authority will continue to negotiate with Network Rail for an even more flexible timetable and for a long term solution to this latest bridge failure. Note that vessels that do not require the bridge to swing are unaffected and can pass under the Bridge without hindrance.
Contact details for Network Rail are as follows: national helpline, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 08457 11 41 41; switchboard: 020 7557 8000. Emails can be sent via the Network Rail website: www.networkrail.co.uk.
Reedham and Oulton Broad Swing Bridges
Fully operational
Trowse Swing Bridge
Not operational
Trowse Swing Bridge is still undergoing mechanical testing after extensive repair to the control mechanism and must remain closed until further notice.
For any questions about the railway, or help with problems caused by the railway, please contact the national helpline which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: 08457 11 41 41 or the switchboard: 020 7557 8000. Emails can be sent via the Network Rail website: www.networkrail.co.uk.
Informal moorings closed on Womack dyke
Please be aware that the informal moorings on the East side of Womack Dyke between Hunters Yard and the river Thurne are closed due to Broadland Environmental Services Ltd carrying out flood alleviation works adjacent to the river bank. Signage has been erected informing users of the closure.
Underwater obstruction on River Bure downstream of St Benet’s - UPDATE
Following extensive survey work by BA Navigation Rangers dragging the river with chains, grappling hooks and latterly with the Environment Agency Fisheries Officers using advanced surveying equipment, all known underwater obstructions from St Benet’s through to Thurne Mouth adjacent to the North bank have been identified and removed by both BA River Works Team and BESL.
All hazard marker buoys and channel marker buoys have now also been removed from this area.
Following a report an additional hazard was identified and removed from the point at Thurne mouth on the South Bank.
Whilst it is believed that all identified underwater obstructions have been removed please notify Broads Control on 01603 756056 if any further incidents occur.
Would hire boat operators and clubs please update their customers and members via their safety briefings regarding this issue.
Cantley Staithe – 2nd phase of work by Broads Authority
This Partnership project led by Cantley Parish council is now into its second phase.
The Broads Authority will be undertaking and helping to manage the following work prior to opening the staithe:
- Grass seeding
- Planting work
- Construction and installation of new seating and picnic tables
- Construction and installation of seating areas
- Installation of new signage
- Surfacing work to existing track to the Reed cutters and new access ramp to slipway
- Painting work to pontoon piles and dolphins
- Installation of the pontoons
- Dredging work to mooring and slipway area
The site will be open for public use once these works have been completed and the grass is established.
Should you wish to contact anyone in relation to
these site operations please telephone
Lesley Marsden Broads Authority 07971156092
DREDGING in River Bure
During the period 1st April 2010 through till July 2010 dredging will take place on the River Bure from Acle Bridge in the direction of Horning. This will be to remove shoals from bends in the river. Dredged material will be placed on a set-back area on Upton Marshes near the Tall Mill Drainage Mill. Masters are urged to be vigilant in this area.
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 of 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 (MS Word doc) [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 (MS Word doc) [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 (MS Word doc) [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 Norfolk 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 TV’s and radios- thieves will window shop.
- Property mark valuables you can not easily remove.
- Black out or close curtains where possible.
- Ensure all food is removed from onboard.
- 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.
