Collision Avoidance Checklist

• Avoid commercial ship channels if at all possible and especially in poor visibility

• Cross shipping channels quickly and at right angles to the channel

• Be alert and watch for ship traffic

• Be seen, especially at night

• Know whistle signals - five or more mean DANGER

• Listen to VHF Channel 12 – the Port of Southampton working frequency

• When transmitting a message, keep it brief, say what you have to say, then remain listening

• Use up-to-date charts - read Local Notices to Mariners at your club or local marina.

• Keep in mind that FEW SURVIVE collision with ships

• When in doubt, keep clear

• Always be prepared for the unexpected; life jackets do not help if you are not wearing them

• Be aware of the Precautionary Area (Thorn Channel) and the Moving Prohibited Zone as defined in Southampton Notice to Mariners No. 33/2003 – see below.

Ferries, Commercial, and Passenger Vessels

Red Funnel operates ferries for vehicles and passengers between East Cowes and Southampton and a fast craft service (Red Jet Catamaran) between West Cowes and Southampton. Red Jet Catamarans exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light when operating within the confines of Cowes Harbour and its approaches.

The Red Jet Catamarans have a speed dispensation to exceed the harbour speed limit of six knots when in the fairway approaches north of No. 2 buoy, providing it is clear to do so. All craft should maintain a good lookout especially astern, when underway in the harbour. During the summer season, Solent-based passenger cruising vessels also frequently visit Cowes and other commercial vessels up to 100m overall may be encountered.

Tidal Information

During spring tide periods, a strong (3 to 4 knots) west-going tidal set exists at the entrance to Cowes Harbour, starting from approximately 1.5 hours before high water Cowes until approximately three hours after high water Cowes. This west-going set is experienced as far as No. 4 (red) buoy.

From No. 4 buoy to the Chain Ferry, a weak, south-going flood tide exists close inshore on the starboard hand side of the channel at all states of the tide, even when the tide is ebbing strongly on the eastern side of the harbour.

During periods of Spring tides, the ebb tide in the vicinity of the Chain Ferry can reach a speed of approximately 4 knots. Be aware of this strong ebb tide when approaching the Chain Ferry from the south.

Traffic Information Broadcasts

By Southampton VTS on VHF 12, for small craft, every even hour, 0600 to 2200 LT, Friday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter to 30 September.

Area of Concern – Southampton Local Notice to Mariners No. 33/2003

Port of Southampton – Precautionary Area (Thorn Channel)

1. Notice Is Hereby Given that all vessels navigating within the Port of Southampton shall ensure that a vessel greater than 220m shall be given a 'clear channel' between Hook Buoy and the Prince Consort Buoy (Precautionary Area).

The term 'clear channel' is defined as:

'A clear channel vessel is one which requires a clear and unimpeded passage ahead when transiting the Precautionary Area'.

Vessels may enter the Precautionary Area (see chartlet) maintaining a safe distance astern of a 'clear channel' vessel.

2. Two vessels each having a length greater than 180 metres shall not pass or overtake each other between Hook Buoy and the Prince Consort Buoy.

3. Moving Prohibited Zone (MPZ)

The Southampton Harbour Byelaws 2003 (No 11) enforces the requirement that all vessels over 150 metres in length when navigating within the Precautionary Area referred to in this notice are automatically allocated a Moving Prohibited Zone (MPZ). The MPZ is an area extending 1000 metres ahead and 100 metres either side of any vessel greater than 150 metres within the Precautionary Area.

The master of a small vessel (less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel) shall ensure that his vessel does not enter a Moving Prohibited Zone.

For the purpose of indicating the presence of the Moving Prohibited Zone the master of any vessel of over 150 metres length overall shall display on the vessel, where it can best be seen, by day: a black cylinder, and by night: 3 all round red lights in a vertical line.

When operationally possible the Southampton Harbour patrol launch (VHF Call Sign ''SP'' Channel 12) will precede these vessels within the 'Precautionary Area' showing, in addition to the normal steaming lights a blue fixed light. The absence of the patrol launch will not invalidate the implementation of the moving prohibited zone.

4. Southampton LNTM No. 4 of 2001 is hereby cancelled.