LNTM - 30/03/26

Notice is hereby given that the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) have issued a Marine Guidance Note (MGN) regarding the best practice for respectful and safe operation in shared spaces.

From the MCA MGN 715:

This MGN sets out recommended best practice to encourage respectful operation between different water users. The range of water user types sharing the maritime space has diversified in recent years (e.g. such as the increased use of personal watercraft and autonomous or automated vessels).

This MGN has been produced to:

• Inform water users with less experience of the maritime environment of their responsibilities; and
• Provide a reminder to experienced water users of their responsibilities; particularly in terms of risks due to diverse water users sharing busy areas.

Many of you will be familiar with how busy the Solent can be, particularly over the summer months. The scale and variety of vessels can be overwhelming for the less experienced, so a brief read of this document may help all enjoy Cowes and the wider Solent in safety.

The full document can be read here.

This local notice to mariners will self-cancel at 2359 on 31 December 2026