Marine Guidance Note
MGN 334 (M)
New National Boatmaster’s Licence – Local Information and Local Knowledge Notice to Masters and owners of all vessels operating commercially on inland waterways, and in limited coastal areas. This notice should be read with MSN 1808 “The Merchant Shipping (Inland Waterways and Limited Coastal Operations) (Boatmasters’ Qualifications and Hours of Work) Regulations 2006 – Structure and Requirements”. |
PLEASE NOTE:- Where this document provides guidance on the law it should not be regarded as definitive. The way the law applies to any particular case can vary according to circumstances - for example, from vessel to vessel and you should consider seeking independent legal advice if you are unsure of your own legal position. |
Click Here to download a printable version of this document (PDF - 380KB).
Summary
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1 Introduction/Background
1.1 The new national Boatmasters’ Licence will apply to the masters of passenger ships, small passenger vessels and non-passenger vessels operating in inland waterways. The licence applies only to the master or skipper of a vessel; not to other crew members.
1.2 “Inland Waterways” means all Categorised Waters as defined and listed in Merchant Shipping Notice 1776, and any other non-categorised inland waters.
1.3 The new Boatmasters’ Licence replaces the boatmaster’s licence for local passenger vessels, which was introduced in 1993. Full information on the structure and requirements of the licence is in Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1808.
1.4 There are two versions of the new Boatmasters’ Licence: Tier 1 and Tier 2.
- Tier 1 is a national licence which entitles the holder to operate anywhere within his/her designated categories of water, subject to the need for a local knowledge endorsement.
- A Tier 2 licence is restricted to a particular area, or water category, and type of operation.
1.5 There is also provision for a EC “Boatmaster’s Certificate” which will be required for operation on inland waterways within the EC. Issue of a Boatmaster’s Certificate in the UK is subject to holding a UK Tier 1 BML. See MSN 1808 for more information.
2 Definitions
2.1 “Local Information” means an awareness of the local navigational rules that a harbour or navigation authority may have in place under its local byelaws or regulations.
2.2 “Local Knowledge” means knowledge of the features and characteristics within an area that present a hazard to safe navigation, and how to deal with them. It also means a more detailed knowledge of the local requirements referred to in 2.1 above.
2.3 “Non-passenger vessel” means a cargo vessel (including a tanker), workboat or tug.
2.4 A “small passenger vessel” is a vessel that carries no more than 12 passengers, and does not go to sea.
Part 1 – Local Information
3 Local Rules and navigational Requirements
3.1 As well as knowledge of the general “rules of the road” for navigation, a boatmaster needs to be familiar with any local rules and regulations in force for the port or inland areas in which he/she operates. Therefore, for the new Boatmaster’s Licence (both Tier 1 and Tier 2), the boatmaster must have an awareness of any navigational requirements, or restrictions, under a harbour or navigation authority’s local regulations or byelaws.
3.2 Candidates for the Tier 1 Boatmaster’s Licence will be tested on that awareness as a matter of course, as part of the on-board examination for their generic licence. That testing will cover the local rules and byelaws for the area where they are being examined, and immediately adjacent waterways. If a Tier 1 Boatmasters’ Licence holder subsequently goes to different areas, he/she must develop the same awareness about the harbour/navigation authority’s local requirements for each area, as this is fundamental to safe navigation and good seamanship.
3.3 Candidates for the Tier 2 licence will have to demonstrate similar awareness of local requirements for the area/s in which their on-board assessment takes place.
3.4 Annex 1 below lists those authorities that have advised MCA about their local requirements. It gives the area covered by the authority (where that information has been provided), and gives contact details from where more information can be obtained.
3.5 In areas where there is a local licence (eg a boatman’s licence), the holder of a relevant boatmaster’s licence (or certificate) will not be required to hold one.
Part 2 – Local Knowledge for the Tier 1 national Boatmaster’s Licence
4 Local Knowledge Endorsements
4.1 Because of the more comprehensive generic skills required under the Tier 1 National Boatmaster’s Licence (and EC Boatmaster’s Certificate), a local knowledge endorsement will not be a requirement in every area. However, where a port or navigation authority believes specific local knowledge is essential for safe operation in its area, it can propose requirements to the MCA. Where MCA agrees that the hazards in question cannot be dealt with on the basis of a Tier 1 boatmaster’s generic skills, a local knowledge endorsement will be required for operating in that area, and candidates will be examined specifically.
4.2 Where the port or navigation authority does not put forward local knowledge needs, there will normally be no requirement for a local knowledge endorsement. This will be the situation in the majority of inland areas, and it will be for operators/employers to train their BML candidates or new employees on any local knowledge factors they consider necessary.
4.3 There are a very few areas with no active navigation authority, but where there are known, substantial hazards to safe navigation. In those areas, MCA will reserve the right to require a local knowledge endorsement.
4.4 There are four criteria against which local knowledge proposals will be considered:-
- High traffic density: types and patterns;
- Difficult/complex tides and streams;
- Particular physical hazards (and the difficulty of negotiating them); and,
- If no suitable charts are available for the area.
4.5 For some local knowledge areas, such as the tidal River Thames, boatmasters who have qualified elsewhere, will need to satisfy additional service requirements in order to qualify for a local knowledge endorsement. This might involve a minimum number of trips or a period of service, or both. Details for the relevant areas are given in Annexes 2 and 3 below.
4.6 Annex 2 below lists those areas (except the tidal River Thames) for which local knowledge endorsements have been agreed as necessary, and indicates the various hazards that them.
4.7 Annex 3 gives the local knowledge requirements for the tidal River Thames, where a local knowledge endorsement will be required in order to operate in the area between Putney Bridge and the eastern extremity of the Thames Barrier Control area – currently Margaretness.
4.8 The general syllabus for local knowledge endorsements is at Annex 4.
More Information Inland Waterways Team Tel: +44 (0) 23 8032 9209/507 General Inquiries: MCA Website Address: www.mcga.gov.uk File Ref: MS 84/01/63 Published: January 2007 © Crown Copyright 2007 Safer Lives, Safer Ships, Cleaner Seas |
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Annex 1
Port/Harbour authority local requirements notified to MCA
| Harbour/Navigation Authority | Location/Limits of jurisdiction (where available) | Local Regulations/Byelaws information returned | Local Licence requirements at 1 January 2007 | Details available from: |
| Aberaeron | 52° 14.32’N 004° 16.21’W 52° 14.72’N 004° 16.70’W 52° 15.17’N 004° 15.82’W 52° 14.8’1N 004° 15.38’W | None | None | Ceredigion County Council Harbourmaster’s Office Town Quay South Marine Terrace Aberystwyth SY23 1DD T. 01970 611 433 F. 01970 611 433 peternd@ceredigion.gov.uk |
| Aberdyfi (Aberdovey) | As per chart in the Aberdyfi Harbour Empowerment Order 1972. |
|
| Gwynedd Council Pwllheli Gwynedd LL53 5AA T. 01758 704 066 barrydavies@gwynedd.gov.uk www.gwynedd.gov.uk |
| Abermaw (Barmouth) | - | Abermaw (Barmouth) Byelaws |
| Gwynedd Council Pwllheli Gwynedd LL53 5AA T. 01758 704 066 barrydavies@gwynedd.gov.uk www.gwynedd.gov.uk |
| Aberystwyth | 52° 25.40’N 004° 05.10’W 52° 25.40’N 004° 06.10’W 52° 23.78’N 004° 06.33’W 52° 23.78’N 004° 05.38’W | None | None | Ceredigion County Council Harbourmaster’s Office Town Quay South Marine Terrace Aberystwyth SY23 1DD T. 01970 611 433 F. 01970 611 433 peternd@ceredigion.gov.uk |
| Arbroath (Angus Council) | 56° 33° N, 2° 35° W | Arbroath Harbour Byelaws 1997 | None | The Harbour Master Harbour Office Ladybridge Street Arbroath DD11 1PD T. 01241 872 472 F. 01241 878 472 |
| Ayr and Troon | - | None | Pilotage/PEC requirement for any vessel over 65m. | ABP Ayr and Troon Ayr, Ayrshire KA8 8AH T. 01292 281 687 F. 01292 287787 ayr@abports.co.uk |
| Banff | 57° 40’N, 02° 31’W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Banff Harbour |
| Barrow | 53° 59.8’N, 003° 14.2’W |
| Licence for up to 12 passenger boats issued by Barrow Borough Council. | ABP Barrow Ramsden Dock Road Barrow-in-Furness LA14 2TW T. 01229 822 911 F. 01229 835 822 barrow@abport.co.uk |
| Belfast | Inside a line joining Grey Point and Carrickfergus Castle. |
| Port of Belfast Harbour Office Corporation Square Belfast Northern Ireland BT1 3AL T: 02890 554422 F: 02890 553017 E: portops@belfast-harbour.co.uk |
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| Blyth | From the limits of Blyth Harbour to Old Harley Bay and Seaton Sluice Harbour. |
| None | Harbour Master South Harbour Blyth Northumberland NE24 3PB T. 01670 352 678 F. 01670 540 674 marine@blythport.co.uk |
| Bridgewater (Port of Bridgewater) | Bridgewater Bay: Within a line drawn from Brean Down to Hinkley Point. River Parrett to Bridgewater; River Brue to Highbridge. | Pilotage Directions (vessels > 30m) | None | Port of Bridgewater Sedgemoor District Council 1 Grove Road Burnham-on-Sea TA8 2HF |
| Bridlington | Within a radius of 75 yards from the end of the North Pier at Bridlington. | Commissioners of Piers and Harbours at Bridlington – Byelaws (1977 and 1985). | None | Bridlington Harbour Commissioners Gummers Wharf West End, Bridlington East Yorkshire YO15 3AN T. 01262 670148/9 F. 01262 602041 harbour@bridlington007.wanadoo.co.uk |
| Bridport | Within 1000ft circle from end of old piers. | None | None | West Dorset District Council 37 Glyde Path Road Dorchester Dorset DT1 1XZ T. 01305 251 010 F. 01305 252349 engineers@westdorset-dc.gov.uk www.westdorset-dc.goc.uk |
| Bristol (The Bristol Port Company) | Westward limit: A line drawn between: Eastward limit: A line drawn through the following points: Southern limits: A line drawn through the following points: |
| None | The Bristol Port Company Marine Department Avonmouth Docks Bristol BS11 9AT T. 01179 812 637 F. 01179 381 927 enquiries@bristolport.co.uk www.bristolport.co.uk |
| Broads | As defined in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. |
| None | Broads Authority 18 Colegate, Norwich Norfolk, NR3 1BQ, UK T: 01603 610734 |
| Caernarfon | All of the Menai Strait area:- Southwestern Limit: An imaginary line joining positions 53º 09.6’ N 004º 25.7’W (Malltraeth Bay); 53º 05.0’N 004 32.15’W (Caernarfon bay) and 53º 00.55’N 004º 23.58’W (Afon Hen, Clynnog). Northeastern Limit: The Britannia Bridge. |
| None | Harbour Office Slate Quay Caernarfon Gwynedd LL55 2PB T: 01286 672118 F: 01286 678729 e-mail: cht@caernarfon-hbr.demon.co.uk www.caernarfonharbour.co.uk |
| Cardiff | As per Admiralty Charts 1176 & 1182 | Cardiff Dock & Harbour Bye-laws 2003 | None | ABP Cardiff Queen Alexandra House Cargo Road Cardiff CF10 4LY T. 0870 609 6699 F. 029 2083 5001 Email: Cardiff@abports.co.uk |
| Chichester (Chichester Harbour Conservancy) | Within a line drawn from Eastoke Point to the spire of West Wittering church. | Chichester Harbour Act 1971 | (Local Boatman’s Licence for up to 12 passenger vessels. RYA certificate-based). | The Harbour Office Itchenor Chichester West Sussex PO20 7AW T. 01243 512 301 F. 01243 513 026 harbourmaster@conservancy.co.uk www.conservancy.co.uk |
| Clyde | The Albert Bridge in Glasgow to A line drawn due east across the Firth of Clyde from Corrygills Point in Arran to the Ayrshire Coast and In the Kilbrannen Sound a line drawn East/West, being an extension of a line from the southern point on the Isle of Little Cumbrae. Incorporating all waters above said lines excluding dockyard ports. |
| Estuary Control Patrick Street Greenock PA16 8UU T: 01475 726221 F: 01475 727006 www.clydeport.co.uk |
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| Conwy | Within a line drawn from Mussel Hill to Tremlyd Point. | Conwy Harbour Revision Order 1982 | (Local Boatman’s Licence for up to 12 passenger vessels). | Principle Harbour and Maritime Officer Conwy County Borough Council Harbour Office The Quay Conwy LL32 8BB T. 01492 596 253 F. 01492 585 222 Harbwr.conwy.harbour@conwy.gov.uk |
| Dee Conservancy | Jurisdiction extends from Wilcox Point at the outskirts of Chester to an imaginary line drawn at the seaward end of the estuary between Point of Ayr in Wales and Hilbre Point in England. | Dee Conservancy Act 1889 | None | Dee Conservancy Harbour Master Environment Agency Wales Chester Road Buckley Flintshire CH7 3AJ T: 0151 632 3733 E: chja@stratmarine.com |
| Dover | The enclosed harbour and to seawards 1.0nm of the breakwaters. |
| Dover Harbour Board Harbour House Dover Kent CT17 9BU T. 01304 240400 E. roy.bird@doverport.co.uk www.doverport.co.uk |
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| Dundee (Port of Dundee Ltd) | Within a line drawn from Balmerino to Fairway Buoy. |
| None | Port of Dundee Ltd Harbour Chambers Dock Street Dundee DD1 3HW T. 01382 200 834 F. 01382 200 834 www.forthports.co.uk |
| Falmouth | Inner Harbour at Falmouth (excluding Falmouth Docks), the Penryn River up as far as Boyers Cellars, the southern part of the Carrick Roads and a large part of Falmouth Bay. |
| None (except PEC – see Pilotage Direction No. 5). | Falmouth Harbour Commissioners 44 Awenack Street Falmouth TR11 3JQ info@falmouthport.co.uk www.falmouthport.co.uk |
| Port of Felixstowe | 70m from the quay over its entire length. |
| None | Port of Felixstowe Tomline House The Dock Felixstowe Suffolk IP11 3SY T. 01394 604 500 F. 01394 604 949 millsc@fdrc.co.uk www.portoffelixstoew.co.uk |
| Fife | North Queensferry Piers: Aberdour Pier: Pettyyour Pier: Woodhaven Pier, Wormit: |
| None | Fife Council Transportation Services County Buildings St Catherine Street Cupar KY15 4TA T. 01334 412 900 F. 01334 412 911 Transportation.east@fife.gov.uk |
| Fleetwood | See Harbour Sailing Directions. |
| None | ABP Fleetwood, Dock Office, Fleetwood, Lancs. FY7 6PP. T. 01253 872 323 F. 01253 777549 e-mail: fleetwood@abports.co.uk |
| Fowey | Lostwithiel road bridge to a line drawn between Punches Cross and St Catherines Castle. |
| (Local Boatmans’ Licence for up to 12 passenger vessels). | Fowey Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office Albert Quay Fowey Cornwall PL23 1AJ T. 01726 832 471 F. 01726 833 738 fhc@foweyharbour.co.uk www.foweyharbour.co.uk |
| Fraserburgh | 57° 41’56N 2° 00’W to: 57° 42’52N 2° 00’09W to: 57° 42’22N 1° 57’51W to: 57°40’37N 1°57’51W to: 57° 40’32N 1° 57’48W | Fraserburgh Harbour Byelaws | None | Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office Shore Street Fraserburgh AB43 9BR T. 01346 515 858 F. 01346 516 641 enquiries@fraserburgh-harbour.co.uk |
| Garston (Liverpool) | The part of Garston Channel extending 1km (0.62 mile) NW from Stalbridge Lock. | [Being revised] | None | ABP Garston Port Office Garston Liverpool L19 2JW T. 0151 427 5971 F. 0151 494 3232 Garston@abports.co.uk |
| Gloucester | Part of the Severn Estuary from points seaward of the Second Severn Crossing, the tidal River Severn to the weirs at Maisemore, Llanthony (Gloucester) and the tidal River Wye to Bigsweir Bridge. |
| None (Pilotage requirements for vessels carrying > 12 passengers, or hazardous/dangerous cargoes). | Gloucester Harbour Trustees Navigation House The Docks Sharpness Berkeley Gloucestershire GL13 9UD T. 01453 811 913 F. 01453 810 381 mike.johnson@gloucesterharbourtrustees.org.uk www.gloucesterharbourtrustees.org.uk |
| Gordon | 56° 49’N 02° 17’W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Gordon Harbour |
| Grangemouth | West of the Forth Bridge to, Stirling. East of the Forth Bridge, to a line from Kirkaldy to the River Portobello. |
| None | Forth Ports PLC Grangemouth Port Office Grangemouth Stirlingshire FK3 8UE T. 01324 482 591 F. 01324 665 106 VTS.ADMIN@forthports.co.uk www.forthports.co.uk |
| Grimsby | Royal, Union, and Alexandra Commercial Docks; numbers 1, 2 and 3 Fish Docks, and extending 500 yards from those docks seawards. |
| None | ABP Grimsby Harbour Authority (Marine Office) Port Office Cleethorpes Road Grimsby Lincolnshire DN31 3LL T. 01472 253 609 F. 01472 242 499 |
| Hamble (River Hamble Harbour) | The river. | River Hamble Byelaws 1983 | Local licence for operators of up to 12 passenger vessels. Issued by Eastleigh Borough Council. | Harbour Master River Hamble Harbour Authority Shore Road Warsash SO31 9FR T. 01489 576 387 F. 01489 580 718 www.hants.gov.uk/hambleharbour |
| Harwich | River Stour; Harwich Harbour and harbour approached from Shipwash Bank. |
| None | Harwich Haven Authority Harbour House The Quay Harwich Essex CO12 3HH T. 01255 243 030 F. 01255 241 302 Harbour.house@hha.co.uk www.hha.co.uk |
| Helford River | The river. |
| Local Boatman’s Licence (for up to 12 passenger vessels). | Kerrier District Council Council Offices Dolcoath Avenue Camborne Cornwall TR14 8SX T. 01209 614 000 F. 01209 614 491 info@kerrier.gov.uk www.kerrier.gov.uk |
| Heysham (Heysham Port Ltd) | Between the North side of a line drawn from Sunderland Point to Walney Lighthouse, and the East side of a line drawn from Rossal Point to Cowper point. | Heysham Port Byelaws | Pilotage/PEC only (vessels over 50m LOA). | Heysham Port Ltd North Quay Heysham Lancashire LA3 2XF T. 01524 852 373 F. 01524 853 301 |
| Humber, Goole and Trent (Humber Estuary Services) | To the East of a line drawn from North to South Ferriby. | Humber Navigation Byelaws 1990 | None | ABP Hull PO Box 1 Port House Northern Gateway Hull HU9 5PQ T. 01482 327 171 F. 01482 608 434 Email. hull@abports.co.uk www.humber.com/statutory/ha-byelaws.asp |
| Immingham | Immingham enclosed dock and associated jetties: From the Immingham Gas Jetty to the West, to the Immingham Oil Terminal to the East, and extending 200 yards seawards. |
| None | ABP Immingham Harbour Authority (Marine Office) Port Office Cleethorpes Road Grimsby Lincolnshire DN31 3LL T. 01469 570 505 F. 01469 571 559 |
| Inverness | Eastern limit: A line from Chanonry Point to Fort George. Western limit: Beauly Firth (inclusive). | None | None | Trustees of the Harbour of Inverness Harbour Office Longman Drive Inverness IV1 1SU T. 01463 715 715 F. 01463 715 705 hm@invernessharbour.co.uk |
| Ipswich | - | None | ABP Ipswich Old Custom House Key Street Ipswich IP4 1BY T. 01473 231010 F. 01473 230914 www.abports.co.uk |
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| Isles of Scilly | Lat. 49. 55'N Long. 006. 19'W (Port) | - | Boatman’s Licence. | Harbour Master: Capt. Glenn Covell St. Mary's Isles of Scilly TR21 0NJ T: +44 (0)1720 422768 F: +44 (0)1720 423980 M: 07789 273610 E: hm@stmarys-harbour.co.uk E: swatt@scilly.gov.uk |
| Johnshaven | 56° 47’N 02° 20’W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Johnshaven Harbour |
| Kings Lynn | Kings Lynn enclosed Docks and River Great Ouse within 100 yards of ABP property, centred on:- 54° 45.6’N 0° 23.4’E | Kings Lynn Docks & Railway Company Byelaws | None | ABP Kings Lynn St Ann’s Fort Kings Lynn Norfolk PE30 1QS T. 01553 691 555 F. 01553 761 335 |
| Langstone | North of a line between Gunner Point & Eastney Point. |
| Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 20m carrying more than 12 passengers. | Langstone Harbour Board Ferry Road Hayling Island Hants PO11 0DG T: 02392463419 F: 02392467144 E: harbourmaster@langstoneharbour.org.uk |
| Larne | North Limit. Within lines from: Black Cave to South Hunter Rock Buoy, to Skernaghen Point, to Barr point, to Ferris Point. South limit. Within lines from: Curran Point to Islandmaggee 090° N 270° W |
| None | Port of Larne 9 Olderfleet Road Larne Northern Ireland BT40 1AS T. 028 2887 2100 F. 028 2887 2209 info@portoflarne.co.uk www.portoflarne.co.uk |
| Liverpool | - | See entry for Garston above | - | - |
| London (Port of London Authority) | From Teddington Lock to seaward limit Port of London Authority area. |
| - | Port of London Authority For hard copies of byelaws etc. e-mail: |
| Londonderry | Within a line from Magilligan Point to the fort at Greencastle, then to Graigavon Bridge in Londonderry. |
| None | Londonderry Port Harbour Office Port Road Lisahally Londonderry Northern Ireland BT47 6FL T. 028 7186 0555 F. 028 7186 1168 info@londonderry-port.co.uk |
| Lyme Regis | Lyme Regis Frontage: Beacon Post Rocks to Cobb Gate Jetty. | None | None | Lyme Regis Harbour c/o Engineering Division West Dorset District Council 37 Glyde Path Road Dorchester DT1 1XZ |
| Lymington | Lymington River estuary out to a line between Jack in the Basket and the Starting Platform. | Lymington Harbour Byelaws | None | Lymington Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office Bath Road Lymington Hants SO41 3SE T. 01590 672 014 F. 01590 671 823 harbouroffice@lymingtonharbour.co.uk www.lymingtonharbour.co.uk |
| MacDuff | 57° 40’N 02° 30W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Macduff Harbour |
| Medway (Medway Ports) | Medway Buoy to Allington Lock (River Medway), and Queenborough Spit Buoy to Shellness (River Swale). |
| Medway & Swale Tug Licence. | Medway Ports Sheerness Docks Sheerness Kent ME12 1RS T. 01795 596 596 F. 01795 660 072 Telex. 96435 |
| Milford Haven | - |
| None | Milford Haven Port Authority Gorsewood Avenue Milford Haven Pembrokeshire SA73 3ER enquiries@mhpa.co.uk www.mhpa.co.uk |
| Newport (Isle of Wight) | - | None | None | - |
| Newport (South Wales) | Within a line from Goldcliff Point and Peterstone, and up-river to Newbridge on Usk. | Port & Harbour of Newport Byelaws 1990 | None | Newport Harbour Commissioners 24 Bridge Street Newport South Wales T. 01633 265 702 F. 01633 258 431 |
| New Quay (Ceredigion) | 52° 13.14’N 004° 21.82’W 52° 13.09’N 004° 20.29’W 52° 12.85’N 004° 19.98’W | None | None | Ceredigion County Council Harbourmaster’s Office Town Quay South Marine Terrace Aberystwyth SY23 1DD T. 01970 611 433 F. 01970 611 433 peternd@ceredigion.gov.uk |
| Newquay (Cornwall) | - | None | None | Restormel Borough Council 39 Penwinnick Road St Austell Cornwall PL25 5DR |
| Padstow | Within a line joining Stepper Point, Gulland Rock, and, Pentire Point. | Padstow Harbour Navigational Guide | None | Padstow Harbour Commissioners The Harbour Office Padstow Cornwall PL28 8AQ T. 01841 532 239 F. 01841 533 346 info@Padstowharbour.fsnet.co.uk www.padstow-harbour.co.uk |
| Penryn (Carrick District Council) | West of a line between Boyers Cellars and Sailors Creek. |
| (Local Boatman’s Licence for up to 12 passenger vessels only). (Certifying Authority under MCA “Nominated Departure Point” Code of Practice). | Carrick District Council Maritime Section The Harbour Office Town Quay Truro Cornwall TR1 2HJ T. 01872 272 130 / 224 231 F. 01872 225 346 harbouroffice@carrick.gov.uk www.portoftruro.co.uk |
| Peterhead | Within 1.5 nautical miles to seaward of the harbour entrance. |
| None | Peterhead Bay Authority Bath House Bath Street Peterhead AB24 1DX T. 01779 474 020 info@peterhead-bay.co.uk www.peterhead-bay.co.uk |
| Penzance | Limits are the outer harbour walls. | Penzance Harbour Byelaws | None | Penzance Harbour Authority Harbour Office North Arm Wharf Road Penzance Cornwall TR18 4AH Neil.clark@penwith.gov.uk |
| Plymouth (Associated British Ports (ABP)) | 50° 22’N 50° 21.7N 004° 09.5’W 004° 09’ W | Harbour Byelaws | None | ABP Plymouth Port Office Millbay Docks Plymouth Devon PL1 3EF T. 01752 662 191 F. 01752 825 624 |
| Plymouth (Cattewater Harbour Commission) | All tidal waters within a line from Rame Head south-easterly to a point 1.25 nautical miles from Rame Church, north-easterly to the Shag Stone, and then east to the Shore. |
| None | Port of Plymouth Cattewater Harbour Commission 2 The Barbican Plymouth PL1 2LR T. 01752 665934 F. 01752 253624 info@plymouth.org.uk |
| Poole Harbour | Approximately from Bar Buoy no.1 inwards. |
| Local Waterman’s Licence (for up to 12 passenger boats). | Poole Harbour Commissioners Harbour Master’s Department Harbour Office 20 New Quay Road Poole Dorset BH15 4AF T. 01202 440233 F. 01202 440231 harbourmaster@phc.co.uk www.phc.co.uk |
| Porbay | 57° 41’N 02° 41’W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Porbay Harbour |
| Porthmadog | As per the chart referred to in the Porthmadog Harbour Empowerment Order 1998. | Porthmadog Byelaws | Boatman’s Licence. Proprietor’s Licence (in respect of the vessel/s). | Gwynedd Council Pwllheli Gwynedd LL53 5AA T. 01758 704 066 barrydavies@gwynedd.gov.uk www.gwynedd.gov.uk |
| Portsmouth | Approx 50 Sq miles including East Solent. The area from a line drawn between Hill Head and Old Castle Point (Isle of Wight) to a point about 5° E off the coast of Bembridge (Isle of Wight). | Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005 | Queen’s Harbour Master Semaphore Tower HM Naval Base Portsmouth PO1 3LT UNITED KINGDOM T: 023 927 23124 F: 023 927 22831 |
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| Pwllheli | - | Pwllheli Byelaws | Boatman’s Licence. Proprietor’s Licence (in respect of the vessel/s). | Gwynedd Council Pwllheli Gwynedd LL53 5AA T. 01758 704 066 barrydavies@gwynedd.gov.uk www.gwynedd.gov.uk |
| Rosehearty | 57° 42’N 02° 07’W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Rosehearty Harbour |
| Ryde | Within the harbour only. |
| Boatman’s Licence (for up to 12 passenger vessels). (Pleasure Boat Licence in respect of the vessel). | Ryde Harbour The Esplanade Ryde Isle of Wight PO33 1JA T/F. 01983 613 879 rydeharbour@amserve.com www.rydeharbour.com |
| Sandwich | - | None | None | Sandwich Port and Haven Commissioners 1 Potter Street Sandwich Kent CT13 9DR T. 01304 612 444 F. 01304 614 780 |
| Scrabster Harbour | Port Limits. | Scrabster Harbour Byelaws | None | Scrabster Harbour Trust Harbour Office Scrabster Caithness KW14 7UJ T. 01847 892779 harbourmaster@scrabster.co.uk www.scrabster.co.uk |
| Seaton Sluice Harbour | The harbour. |
| None | Coastal Warden Blyth Valley Borough Council Cowley Road Blyth Industrial Estate Blyth Northumberland NE24 5TF T. 01670 797 323 F. 01670 542 449 Coastal_warden@tiscali.co.uk |
| Salcombe | Within a line from Limebury to Splatt Cove. |
| Local Boatmans’ Licence (for up to 12 passengers vessels) | South Hams District Council Harbour Office Salcombe Devon TQ8 8BU |
| Silloth | Within Dock limits and up to 1000 yards outside. |
| None | ABP Silloth Harbour Master Dock Office Silloth Cumbria CA7 4JQ T. 01697 331 358 F. 01697 332 709 |
| Southampton | As shown on the map annexed to the Southampton Harbour Byelaws. | Southampton Harbour Byelaws 2003 | None | ABP Southampton Ocean Gate Atlantic Way Southampton SO14 3QN T. 023 80 488 800 F. 023 80 336 402 www.southamptonspin.co.uk/content/abpreference.asp |
| Stonehaven | 56° 58’N 02° 12’W | Grampian Regional Council Harbour Byelaws 1990 | None | Aberdeenshire Council (Transport & Infrastructure) Stonehaven Harbour |
| Stornoway | 58° 10.31’N 006° 22.34’W to 58° 10.31’N 006° 18.39’W to 58° 11.57’N to 006° 18.39’W to 58° 11.44’N to 006° 19.05’W, following the level of high water to 58° 11.21’N 006° 21.06’W |
(both currently under review) | None | Stornoway Port Authority Amity House Esplanade Quay Stornoway Western Isles HS1 2XS T. 01851 702688 F. 01851 705714 |
| Sullom Voe | The entire area of Yell Sound. |
| None | Sullom Voe Port Authority Port Administration Building Sellaness Sullom Voe Shetland ZE2 9QR T. 01806 244256 F. 01806 244220 www.shetland.gov.uk/ports |
| Sunderland | To the North: a line from Souter Point, extending at 80° 00’ for 1600ft from the high water line. To the South: a line from the mouth of Ryhope Dene, extending at 81° 55’for 3650ft from the high water line. To the East: a line between the eastern extremities of the two lines above. | Port of Sunderland Byelaws 1972 | None | Port of Sunderland Quayside House Wylham Wharf Low Street Sunderland SR1 2BU T. 0191 553 2100 F. 0191 553 2120 info@portofsunderland.org.uk www.portofsunderland.org.uk |
| Tarbert (Loch Fyne) | As per admiralty chart 2381. | Byelaws | None | Tarbert Harbourmasters Office Tarbert Harbour Tarbert Argyll A29 6UD |
| Teesport (PD Teesport) | [54° 45’N N 01° 13.30’ W 54° 39.18’ N 01° 00.42’ W 54° 37.30’ N 01° 04.01’ W] |
| None | PD Teesport Harbour Master’s Office Tees Dock Grangetown Middlesbrough TS6 6UD T. 01642 277 201 F. 01642 277 227 harbourmaster@pdports.co.uk |
| Teignmouth (Associated British Ports (ABP)) | 100ft seaward of quay walls. | The Teignmouth Quay Co. Ltd Byelaws 1951 | None | ABP Teignmouth Old Quay Teignmouth TQ14 8ES T. 01626 774 044 F. 01626 776 240 teignmouth@abports.co.uk www.abports.co.uk |
| Teignmouth (Teignmouth Harbour Commission) | Teignmouth lies on the north side of the River Teign. Position Latitude 50 33 N Longitude 3 30 W Admiralty Charts: Numbers 26 (Harbours on South Coast of Devon) and 3315 (Berry Head to Bill of Portland). |
| None | Teignmouth Harbour Commission 2 Orchard Gardens Teignmouth Devon TQ14 8DR T. 01626 772 376 F. 01626 770 317 thc@tozers.co.uk www.teignmouth-harbour.com |
| Tenby | Within the area bounded by a line drawn from Monkstone Point to the point 500 metres due East of Skier Rock, off St Catherines Island, then continuing for 100m. A second line from that point to a point on South Beach, where the line of high water meets Iron Bar Steps. |
| None | Pembrokeshire Bounty Council Harbour Office Castle Square Tenby Pembrokeshire SA70 7BW T. 01834 842 717 F. 01834 844 224 Tenby.harbour@pembrokeshire.gov.uk |
| Tilbury | Impounded waters within Tilbury Dock. | Byelaws | None | The Port of Tilbury London Ltd Leslie Ford House Tilbury Freeport Tilbury Essex RM18 7EH T. 01375 852 200 F. 01375 855 106 Richard.exley@potll.com www.forthports.co.uk/ports/tilbury |
| Truro (Carrick District Council) | North of a line from Messack Point to Penharrow Point (Tarra Point), excluding Restronguet Creek. |
| (Local Boatman’s Licence for up to 12 passenger vessels only) (Certifying Authority under MCA “Nominated Departure Point” Code of Practice) | Carrick District Council Maritime Section The Harbour Office Town Quay Truro Cornwall TR1 2HJ T. 01872 272 130 / 224 231 F. 01872 225 346 harbouroffice@carrick.gov.uk www.portoftruro.co.uk |
| Warrenpoint | As on Admiralty Chart 2800. |
| None | Warrenpoint Harbour Authority The Docks Warrenpoint County Down Northern Ireland BT34 3JR T. 028 417 73381 F. 028 417 52875 Info@warrenpointharbour.co.uk www.warrenpointharbour.co.uk |
| Wells (Norfolk) | All waters inside numbers 1 and 2 buoys. (Charts AC 108 Imray C28, Y9 OS 132.). | Harbour Master’s Directions | None | Wells Harbour Commissioners Harbour Office Old Lifeboat House West Quay Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk NR23 1AT T. 01328 711 646 F. 01328 710 623 www.wellsharbour.co.uk |
| Weymouth and Portland | As per Admiralty Chart 2455. |
| Local Waterman’s Licence (for up to 12 passenger vessels) | Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Environmental Services Department 13 Custom House Quay Weymouth Dorset DT4 8BG T. 01305 838 423 berthingofficer@weymouth.gov.uk www.weymouth.gov.uk |
| Whitstable | As per the chart in section13 of the Whitstable harbour act 1957. | Whitstable Harbour Byelaws 1928 (due to be replaced by new byelaws) | None | Canterbury City Council Harbour Office Whitstable Harbour Whitstable CT5 1AB T. 01227 274 086 F. 01227 265 441 Whitstable.harbour@canterbury.gov.uk www.canterbury.gov.uk |
| Workington | Within the breakwater, and within a line drawn from Southerness Point to Silloth. |
| None | Port of Workington Prince of Wales Dock Workington Cumbria CA14 2HJ T. 01900 602 301 F. 01900 604 696 Workington.port@cumbriacc.gov.uk www.portofworkington.com |
| Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) | See schedule on page 18 of the Byelaws. |
| None | The Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) Harbour Commissioners The Quay Yarmouth Isle of Wight PO41 0NT T. 01983 760 321 F. 01983 761 192 info@yar-iow-harbour.demon.co.uk www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk |
Annex 2
Local Knowledge Requirements for areas where a Local Knowledge Endorsement is necessary
Bristol Port
(Area: The River Avon from Ashton Swing Bridge to the mouth of the Avon and King Road from Portishead Point to the port limits to the North and West).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Difficult/complex tides and streams | River Avon and King Road, Hydrodynamic and Survey features. The Port currently has a river Avon induction assessment process (based upon a presentation identifying the hazards of operation in the Avon). We are currently updating this and provide details when complete. |
Caernarfon and Menai Strait
(Area: From the Southern Limit specified in the Menai Strait Pilotage District Pilotage Directions, that is an imaginary line joining positions 53°09.6’N 004°25.7’W (Malltraeth Bay); 53°05.0’N 004°32.15’W (Caernafon Bay) and 53°00.55’N 004°23.58’W (afon Hen, Clynnog) to a line drawn between Bangor Pier and Garth-y-Don).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Difficult/complex tides and streams |
|
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) |
|
| If no suitable charts are available for the area |
|
Dee Conservancy
(Area: From an imaginary straight line connecting Point of Ayr (National Grid reference point SJ 12268519) and Hilbre Point (National Grid reference point SJ 20298843) to the Airbus Load-out Facility at Broughton).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) | There are frequent changes in the position of the navigable channel in the Estuary and adjacent banks. Consequently navigation buoys marking the channel are moved as required. It is considered dangerous for vessels to ground in the navigable channel on an out-going tide as the sand may be washed away leaving the vessel liable to keel over (referred to in Admiralty Sailing Directions NP37). |
| If no suitable charts are available for the area | The Dee estuary and river upstream of the Port of Mostyn is not charted. Safe navigation of the estuary and river requires knowledge of the location and purpose of all floating and fixed aids to navigation and bridge clearance heights, up to date details of which are available from the conservancy, harbour and local lighthouse authority (Environment Agency) and competent harbour authority (Mostyn Docks Ltd). |
Dover Harbour
(Area: The harbour and the sea within a distance of one mile from the seaward limits of the harbour).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| High traffic density: type and patterns | Dover is a busy ferry port with over 130 ferry arrivals and departures per day, from the Eastern entrance alone. Fast craft will also be frequently encountered using the Western entrance. In summer, Dover is a popular base and destination for yachtsmen and pleasure craft, which use both harbour entrances for entry and exit. All commercial and leisure craft movements within one mile of the Port of Dover and inside the harbour, are controlled by Dover Port Control on VHF working Channel 74. |
| Difficult/complex tides and streams | Complex and strong tidal streams run within tidal flows both off the port and around Dover Harbour (Admiralty Chart No.1698 refers). A working knowledge of td inside the harbour is therefore desirable. Particular caution is necessary at any time when manoeuvring both within and immediately outside the harbour as a result of strong and varying currents during the period from 2 and three-quarter hours before High Water, until High Water. |
Fowey Harbour
(Area: The upper estuary, north of Upper Carne Point).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) | Lack of lighted marks or buoyage north of Upper Carn point. |
| If no suitable charts are available for the area | Knowledge of drying areas north of Wisemans Reach. |
Gloucester Harbour
(Area: The Severn estuary from the harbour limits at Goldcliff to the weirs at Maisemore, Lanthony (Gloucester) on the tidal River Severn, and to Bigsweir Bridge on the tidal River Wye).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Difficult/complex tides and streams |
|
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) |
|
Port of Liverpool
(Area: The River Mersey from a straight line drawn between the Perch Rock Lighthouse and Gladstone River Entrance West Bullnose, south to a straight line drawn between the East Bullnose of Eastham 50’ Lock and the West Bullnose of Stalbridge (Garston) Lock).
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Difficult/complex tides and streams | The River Mersey has tidal streams that can run up to about 7 or 8 knots on a large Spring tide, ranges of 10.5 metres are experienced at certain times of the year. The River splits south of Bromborough Buoy into two channels, one leading to Garston (an ABP Port) the other to Eastham, the entrance to the Manchester Ship Canal, the longest linear port in the world and also the QE II Oil Dock. The stream does not follow the path of the River but crosses between the two shores on 3 or 4 occasions in the navigable sector. These crossings vary between flood and ebb and whether springs or neaps. Entrance to the dock system for Liverpool and Birkenhead is via locks around which the tidal stream can vary tremendously at different states of tide. The stream can be across, into or down from the lock and run up to 5 knots at times. The River in the Garston Channel again does not necessarily follow the line of the channel. The Eastham Channel has its own problems with shifting sandbanks in a narrow shallow channel. |
Padstow Harbour
(Area: The waters within a line joining Stepper Point, Gulland Rock and Pentire Point.)
Qualifying Service Time Requirement:- 6 voyages outward from the harbour and 6 voyages inward to the harbour under the supervision of a person authorised by the Padstow Harbour Authority
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) | Familiarity with, and ability to traverse/negotiate, the “Doom Bar” at the entrance of the River Camel, particularly in strong Northerly or Westerly winds when this feature is at its most hazardous. |
Portsmouth Harbour
(Area: The waters between No. 4 Bar Buoy and a line drawn from No. 98 Pile to Whale Island.)
Qualifying Service Time Requirement:- 6 months experience in the above area, including at least 60 days service.
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| High traffic density: type and patterns |
|
Isles of Scilly
(Area: The waters within a line drawn from Bishop Rock Lighthouse to Scilly Rock, Round Island, White Island, Hanjague and around the South East of St Mary’s.)
Qualifying Service Time Requirement:- 6 months experience in the above area, including at least 60 days service.
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Difficult/complex tides and streams | Knowledge of the general direction of tides, streams and overfalls |
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) | Awareness of the rocks, ledges and sand bars and the depth of water over them |
Teignmouth
(Area: The waters from Ness Point to 100 yards East of Den Lighthouse.)
| Designated Local Knowledge Criteria | Particular requirements |
| Particular physical hazards (and the technical difficulty of negotiating them) | Outer sand bars constantly changing. Approach buoys moved at short noticed as required. |
| If no suitable charts are available for the area | Due to constantly changing buoys no charts are 100% correct. |
Annex 3
Local Knowledge requirements for the tidal River Thames - Port of London Authority Area
(Area: The River Thames from Putney Bridge to the eastern limit of the Thames Barrier Control Zone (currently Margaretness).)
Qualifying Service Time requirement
Before being examined for the tidal Thames local knowledge endorsement, the candidate must have completed the following additional qualifying service:- At least 6 months experience within the above area, including at least 60 days service undertaken in varying conditions, including trips in different directions, and trips during the hours of darkness.
General Rules and Knowledge
| Subject | Detail | Level of Knowledge 1 = Detailed 2 = Working 3 = Aware | Reference |
| PLA Regulations/Guidance | PLA River Byelaws | 2 | BL |
| General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London | 2 | GD | |
| Permanent Notice to Mariners | 2 | PNtoM | |
| Current Notice to Mariners | 2 | NtoM | |
| Dangerous Substance in Bulk Byelaws | 3 | BL | |
| Code of Practice for the Safe Mooring of Ships | 2 | CofP | |
| Other Local Authority Regulations | Port Health etc | 3 | |
| VTS Procedures | VTS Stations/ VHF Frequencies / Routine Broadcasts /Reporting Points(Waypoints) | 1 | GD/ PNtoM/ PLA Tide Tables/ Charts |
| River Environment | |||
| Tides | Find HW & LW for given position. | 1 | Tide Tables |
| Calculate Under Keel and Air Draft clearance for a given time/position. | 1 | Tide Tables | |
| Tidal Surges and Effect of Land Water | 3 | PLA Tide Tables/Local Knowledge | |
| Emergency Response | |||
| Search And Rescue | Coastguard and TIRRs/RNLI stations and equipment/"Mayday" & "Pan Pan"/Search and Rescue plans | 1 | PNtoM |
| Major Incidents | POLASEA / POLACAP / POLARIVER | 2 | PNtoM |
| Port Emergencies | Master's responsibilities in all categories. | 2 | PNtoM |
| Security | Passenger security, Anti terrorist precautions and action in event of passenger disturbances | 2 | Domestic Safety Management Code/Met Police/ TRANSEC (DfT) |
Thames Barrier Control Zone to Putney
| Subject | Detail | Level of Knowledge 1 = Detailed 2 = Working 3 = Aware | Reference |
| Geography | Names and Locations of reaches, lights and points | 1 | Chart |
| Names and Locations of piers, causeways and landing places | 1 | Chart | |
| Names, working arches, depths and arch heights of bridges. | 1 | Chart, BL App. IV | |
| Names and Locations of locks dock, barriers, creeks, cuts and inlets. | 1 | Chart | |
| Names and Locations of designated anchorages | 2 | Chart / PLA Tide Tables | |
| Names and Locations of mooring buoys and barge roads. | 2 | Chart | |
| Local marks – buoyage, daymarks, leading lights, Tide Gauges. | 2 | Chart | |
| Dangers to Navigation | Shoals | 1 | Chart |
| Effect of the weather in each reach | 2 | Local Knowledge | |
| Traffic Patterns | Traffic "pinch points". Types and timing of traffic expected in the area. | 3 | Local Knowledge |
| The routine timing of the passage of “Reporting Vessels” | 3 | Local Knowledge | |
| Currents and tidal eddies | Barking, Broadness. | 1 | Local Knowledge |
| Tidal sets at bridges, piers an moorings. | 1 | Local Knowledge | |
| Effect of barrier gate positions on navigation through the Thames Barrier. | 1 | Local Knowledge | |
| Effect on height of tide and tidal stream when the Thames Barrier is closed. | 2 | Local Knowledge | |
| Effect on height of tide and tidal stream caused by unusually high or low volumes of land water passing over the weir at Teddington. | 2 | Local Knowledge / PNtoM / PLA Tide Tables | |
| Special PLA Regulations | Navigation in Thames Barrier Control Zone | 1 | DG 16 |
| Requirement for lookouts | 1 | GD17 | |
| Variation to Col Regs Vessels above Cherry Garden Pier | 1 | BL19 PNtoM 6 | |
| Special Signal Lights (“Isophase Lights”) | 1 | GD19 | |
| Limitation on vessels towing | 2 | GD20 | |
| Sound Signals | 1 | PNtoM 8 | |
| Passenger Vessel additional markings | 2 | GD21 GD18 | |
| Bridge Light (main navigation arch, closed arch and reduced headroom signals) | 1 | BL29 GD19 BL App IV | |
| Speed limit | 2 | BL48, PNtoM 7 | |
| Exclusion Zones | 1 | PNtoM 27 |
Annex 4
Competencies for Local Knowledge Endorsement
Syllabus may include the following as appropriate to the area/s concerned:-
- a thorough knowledge of local regulations and byelaws (this is essential for all areas);
- knowledge of navigation authority publications;
- local signals and traffic regulations;
- local marks, including buoyage, lights, leading lights and marks;
- local dangers to navigation – depths over banks, obstructions, currents and abnormal tidal streams etc.;
- local safe havens and landing places in differing weather conditions;
- a knowledge of the times and heights of tides;
- safe courses in and out of local harbours;
- locations of, and means of communication with the nearest Coastguard centre, and other emergency services;
- local language terminology (including radio communications where appropriate);
- knowledge of local VTS and traffic control;
- knowledge of local traffic density and patterns;
- types of traffic to be encountered;
- any other item of local knowledge which an examiner may deem to be necessary (eg current notices to mariners on temporary works); and,
- fixed items and air draft hazards (eg bridges).