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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.06 of 2010
Navigation Restriction due to Dredging Haddiscoe Cut 2010
Note that dredging operations will restrict passage along the Haddiscoe Cut between the hours of 0700 hours and 1700 hours (local time) daily from Monday 19 April 2010 until Friday 28 May 2010, excluding weekends. During each period of operation, delays of up to one hour may be expected. Before attempting to pass, Mariners must await clear instructions from the dredging crew and exercise great care whilst proceeding past the works. Signage will be in place to warn of delays.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich
NR3 1UB
16 March 2010
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Item Number: 126
last edited on: 17/03/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.05 of 2010
Navigation Restriction due to Power Boat Racing
Oulton Broad 2010
Note that vessels may be temporarily restricted and regulated in their movement in the vicinity of the power boat racing circuit at Oulton Broad during the 2010 summer season. Where necessary patrol boats will supervise transit between races. Please take note of advice given by officials. Specific dates for racing are as follows:
Thursday 22 April 6.00pm
Sun 2 May 12.00 noon
Monday 3 May 12.00 noon
Thursday 13 May 6.00pm
Thursday 20 May 6.00pm
Thursday 27 May 6.00pm
Monday 31 May 12.00 noon
Thursday 10 June 6.00pm
Thursday 17 June 6.00pm
Thursday 24 June 6.00pm
Thursday 1 July 6.00pm
Thursday 8 July 6.00pm
Thursday 15 July 6.00pm
Thursday 22 July 6.00pm
Thursday 29 July 5.45pm
Thursday 5 August 5.30pm
Thursday 12 August 5.30pm
Thursday 19 August 5.30pm
Monday 30 August 4.00pm
Sunday 12 September 12.00 noon
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich
NR3 1UB
15 February 2010
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Item Number: 125
last edited on: 22/02/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.04 of 2010
Restriction to Navigation and Closure of River Wensum during the Period 12 to 22 April 2010
As a result of commercial trenching works by Britvic between the Trowse Bridge and the Carrow Bridge in Norwich, vessel movement on the River Wensum will be restricted during the following periods (all times local):
12-16 April 0800 to 1900 hours, and 19 April 0800 to 1200, cable trench excavation will occur on the banks and across the river. A buoyed barrier will be used when work is underway that is considered hazardous. Transit past the works should not be attempted without the permission of marshalling personnel. Delays up to half an hour can be expected.
19 April - OPEN
0800 to 1200-but see above
1700 to 1800hours (with Ranger escort)
CLOSED
1200 to 1700hours
1800 to 1900hours
20 April - OPEN (with Ranger escort)
0900 to 1000 hours
1700 to 1800 hours
CLOSED
0800 to 0900hours
1000 to 1700hours
1800 to 1900 hours
21 April - OPEN (with Ranger escort)
0900 to 1000 hours
1700 to 1800 hours
CLOSED
0800 to 0900hours
1000 to 1700hours
1800 to 1900 hours
22 April - OPEN (with Ranger escort)
0900 to 1000 hours
1200 hours onward for normal operation.
CLOSED
0800 to 0900 hours
1000 to 1200 hours
Note that the river will be open outside 0800 to 1900 hours. Masters of vessels are urged to pay particular attention to navigation marking in the area and to any supplementary instruction issued by Navigation Rangers.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich
NR3 1UB
12 February 2010
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Item Number: 124
last edited on: 17/02/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.03 of 2010
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION of BROADS AUTHORITY NOTICE TO MARINERS No. 17 of 2009 - Upton Dyke temporary closures
Notice is given that with immediate effect the Broads Authority Notice to Mariners No 17 of 2009 concerning dredging operations in Upton Dyke is cancelled.
Navigation of the Upton Dyke will no longer be impeded by dredging works and therefore normal rules apply.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich
NR3 1UB
2 February 2010
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Item Number: 123
last edited on: 03/02/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
Urgent Boating News
DREDGING in Upton Dyke
Please note that the Notice to Mariner No 17 of 2009 concerning Upton Dyke restrictions that involve temporary closures for dredging has now been cancelled. Therefore with immediate effect dredging is no longer taking place in the Upton Dyke where normal navigational rules apply.
DREDGING in River Bure
During the period 15th February 2010 until 1st April 2010, dredging will be taking 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.
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Item Number: 122
last edited on: 02/02/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
Urgent Safety Alert
Potentially Fatal Issue from Belling, Flavel, Leisure, and New World Cookers
An urgent appeal has been lodged for boaters who may be at risk from potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning from Belling, Flavel, Leisure and New World cookers through the Environment Agency.
Manufacturers and Trading Standards have been unable to contact all of the owners of around 12,000 appliances and boat owners are urged to note the risk and take the necessary action. A copy of the content of the notice is shown below. Full details are available on the Boat Safety Scheme website which is available through this link: http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/Home_1.asp under the “Belling, Flavel, Leisure and New World” banner.
Requests for further information should be directed to the appliance manufacturers.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy
01603 756052
“An urgent appeal has gone out to boaters from the manufacturers of Belling, Flavel, Leisure and New World cookers - act now to avoid the risk of potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning."
As a result, the Boat Safety Scheme is urging boat owners, including those that rent and hire their craft, to check the brand and model of their cooker as there is a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from some models.
Free modifications by the suppliers' engineers to the cookers are available to prevent the risk of CO if the grill is used accidentally with the door shut. This is a quick and simple operation.
The Boat Safety Scheme advises any boat owners with the following appliances to call the free-phone number 0800 342 3049 to have their appliance modified as soon as they can:
Belling G755 Mk II White
Belling G755 Mk II Anthracite
Belling GT755 White
Belling Countrychef 100G Silver
Belling Countrychef 100G Anthracite
New World Vision 50TWLM Silver LPG
New World Vision 50TWLM White LPG
New World Vision 50WLM Silver LPG
New World Vision 50WLM White LPG
Leisure AL6NDW
Leisure CM10NRK
Leisure CM10NRC
Leisure CM101NRCP
Leisure CM101NRKP
Flavel DCGAP5LS
Flavel AP5LDWP
Flavel AP5LDW
Flavel AP5LDSP
Flavel Milano ML5NDS
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Item Number: 121
last edited on: 27/01/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
Urgent Safety Alert
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.
Recent tests have shown that some batches may not detect (and hence may not sound an alarm) in the presence of certain concentrations of carbon monoxide.
The advice is to remove the unit and return it to the place where you bought it for a refund or further advice.
The alarms are approximately 11cm in diameter. The Lloytron item is in blue packaging and the PowerPlus item is sold with blue and yellow packaging.
The Boat Safety Scheme believes carbon monoxide alarms made to the international standard EN 50291 and installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines can give boaters reassurance, but they should be used alongside a policy of maintaining and using gas, coal, wood and oil-burning appliances according to instructions.
There is further information on carbon monoxide in the BSS leaflet, 'Avoiding the Silent Threat', available from the BSS Office (01923 201278) and on the BSS website:
www.boatsafetyscheme.com/site/Downloads_174.asp
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Item Number: 120
last edited on: 27/01/2010
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.2 of 2010
Restricted Operation of Mutford Lock
Repair work to the Mutford Lock is underway but the work has revealed a requirement for replacement parts to be manufactured. Consequently and with immediate effect the Lock is available for use but restricted in its operation. Contact with the Lock Authorities are as follows:
Lock Control 0800hrs till 1200hrs:
Tel No: 01502 531778 or VHF Channel 73.
Outside these times but during normal office hours:
Tel No: 01502574946.
Vessel Masters should ensure that they exercise extreme caution when approaching, entering, and leaving the Lock and observe any Lock-Keepers instruction.
This Notice supersedes “Notice to Mariners No: 15 of 2009”.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich
NR3 1UB
14 January 2010
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Item Number: 119
last edited on: 14/01/2010
by: Editor |
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PORT OF GREAT YARMOUTH
NOTICE TO MARINERS
No. 009 of 2009
Great Yarmouth - River Bure
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that outfall repair works on the river wall 200m upstream of the Bure Bridge (Great Yarmouth) on the east bank opposite Garrison Road, will commence on the 11th January 2010 and will continue until the 5th March 2010. During this period, obstruction will project up to 1.5m into the river and contractors' personnel and construction plant will be working in this area. Staff will be on site during normal working hours (07:30 to 17:00hrs) Monday to Friday, the contractors' (Barhale Construction Plc) emergency out-of-hours numbers is 01733 421600. The work area will extend over 20 metres and will be marked by red flags at each extremity.
Navigators are advised to approach the area with caution and keep clear of the works at slow speed.
Captain P J McNamara
Harbour Master
(Great Yarmouth Port Company Ltd, as agent for Great Yarmouth Port Authority)
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Item Number: 118
last edited on: 05/01/2010
by: walkerl |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.1 of 2010
Closure and restrictions at Reedham
and Somerleyton Swing Bridges
Notice is hereby given that due to the next phase of a four year works programme being carried out by Network Rail Reedham and Somerleyton Bridges will be closed or restricted over the following period:
00:40 Saturday 13 February to
04:00 Monday 22 February 2010
Somerleyton Swing Bridge will be closed and not able to swing during this period.
Reedham Swing Bridge will only be able to swing between 10:00 -10:30 and 15:00-15:30 during this period.
Vessels normally able to navigate through the bridges in the closed position will still be able to pass through but delays of up to 1 hour may be encountered.
Please ensure you navigate with care and caution in the area, observing any relevant signs or directions.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
2 Gilders Way
Norwich
NR3 1UB
4 January 2010
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Item Number: 117
last edited on: 16/12/2009
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.17 of 2009
Upton Dyke restrictions involving temporary closures
Notice is hereby given that the Broads Authority will be undertaking dredging operations at Upton Dyke.
The works will be undertaken from 07:30 - 16:30 Monday to Friday inclusive from:
Monday 11th Jan to Wednesday 31st March 2010
There will be unrestricted access at weekends
Passage past the dredging location will not be possible due to the dredging rig blocking the navigation.
Please note that at all times you may only proceed past dredging vessels when clear indication is given that it is safe to do so. Please ensure you navigate with care and caution.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich NR3 1UB
8 December 2009
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Item Number: 116
last edited on: 08/12/2009
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.16 of 2009
River Chet temporary restrictions
Notice is hereby given that the Broads Authority will be undertaking dredging operations on the River Chet commencing at Chet mouth completing at Nog Dam End.
The works will be undertaken from 07:30 - 16:30 Monday to Friday inclusive from:
Monday 4th January to Wednesday 31st March 2010
During these times vessels may encounter long delays of up to two hours, during which time passage past the dredging location will not be possible due to the dredging rig blocking the navigation. There will be no restrictions at weekends.
Please note that at all times vessels may only proceed past dredging vessels when clear indication is given that it is safe to do so. Please ensure you navigate with care and caution.
Current status can be obtained from Broads Radio Control on 01603 756056
Steve Birtles
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich NR3 1UB
16 November 2009
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Item Number: 115
last edited on: 25/11/2009
by: Editor |
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Please note Notice to Mariners No 14 Has been cancelled and will be replaced with the attached Notice No.15.
Mutford Lock Operation.
With immediate effect (6 November 2009) and following engineering inspection, the Mutford Lock is operating although with additional operator intervention. Note that normal booking procedures continue to apply. Repair work is required and has been scheduled for 11-15 January 2010 when a width restriction of 2.75 metres (approximately 9 feet) will be applied. A Notice to Mariner for the repair period will be posted shortly.
Chris Bailey
Waterways Admin Officer
Broads Authority
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Item Number: 113
last edited on: 06/11/2009
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.14 of 2009
Vessel Width Restriction for Mutford Lock
With immediate effect the Mutford Lock is restricted to vessels with a beam of no greater than 2.75 metres (approximately 9 feet) as a result of a broken lock gate mechanism. Engineering investigation is under way but there is currently no time estimate for the lock to return to a fully operational status. Seasonal opening times and booking procedures remain in force.
Vessel Masters should ensure that they exercise extreme caution when approaching, entering, and leaving the Lock and observe any Lock-Keepers instruction.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich NR3 1UB
3 November 2009
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Item Number: 112
last edited on: 03/11/2009
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.13 of 2009
Closure of the Carlton Railway Swing Bridge, Oulton Broad
Notice is hereby given that due to repair works being undertaken by Balfour Beatty on behalf of Network Rail, passage under the Carlton Railway Swing Bridge will not be possible on the following dates and between the listed times:
16th Jan 2010 (23:45 - 08:05) 17th Jan 2010
23rd Jan 2010 (23:45 - 08:05) 24th Jan 2010
12th Feb 2010 (23:55 - 05:15) 15th Feb 2010
20th Feb 2010 (23:45 - 08:05) 21st Feb 2010
27th Feb 2010 (23:45 - 08:05) 28th Feb 2010
27th March 2010 ( 23:45 - 08:05) 28th March 2010
Vessel Masters should ensure that they exercise care and caution when passing under the Bridge at other times and observe navigation signage as appropriate.
Mike Rimmer
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
Dragonfly House
2 Gilders Way
Norwich NR3 1UB
2 November 2009
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Item Number: 111
last edited on: 03/11/2009
by: Editor |
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Broads Bill gains Royal Assent
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Item Number: 107
last edited on: 05/07/2009
by: Editor |
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BROADS AUTHORITY
NOTICE TO MARINERS No.10 of 2009
Opening times of Trowse Swing Bridge
Notice is hereby given that Trowse Swing Bridge opening times will be as stated below.
| Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 1002 | 0912 | 0917 |
| 1209 | 1307 | 1126 |
| 1607 | 1507 | 1326 |
| 1842 | 1707 | 1727 |
From Sunday 17 May 2009 to Saturday 12 December 2009
It is recommended that craft arrive at the bridge in good time before the specified opening periods as arrivals after the published times may not be accommodated. The bridge may be contacted on VHF Channel 12.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
2 Gilders Way
Norwich NR3 1UB
19 June 2009
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Item Number: 105
last edited on: 29/06/2009
by: Editor |
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River Ant Posts to be removed
Broads private boat owners heaved a sigh of relief this week when the Broads Authority (BA) bowed to pressure from users’ organisations and started removing dangerous steel marker posts it had only recently installed on the River Ant.
Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association (NSBA), which represents tollpayers, sailing clubs and private boat owners on the Broads, has campaigned to get the posts removed and wrote to BA Chief Executive Dr John Packman stressing the danger to which these posts put boats, and sailing craft in particular, on such a narrow river. Both the River Cruiser Class and the Broads Hire Boat Federation also made strong representations to BA to have the posts removed.
A spokesman for NSBA said: “This is very good news. They are replacing the steel posts, which at two metres above water level were a serious danger to all sorts of craft but most particularly sailing boats, with coloured marker buoys – which is what we asked for in the first place. In the face of strong opposition from all sides BA has seen sense, and that gives us some cause for optimism in the future. We look forward now to similar posts on the River Chet also being removed.”
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Item Number: 104
last edited on: 07/04/2009
by: Editor |
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Broads Authority Bill
The Broads Authority Bill has at last passed through the House of Lords Committee. It is now expected on the Statute Book in the spring. The Bill gives the Broads Authority (BA) increased powers, including full implementation of the boat safety scheme, licensing of hire boats and making third party insurance for all boats compulsory.
In a brief statement Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association (NSBA) chairman Mark Wells said: “There is considerable relief that this long drawn out process is now almost at an end. Now it’s time to move on. We have many points of difference with the Broads Authority (BA) and, while observing closely how they choose to apply the new legislation, we want to get back to concentrating on sorting out these substantive issues with them.”
NSBA, with support and help from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the British Marine Federation (BMF), negotiated significant modifications to the earlier drafts of the Bill, culminating in the agreements reached between the boating organisations and the BA in January 2007.
“Their advice was invaluable to our case,” commented Mark Wells. “We remain convinced that the line we took was both effective – in terms of the amendments achieved – and financially prudent.”
He added the NSBA now looked to the future and was concentrating its efforts on supporting the BA members' scrutiny panel examining the Authority's stewardship of the toll income, encouraging efforts to redeem the backlog of dredging in key areas of the Broads and continuing to represent the interests of all private boaters who use the Broads Navigation.
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Item Number: 97
last edited on: 23/02/2009
by: Editor |
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NSBA Regattas
The NSBA Youth Regatta was held on September 2nd 2006 at the Norfolk Punt Club. Seventy competitors entered. Norfolk Broads Yacht Club won the Centenary Trophy, Ruth Myerscough won the Lady Mayhew Trophy.
The Ramuz Trophy was sailed for on September 17th 2006 in Waveneys at Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club. 14 clubs entered teams. Chris Bunn was the winner, representing Snowflake Sailing Club. Ian Tims of Norfolk Broads Yacht Club was second, with David Mackley of Norwich Frostbite Sailing Club third.
NSBA are grateful to NPC for hosting the Youth Regatta and to WOBYC for staging the Ramuz Trophy. Sincere thanks are also due to those owners who lent their boats for the Ramuz competition.
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Item Number: 59
last edited on: 19/09/2006
by: Philip Ollier |
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Nic Asher WOBYC sailor has won the 470 worlds in China
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Nic
Asher, a member
of Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club, and his crew, Elliott Willis,
have won the 470 World Championships in China. Detailed reports can be found
at http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?ID=j6fFh?pBD&format=popup
.
NSBA congratulate Nic and Elliott on their achievement. A monumental success.
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Item Number: 58
last edited on: 13/09/2006
by: The Editor |
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Wakeboarding
The NSBA committee has become increasingly aware of issues arising from the practice of wakeboarding on the Broads. Wakeboarding has been discussed several times during committee meetings. To help it come to a position, the committee asked representatives of water skiing/wakeboarding, and those opposed to it, to participate in a full debate of the issue at its last meeting.
Following lengthy and wide-ranging discussion, and after taking into account all the arguments for and against and particularly bearing in mind the importance of the safety and the enjoyment of other water users, the committee resolved by a clear majority that:
NSBA would not oppose water skiing but believes that wakeboarding is inappropriate on the Broads.
The key factors that influenced the committee were the effect of wake on passing craft, particularly inexperienced hire boats and boats engaged in towing, and general safety and disturbance issues which it believes to be incapable of mitigation by closer management. The Committee was also concerned about some of the wording in a guidance leaflet distributed to skiers and wakeboarders.
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Item Number: 56
last edited on: 24/04/2006
by: The Editor |
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Latest Boat Safety Scheme Schedule from the Broads Authority
The
details of the introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme are
now in place. NSBA advice is that you should not wait until
the last minute to make sure that your craft comply. The scheme
examiners and boatyards on the Broads have a finite capacity
for carrying out the work that will be needed and, if everyone
waits till the last minute, they will not be able to cope.
Here
is the information we have obtained from the Broads Authority
to help you understand what is involved and what you need
to do to comply:
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Boat
Safety Scheme on the Broads
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The Broads
Authority is confident that the necessary powers to implement
the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) in the Broads will soon be obtained.
This follows on from re-launch of the revised Boat Safety
Scheme standards for private craft at the London Boat Show
in January after months of consultation with boating, marine
trade and technical groups.
These
revised requirements only apply to privately owned, privately
managed craft. Others will have to comply with the current
requirements. This is because a separate and different review
of safety standards for these vessels is underway by the Maritime
and Coastguard Agency. The new requirements allow a greater
degree of flexibility in complying with the safety regulations.
The three-year
scheme, which was due to have begun last April for the largest
hire and private motor craft, will now be introduced in April
2007. The Scheme, for Craft that are required to comply, will
be introduced into the Broads according to the following schedule:
| Introductory
date |
Type
and size or craft (Block Area) |
| 1st
April 2007 |
Hire
craft >30sqm Private motor craft =>21sqm |
| 1st
April 2008 |
All
remaining hire craft Private motor craft =>11sqm |
| 1st
April 2009 |
Remaining
Private motor craft All private sailing Craft. |
The scheme
applies to all boats with engines and/or cooking, heating,
lighting, refrigerating and other domestic appliances, which
will need to pass an examination before they can be permitted
to navigate the Broads. The scheme will not apply to open
boats propelled solely by outboard motors and not fitted with
any of the above appliances.
Boat owners
will have to pay authorised independent examiners to check
the craft and issue certificates. Their fees vary, so it is
worth finding an examiner you are happy to use. There are
around 25 that cover the Broads and most are willing to give
advice about essential work, as is the BSS Office. Lists
of examiners are available from the Broads Authority office
on 01603 610734, the BSS office on 01923 201278, and the BSS
website, www.boatsafetyscheme.com/searchforanexaminer
Craft must be maintained to the standard of the scheme throughout
the life of the certificate. If something is found not to
meet the expected compliance option and yet you or your examiner
have good evidence that it still meets the goal-setting requirement
there is a fast-track appeals process starting with the BSS
Office.
As no
further changes are expected to be made to the requirements
for private boats, it is recommended that owners get their
boats certificated as soon as possible. Those boats that
do not have a valid BSS Certificate by their introductory
date will not be permitted to navigate on the Broads, with
many potentially getting caught out in the last minute rush.
BSS examinations
will continue to include other safety checks, such as fire
escape provision, flues for toxic fume spillage and power
connections for potential for electrocution, etc. For a boat
that fails any of these checks, the owner will be formally
notified and advice will be offered.
The second
edition of the Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide has now
been launched. The guide takes you step by step through the
BSS, identifying hazards, approaches to risk reduction techniques,
the legal requirements of the navigation authorities and the
best practice standards to keep you and your crew safe when
aboard or close to your boat. The Essential Guide is available
from the BSS website : www.boatsafetyscheme.com
, or a hard copy designed to fit in the folder of the red,
grey first edition is available by post from the BSS office,
and costs £5.50 plus post and packaging. Tel 01923 201278.
For further
clarification please contact the Broads Authority on 01603
610734
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Item Number: 52
last edited on: 05/10/2005
by: The Editor |
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Wakeboarding
Following a number of complaints about wakeboarding activities on the Broads, the Broads Authority has issued the following Press release.
If you have views on wakeboarding, including positive or negative experiences, please let us know via the NSBA Forum pages.
"Wake boarders asked to limit boat wash
The Broads Authority is to write to wake boarders reminding them not to jump on the water or create a sustained wash following a series of complaints from other Broads users.
The management of water skiing agreed between the Broads Authority and water skiers two years ago has been very successful. But following complaints over the last few months the Broads Authority called an urgent meeting with British Waterski and the Eastern Rivers Ski Club to address the question of wake boarding.
Wakeboarding is a form of water skiing which involves a specialist board, and the skier, towed on a rope, rides the wake generated by the ski boat, often performing acrobatic tricks, which is considered to be in breach of Broads Authority byelaws. It is one of the fastest growing water sports requiring a high level of skill but is also suitable for novice skiers and to get children started in the world of water skiing.
The present byelaws, adopted in 1992, which preceded the development of wakeboarding, prohibit the skier from leaving the water or creating a sustained wake against the bank of more than a foot.
The Broads Authority and Eastern Rivers Ski Club, the only water ski club on the Broads, are now writing to all skiers reiterating the byelaws, and extra patrols on the rivers will support their enforcement.
Dr John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, said:
“The Broads Authority is concerned that a number of complaints have been received from other river users that specifically mention the excessive wake, making it difficult to navigate and maintain a course due to rolling. The Authority will be informing its navigation rangers to be more vigilant and further patrols will be undertaken to ensure that the byelaws are being followed."
"The Broads Authority is keen to encourage a wide variety of appropriate activities on the Broads. However, it must also endeavour to ensure the safety of all its users. The Authority hopes that those participating in this sport will take the appropriate action and help us to ensure the safety of other river users and the future of water skiing on the Broads.”
The Eastern Rivers Ski Club, supported by British Water Ski, has undertaken to continue to encourage its members to act responsibly and within the byelaws. However, they are keen to clarify the clause in the byelaw relating to being on the water that was written in 1978 before wakeboarding had developed.
Since March the Broads Authority has received complaints from boat owners and birdwatchers who believe there has been a big increase in wakeboarding this year, that a number of ski boats have been modified for wakeboarding and that byelaws are being contravened.
However since the Broads Authority and the Ski Clubs drew up a management plan two years ago the number of ski boats has fallen dramatically from the agreed ceiling of 166 to 64 this year.
Julian Barnwell, Chairman of Eastern Rivers Ski Club, who is also a member of the Yare Users Association and the Broads Authority’s Broads Forum, said:
“The reality is that there has been a dramatic drop in the number of ski boats in the last two or three years. We have eliminated the cowboy element and we are left with an extremely responsible hard core of enthusiastic and dedicated people who are keen to work with the Broads Authority and not conflict with other broads users.”
As a result of the management plan all water skiers and wakeboarders on the Broads have to be members of the ERSC, which is affiliated to British Water Ski, providing public indemnity,
All boat drivers have to pass the British Waterski Ski Boat Driver Award, which is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association, and have the option of taking the International Certificate of Competence,
Unlike other boat owners ski boat owners must take out boat insurance,
All members of ERSC pay a £25 fixed charge to help with the administration of managing water skiing on the Broads,
Water skiing is limited to 3% of the Broads area with restricted time zones
A presentation on wakeboarding will be made to the Broads Forum, a Broads Authority advisory committee comprising a wide range of broads users, so that issues involved can be properly explored.
28/07/2005"
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Item Number: 50
last edited on: 01/08/2005
by: The Editor |
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River Tolls - Broads Authority statement on work of Independent Working Party.
(Below is the full text of the Broads Authority Press Release on the report of the independent working party set up to advise on River Tolls.)
An independent Working Group has recommended that the Broads tolls structure should be modified to support the hire fleet at a time of economic decline in the industry, while also easing charges for small non-powered craft and increasing discounts for electric boats.
The Tolls Working Group, which is representative of key groups with boating interests concluded that the present tolls system, which is structured around the total area (length times beam) of a craft, is robust, simple to understand and easy to measure. It has focussed its efforts on addressing a number of anomalies and revising certain policies taking into account current trends.
Daniel Thwaites, a member of the Working Group who is Chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum and runs a boat hire business, commented: “ We’ve tried hard to ensure the revised structure is designed to charge users in accordance with their level of use and impact on the waterways, while also ensuring that charges for small, non-powered craft are low enough to attract young and economically disadvantaged people to take to the water.”
The Working Group’s recommendations were welcomed and approved by the Broads Management Committee today. ( Thursday March 24 2005).Tollpayers and other stakeholders will have a chance to comment on the new structure in April and May and, importantly, indicate to the Authority priority areas for raising additional income from tolls.
A decision on a level of charges to be made from April 2006 will be made by the Broads Authority in July, following this consultation.
The Working Group’s recommendations include:
Reducing the multiplier for hire cruisers and sailing boats from three times those of an equivalent private craft to 2.7 over three years. This should then be reviewed.
Charging commercial plant on the same basis as other commercial craft.
Reducing the flat rate for small non-powered craft (sailboards, row boats, punts and canoes) from £24.70 to £20 from 2006/2007. Then applying annual increases in line with other vessels.
Maintaining existing incentives by raising the discount for electric boats from 25% to 30%. (Currently the toll for a powered craft of 10 sq. m and above is double that of an equivalent sized non-powered craft.)
Introducing a three-month licence for January 1st to March 31st at 50% discount for newly registered boats.
Extending the arrangement whereby voluntary youth groups can licence up to ten canoes for the price of one to include sailing dinghies.
The Group also considered the extent to which income from tolls can be maximised to demonstrate to the government that toll payers are contributing their fair share to the management of the waterways. Tolls will have to increase annually by an estimated 5.23% in order to maintain the present level of income and accommodate the impacts of inflation, the continuing decline in hire cruisers and a proposed reduction in tolls for hire cruisers. In comparison with other waterways, Broads tolls remain lower for most classes and sizes of boat, with the exception of small boats and the largest hire boats.
The Group emphasises that any increase over and above maintaining the existing income base will need to be earmarked for specific initiatives and be fully accountable by the Authority. It also recommends that the Authority should explore other sources of income from those who use the Broads for their business or enjoyment.
The Tolls Working Group includes boat hirers, and representatives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, Royal Yachting Association, British Marine Federation, Norfolk and Suffolk Boatbuilders Association, Broads Hire Boat Federation, British Canoe Union, Amateur Rowing Association, Broads Angling Strategy Group and the British Water Ski Federation, as well as the National Trust, RSPB and Wildlife Trusts.
Dr John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, paid tribute to the members of the group for their “excellent report and hard work.”
“This is a major consultative exercise that reflects much consensus and some necessary compromise along the way,” he said.
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Item Number: 48
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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Grants for Quieter Cruising
The owners of noisy boats are being offered grants to quieten their engines from today (Feb 14th).The Broads Authority's Boating Holidays Project has secured £20,000 from the Rivers and Broads LEADER+ fund (European, local authority and government money) to pay for the scheme.
It's sufficient to quieten 150 of the noisiest boats (private or hire) by paying for 40% of the work, up to £160 a boat.
Invitations to apply are being sent to private owners with their toll renewals and to boat yards. Owners have to fill out an application form, and, once given the go ahead, provide receipts for work done. The work is expected to involve, most typically, re-routing straight exhausts. Applications will be dealt with "first come, first served."
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Item Number: 47
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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REPORT ON BROADS AUTHORITY WATERWAY STANDARDS WORKSHOP (13.01.05)
This was a workshop to discuss issues concerning waterway standards required by boat users and others, on the Broads. It discussed priorities, constraints and opportunities, particularly in relation to dredging.
The meeting first attempted to identify shallow places and to compare anecdotal evidence with the latest hydrological survey (HS) data. Four maps (Yare, Waveney, Bure, Ant/Thurne) had already been annotated with comments from the public consultation, (including those posted through the NSBA’s online survey for the Broads Authority.) Others were added during the meeting.
Not many of those responding to the survey had attempted to examine minimum widths in detail but virtually all had specified a minimum depth - from 1.5m to 2m. The rationale for 2m was based on several deep-keeled boats, the need for greater depth under keel when initially heeling and space for less disturbance of sediment.
Discrepancies between anecdotal evidence and the HS data emerged. For example, sailors reported the Waveney upstream of Burgh Castle as shallow, yet the HS showed deep water. By contrast, the HS shows the Bure just above Thurne Mouth to be shallow, yet sailors could not recall problems there. (This shoal, if it exists, might have some impact upon standing tides.)
The view that the lower Bure's shallowness is a cause of high water at Horning/Wroxham and the consequent call for dredging, was countered by concern about salt-water incursion if dredging went ahead. It was suggested that deep dredging of the lower Bure could be accomplished with minimal incursion if a Bure Loop washland was also created. A fear was expressed that significant dredging of the Lower Bure might cause higher tides above Potter.
There was general discussion about channel width. It was argued that sailors need good depth, bank to bank. The current proposal to return to "natural" banks raises a number of navigation problems, including difficulty in identifying shoal water unless it is made obvious (perhaps by a reed fringe) or marked. A consequence of removing piling will be that, on bends, the channel will move to the outside, while sediment collects on the inside. Navigators would like to see confirmation that channels would, nevertheless, be maintained at 2m depth and never be less than the current width. It was agreed (by conservationists and navigators) that overhanging trees are a problem: cutting back to 5m-10m from the water’s edge was proposed.
On prioritisation, the NSBA suggested and it was generally agreed that high priority areas should be addressed first. The remaining work would need further examination.
Constraints are legion – including sustainability, conservation, spoil removal, sediment contaminants (nitrates, mercury etc.), funds, timing, fish spawning areas, the hydrological impact on adjoining areas.
Opportunities were identified – for example, extra depth below boat props might cause less disturbance of sediment and encourage plant growth. It was argued that spoil could be used in the Flood Alleviation project. It was pointed out that research is needed to see if sediment stripping is feasible i.e., reduce the flow of sediment at the earliest point.
The workshop was well run and allowed full, clear and open presentation of the views of all concerned, particularly sailors. If individual river users have comments on the issues discussed, or useful local knowledge about the problem areas, any such information posted in the NSBA forum will be passed back to the Broads Authority for further consideration.
(Report: Richard Baguley.)
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Item Number: 46
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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Government Stumps up extra funds to pay for Broads Navigation and Conservation
Broads Authority claims it is a victory for its lobbying campaign.
The Broads Authority says years of lobbying Government to get a fair deal for the Broads have finally paid off.
The Broads Authority Chairman, Professor Kerry Turner, announced at the London boat Show (Jan 14th) that the Government is giving the Broads Authority an additional £500,000 a year over the next three years to tackle the backlog of maintenance and the costs of restoration.
Professor Turner said: "I am delighted by the announcement. Alun Michael, the Minister for Rural Affairs, has clearly listened to our case and the Government is prepared to share the task of maintaining the waterways. This is excellent news but now there is a clear expectation that an increase in the navigation tolls should reflect the Government's new commitment to integrated waterways management."
Currently the Broads Authority receives £2.9 million a year in National Park Grant from the Government and £1.7 million is paid by boat owners in tolls to maintain the waterways. Unlike other national parks the Authority carries the heavy responsibility of maintaining the waterways, which have become increasingly expensive in recent years, as well as the high costs of sustainably managing an internationally important wetland. The decline of the hire fleet, which pays three times the tolls of private owners, has also contributed to the Broads Authority's financial plight.
Chief Executive Dr John Packman said: "This is wonderful news! The Broads Authority has been criticised for not doing enough for navigation, but quietly, over the last three years, we have been putting forward the arguments for extra money and it has now paid off. Clearly, the Government has shown that it understands that the Broads is a special case. By targeting the money on practical works this extra funding will enable us to make a really big difference to the maintenance of the Broads."
The extra funds will be spent across the Authority's remit and it is good news for those interested in conservation as well as those who boat on the rivers and Broads. It is planned that a significant sum will be spent bringing life back into a further eight broads.
The Broads Authority will decide how the money is spent on 11th February but high on the list of the Authority's priorities are increased resources for dredging, the improvement of water quality and the repair of Mutford Lock at Oulton Broad.
The questions which will concern Broads navigators now inevitably will be: Is it enough? How much will actually be spent on the Navigation? And what happens when the three years are up?
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Item Number: 45
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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Could the cost of keeping a boat on the Broads double in the near future?
While the River Toll increase for 2005/6 looks like being set at 6.5%, the Broads Authority has set up a working party to consider the long-term future of the tolls regime from 2006 onwards.
There is a large shortfall between the income the BA receives from River Tolls and the amount it regards as essential to maintain and enhance navigation on the Broads and rivers. The working party - with members from conservation interests, as well as various private navigators, boat-building and commercial operators - has been set up to advise on the overall level of tolls and their application to various categories of river user and their different vessels.
The working party will review arrangements which give discounts to some river users. Hire boat operators currently pay three times as much as private owners. That ratio will come under scrutiny, as will the fact that some people who navigate entirely on the area's private waterways, currently pay nothing at all.
In the past, all the money spent on the navigation has come from tolls. The Broads Authority is optimistic that it can persuade the government that toll payers are no longer able to foot the whole bill and that in any case, others who benefit from the maintenance of the Broads should also contribute through government funding. But it is unlikely the government will meet the shortfall while, by some interpretations, Broads tolls remain lower than those for other UK waterways.
In general terms, navigation account income is now approaching £2m (2004/5 - £1.82m, 2005/6 - £1.88m) every year. That is enough to pay for work on the navigation at the current level. However, the Broads Authority has identified some £11 million pounds worth of extra work, required over the next five or six years. If that money were to come entirely from tolls, they would have to be roughly double the level they are now.
The NSBA is actively seeking the views of its membership, clubs and individuals, on these issues. There will be a public consultation in the course of the NSBA AGM, on December 6th, when Mark Wells (a member of the NSBA Committee and the tolls Working Party) will report on discussions so far. The Broads Authority Chief Executive, Dr. John Packman, will also be there to answer questions.
The NSBA committee hopes there will be a large attendance at the meeting, to arrive at an accurate picture of members' views across the Broads. In the meantime, visitors to this web site are urged to post their comments on the issue in the 'Forum' section. The NSBA needs to know your views to be able to represent them!
NSBA Annual General Meeting: Monday December 6th 2004 - Music Room, The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ, at 7.30 pm.
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Item Number: 43
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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New requirement for Skippers to report "all incidents" does not apply on Broads
The RYA is taking legal action to obtain a declaration from the High Court that the introduction of a new regulation requiring skippers to report "all incidents" is unlawful. The measure, included in the Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting) Regulations, could apply to anything from dinghy capsizes to recalcitrant outboard engines, although the Broads Authority has been advised the new regulation will not apply in the Broads Navigation area.
The new Regulations make it a criminal offence, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to £5,000, if skippers do not comply with strict reporting requirements when a craft is involved in an incident or accident.
The definitions of ‘accident’ and ‘incident’ are very broad; examples include hitting a buoy during a race, a dinghy capsize, a flat battery, a faulty VHF radio, a crack in a transom, a torn sail or a berthing manoeuvre involving two craft touching. According to the new law, all have to be reported or criminalisation risked.
However, the Explanatory Note to the Regulations states that the Regulations define the limits of the zone beyond the territorial sea around the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man in which jurisdiction is exercisable in order to prevent pollution by discharges from ships. This seems to make it clear that "controlled waters" in the 2004 Regulations will not include any areas of water within the Broads navigation area.
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Item Number: 42
last edited on: 09/11/2004
by: The Editor |
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River Tolls: NSBA presses for lower increase, 2005-6
River Users should have a degree of respite from steeply increasing annual river tolls if recommendations from the Broads Authority’s Navigation Committee are adopted.
The committee recently debated (Oct. 14th 2004) proposals for a 9% increase (itemised as a 6.5% increase, plus inflation), equivalent to the annual increases in place for the past five years. Over that period, it resulted in a total toll increase of some 57%.
But the navigation committee heard the five-year automatic increase had been introduced to raise a specific sum, primarily to address an urgent backlog of dredging, needed across the waterways. Some of that dredging has been carried out, while some has been delayed through the difficulty in finding locations to dump the spoil. As a result, Navigation Account financial reserves currently top £380,000.
Urged on by NSBA representatives, and others representing boating interests, the committee decided to recommend that the inflation component of this year’s increase should be covered by the reserves: the result will be a total increase of around 6.5% for the year 2005-6.
At the same time, the navigation committee decided the programme of dredging and general river maintenance should be accelerated, and a further £50,000 taken from the reserves for that purpose.
Both recommendations have now to be approved by the strategy and resources committee, before going before the full Broads Authority for final approval.
In the meantime, a special working party is meeting to decide a longer term strategy for toll levels from 2006. It is quite possible the allocation of who pays what will change – but with an ever increasing need for urgent river maintenance, it is likely that the general direction of tolls, for some time ahead, will be upwards.
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Item Number: 40
last edited on: 19/10/2004
by: The Editor |
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Wear your lifejacket!
A new Boating Safety Management Group has been set up by the Broads Authority to assess safety in the Broads.
The group has been formed to fulfil the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code, a government initiative aimed at formalising the duties and responsibilities for safety and environmental protection within UK ports, including the Broads.
The group’s duties are to consider the recommendations of a Formal Safety Assessment by independent consultants, which highlighted potential hazards, and to develop a Safety Management System. The FSA confirmed that the Broads was well-managed with “a generally high level of navigational safety. Considering the large number of novice boaters using the Broads every year, the incident level is low,” it said.
The Broads Authority strongly encourages everyone to wear lifejackets on board at all times and has taken the initiative by making it compulsory for all its staff and volunteers to wear lifejackets while on or near the water. Each boat should carry sufficient lifejackets for all its crew.
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Item Number: 39
last edited on: 10/04/2004
by: The Editor |
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