PORTSMOUTH & GOSPORT T TSMOUTH & GOSPOR POR Crown Copyright – MOD In an emergency, if you believe you have not been seen or you are unsure of a ship’s intentions, call them on VHF Ch 11 or 16, then shift to a working frequency for inter-ship safety messages. The Swashway is an important channel for shallow draught vessels approaching and leaving Portsmouth Harbour. It should be noted that hovercraft and high-speed catamaran ferries often transit the area en-route to and from Ryde at speeds in excess of 24 knots. As non-displacement craft, hovercraft usually navigate outside the Swashway in areas where depths are shallow. The Spitbank area is regularly used for yacht racing and regattas. Yachts and slow moving craft are advised to keep watch for the possible approach of high-speed ferries and other fast craft. The speed limit within Portsmouth Harbour is 10 knots within 0.5nm of the line of MLWS in any part of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth outside the harbour, ie across most of the Eastern Solent. The speed limit in each case is to be taken as ‘speed through the water’. High-speed craft are cautioned not to assume that other boats, particularly those whom they are overtaking, are aware of their presence, and are to give them a sufficiently wide berth and be mindful of their wash. When visibility in the harbour or approach channel is less than 0.25 of a nautical mile the KHM may declare the fog routine to be in force. Small boats may proceed with caution but must keep clear of the main navigable channels and the approach channel. The KHM will direct that the routine is in force, and when it has ended, by broadcasts on VHF Ch 11 or 13. Vessels without operational radars are advised not to proceed in such conditions, and in any event, should navigate with extreme caution in conditions of restricted visibility. Contact: King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth, Semaphore Tower, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LT. Tel: 02392 723694. Email: [email protected] Visit: royalnavy.mod.uk/khm/portsmouth for access to all KHM Portsmouth Safety Information, Local Notices to Mariners and General Directions, tidal information as well as other relevant Harbour information and sign up for our mailing lists containing maritime safety information. 101 solenthandbook.com