Category: SAFETY
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Recommendation for water users after heavy rainfall in the Cattewater

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners would like to remind water users of the risks on the river after heavy rain. Since January (2021) Harbour staff have removed over 60 tonnes of material that would be a hazard to navigation from the river. Often these obstructions are just below the water line, so are hard to identify.

If your use of the river includes water sports, it is recommended that after a heavy downfall you may wish to wait a couple of tidal cycles, as the water quality may be reduced due to storm run-off.

RNLI Lifejacket Lockers Installed on Commercial Wharf

Following the installation of the Barbican Dinghy Pontoon, Plymouth City Council and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), supported by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, have installed 6 ‘Lifejacket Lockers’ on Commercial Wharf to help encourage the use of lifejackets in tenders.

RNLI Lifejacket Lockers located on Commercial Wharf, installed through a partnership between the RNLI, Plymouth City Council and the
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners.

The Lockers are available for visiting vessels to store their lifejackets, boat keys, kill cords and other safety equipment securely for a deposit of £1 (returned after use).

To read more about Lifejacket Lockers, visit https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/yacht-sailing-and-motorboating/lifejacket-lockers

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Code of Conduct


Over recent months the harbour authority has seen SUP usage reach an all-time high, giving more people access to our fantastic waterways. Safe water use in Plymouth is something we wholeheartedly support, including the use of paddleboards and other leisure activities.

However, with the increased use of SUPS, we have also seen an increased number of incidents and near miss reports involving paddleboards. Often the root cause of these incidents is a lack of water awareness and inexperience.

The harbour authority has produced a code of conduct for paddle board use within Cattewater Harbour. We urge all users to follow the code to keep yourselves and other water users safe when afloat. The Code of Conduct can be downloaded below, or in the downloads section of the website.

We recommend all paddleboarders take a lesson at one of the cities registered SUP schools before taking to the water. If you are unsure whether the tidal or weather conditions are appropriate, don’t go out and seek professional advice.

Thank you for using the waters of Plymouth safely.

CHC-SUP-Code-of-ConductDownload

Links to Additional Safety

COVID Boating Guidance Released

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has today (11th June 2020) published guidance on inland and coastal boating to protect yourselves and others from coronavirus.

This boating specific guidance can be accessed here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-using-a-boat-inland-and-on-the-coast?utm_source=79e42c4a-307c-498e-ae14-be4e9f4c8a7f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate#skippered-day-boat-hire-and-skippered-day-charter-hire

Water Safety Advice

Following a series of tragic incidents around the South West coast over the past few days, we would like to stress to port users that although the waterways remain open and recreational water activities are now permitted, users should ensure they take the necessary precautions to prevent themselves getting into difficulty.

To prevent additional strain on Coastguard Teams, Lifeboats, and other emergency services at these unprecedented times, we encourage all water users to follow the simple advice below:

  • Check your vessel / craft before going afloat, including that it is watertight, has sufficient (and reserve) clean fuel, has clean filters, and that the engine is run prior to departing your berth/launch site.
  • Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid https://rnli.org/safety/lifejackets.
  • Where fitted, wear the Killcord.
  • Check the weather forecast and tide times, to ensure you don’t get caught out. Met Office Weather Tide Times
  • If swimming, swim with a buddy, within your own ability, and only swim in the dedicated swimming areas when inside port limits (Cawsand, Bovisand, Tinside, Firestone Bay). There is no swimming in the Cattewater.
  • Tell someone ashore where you are going and when you will be back.
  • Carry a means of calling for help (VHF Radio, or mobile phone in waterproof case).
  • If you get into or see someone else in difficulty, call the Coastguard VHF 16 (or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard).

In addition, over recent days we have seen a number of ‘near misses’ in the Port which could have easily resulted in serious injuries to water users. When using the waterways, obey the rules and be considerate to other water users.

A near miss between a paddle boarder and personal watercraft, near Oreston Slipway, captured by the harbours CCTV system.

We encourage members of the public to report cases of anti-social behaviour on the water, to allow us to investigate and take action where appropriate. Any incidents or near misses occurring in the harbour must also be reported to the harbour office.

More RNLI Safety Advice is available here https://rnli.org/safety.

Enjoy your time afloat, be considerate to other users, and take steps to keep yourself safe.

Return to Recreational Activity

Following this mornings Government update we welcome a return to recreational water use.

All forms of water sports practiced on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft are now permitted under the new guidance (found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces)

We fully endorse the RYA statement below, and ask water users to remain flexible as further specific guidance will be given in due course.

“As we start to get back on the water, we advise boaters to take a considerate and conservative approach when planning to go afloat; be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services. Finally, proper preparation will prevent accidents and is a vital step to getting back on the water safely.”

If you are launching from a shoreside facility or using a Marina, please be patient with the facility’s decisions that have been taken to protect the safety of the facilities staff and users.

Please also ensure you follow the guidelines on social distancing below and staying safe.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing

Recreational Activities – Further Update

Following the guidance document issued by the Government yesterday we are hoping to provide clarity to our customers and recreational boat users in the Cattewater at the earliest opportunity.

One of the industries Governing Bodies made a statement on Sunday welcoming ‘a return to Boating from Wednesday’. Unfortunately recreational sailing was not specifically mentioned in the guidance yesterday, so at this time the previous guidance regarding vessel use still remains. Until we receive specific guidance regarding recreational water activities we urge water users to continue to follow the previous instructions.

We have been informed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport are expected to issue guidance later this week which will specifically include recreational sailing and the status of Marinas.

A joint statement from the BPA, UKHMA, British Marine and the RYA is expected today, which we will share.

We ask for patience, and understanding, and when the time comes, and Marinas are allowed to open we hope everybody will respect any decisions the facility makes to ensure the safety of its staff and users during the reopening.

Leisure Activities Update

We have been following the Government’s advice in respect of Coronavirus and have measures in place to limit risks to port users, our staff, emergency services and the public.

As the country moves towards the easing of certain provisions of the lockdown there is an understandable interest from many leisure users who want to get back out onto the water. Whilst we are also keen to see this when advised safe to do so, we need to assess the Government’s latest guidance in respect of what activities will be permitted.

It is expected that a certain number of water based leisure activities will be permitted from Wednesday 13th May, however we are waiting for confirmation of this from government.

Furthermore when facilities reopen, and water based activity is permitted stakeholders should be aware that arrangements to preserve social distancing will be needed. This means that there are likely to be certain measures that the facilities will need to enforce to follow the guidance, and more importantly keep each other, and staff safe.

In the meantime we thank you for your patience and support.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise of any further updates or clarification during the course of today.

Captain Richard Allan
Harbour Master and Chief Executive
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners

Tide Times

22 April 2021

Time Type Height
01:26 high 4.3m
08:20 low 2.1m
14:37 high 4.2m
20:53 low 2.1m

View full 7 day tide times.

Copyright 2021 © Tides Today. By using this data, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions

CONTACT
  • 2 The Barbican Plymouth Devon PL1 2LR
  • Harbour Office: +44(0)1752 665934
    Pilots: +44(0)1752 662708
  • Harbour Office: info@plymouthport.org.uk
    Pilots: pilot@plymouthport.org.uk
  • Cattewater Harbour Commissioners
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