On 22nd January, Geoff Matthews of HM Coastguard gave a fascinating talk about the major reforms taking place within the Coastguard service. The changes arise from the advances in information and communications technology over the last 2 decades. It was clear that Geoff firmly believes that the new situation will represent a major step forward. … Continue reading 21st Century Coastguard – the video
Category: Marine Management
Solent collision – official Coastguard video
Official Coastguard video of Atalanta of Chester colliding into the Hanne Knutsen in the Solent. Interesting to note the track of the SP launch (ahead of the tanker) which clearly tried to prevent a collision
MMO Newsletter 17
This newsletter moves quite a few things forward, including report back on the South Coast Plan workshops Nomination of new liaison officers for the South Coast Announcement of several evidence gathering reports ( on which we have already commented)
Cowes General Directions and Harbour Byelaws 2014
Not that anyone would ever argue with it, but the chain ferry has now been given formal right of way in the new General Directions for Cowes Harbour. as explained in the forward:- "One of the major changes will be the introduction of General Direction No. 6. Cowes Chain Ferry. This General Direction governs the … Continue reading Cowes General Directions and Harbour Byelaws 2014
The Coastguard Carol
A fun idea to produce a new carol video promoting a safety message, Perhaps they should stick to their day jobs! More seriously, Coastguard is in for a year of change. We arranged for a senior Coastguard, Geoff Matthews, to deliver a talk explaining the changes.
MMO publishes Sea Angling Survey
The summary of the report published by the MMO states "The surveys estimated there are 884,000 sea anglers in England, with 2% of all adults going sea angling. These anglers make a significant contribution to the economy – in 2012, sea anglers resident in England spent £1.23 billion on the sport, equivalent to £831 million … Continue reading MMO publishes Sea Angling Survey
Successful SOLFIRE exercise
“VTS, THIS IS TANKER ALBION. WE HAVE HAD AN EXPLOSION IN THE PUMP ROOM. THERE IS A FIRE THERE. TWO CREW MISSING. WE HAVE ANCHORED CLEAR OF THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL “ This was the opening move in an exercise held last week in Southampton Water. Tests of the Solfire plan take place at regular intervals, … Continue reading Successful SOLFIRE exercise
“Kahu – a textbook salvage operation”
Andrew Healy, Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “This was a model multi-agency response to a complex pollution incident. There was very minimal impact on the local environment as a result of this incident.” We reported the fire that led to the superyacht sinking in the River Medina last … Continue reading “Kahu – a textbook salvage operation”
Can coastal consents be simplified?
There is a sense of déjà vu about the Concordat Letter recently issued by DEFRA. In 1998 John Reid became Secretary of State for Transport. In the marine sector he set up a seminar in which various interests set out the issues about which they had a concern. Associated British Ports, the Environment Agency and … Continue reading Can coastal consents be simplified?
Solfire emergency plan test on Thursday
Even the best laid plans can go wrong so it is vital that they are tested, The emergency services in the Solent area have collaborated to produce an emergency response plan to deal with marine accidents that could arise in the port areas of Portsmouth and Southampton. By agreement with HM Coastguard the plan will … Continue reading Solfire emergency plan test on Thursday
Solent Protection Society 