Radio Passage plans

Mike B · 30 April 2003, 12:10

All

I've tried to see if this has been discussed before but can't find anything.

I would be interested to know how regularly and under what circumstances people radio the local coastguard to advise them of details of their passage plan.

Do you do it everytime you go out / if the weather is or looks poor / when travelling more than 20 miles / going offshore more than 3 miles ?

Do you change your criteria dependant on where you are - ie in Solent don't due to level of radio traffic.

Cheers

Mike

Julian · 30 April 2003, 12:28

Hi Mike

I contact the coast guard everytime i make a long passage ie Lymington to Channel island or Lymington to Dartmouth etc. Its allways a good idea and the coast guards are allways very appreciative of you doing this, The one thing i would say is that when you arrive at your destination don't forget to call them to say that you have arrived or they will send out a rescue boat and you are in the pub. Never goes down very well.

Julian

dgpw · 30 April 2003, 12:33

Every time i go off shore. I also contact Long room everytime I am in Plymouth for shipping and naval movements. Especialy If I am running an event or group session / course. They are very helpfull and will even give a listening watch. Had to phone to cancel a few times at the end of the day If my VHF has gone flat though.

Phil · 30 April 2003, 13:58

only on cross channel to Dover CG or as appropriate;they always seem pleasant enough;Whenever I've contacted Thames about estuary crossing to Ramsgate they seem fairly disinterested

John Kennett · 30 April 2003, 14:29

I don't contact them for their interest, I do it for mine! Anytime I'm going offshore solo I'll check in and out with the coastguard -- it only takes a couple of minutes and is a good bit of extra insurance.

John

Phil · 30 April 2003, 15:48

John, absolutely right but on occasion (and despite everything to the contary that we are told) I got the impression that Thames didn't want to know

Charles · 30 April 2003, 16:05

This is a very good point - anytime anyone ventures offshore they should really notify the authorities at either end of your intended passage. I did exactly this leaving Lymingtom last year bound for Jersey when our little mishap occured. Once we did manage to speak to St.Peter Port they knew exactly who we were, size and colour of vessel, crew, and eta. I think (hope) they appreciate it as it certainly makes their lives easier in case of any dramas. If aircraft, by law, require filing a flight-plan, surely we as supposed responsible mariners can do so voluntarily.

jwalker · 30 April 2003, 19:25

Oh oh Charles, don't go there! You do know about the new legal requirements for passage planning, don't you?

JW.

David Hickman · 30 April 2003, 19:40

SOLAS V. The new requirement for pleasure vessels at sea. The enforcement of this will be interesting. But I think it will only be looked into IF anything goes wrong. I am currently helping a chap meet the Solas V requirements for his 45ft motor cruiser. He may as well go for full MCA Coding!
As far as calling in with traffic reports to the CG, being an AUX CG I have have spent time in the ops room in Brixham looking at their point of view. They don't mind at all as long as they are not casualty working. They may well ask for your Call Sign so have it handy.
What is important is that a vessel's CG66 is up to date and registered with your local CG sector station. It can be down loaded from the MCA website.

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/cg66/MSF6000.pdf

and send it to your nearest station listed here

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/...ation_List.pdf

crazyhorse · 30 April 2003, 20:55

David what do you need for Solas v and why MCA coding?

What requirments for a pleasure vessel ?

David Hickman · 30 April 2003, 21:03

I will pick up a leaflet from the cg station tomorrow and let you know what it states, but basically it is saying that all pleasure vessels who go to sea should do passage plans, have certain safety requirements such as radar reflector. Pleasure Vessels over 45ft must now have items such as Solas I or II cards distress signal cards, liferafts, life bouys etc. This list is basically what I had to do to get my 7.2m RIB MCA coded to cat 3. yellow code.
I will try and find a web site link as well for you.

David Hickman · 30 April 2003, 21:07

Bingo. Just had a quick search on google and found the info in the MCA site:

http://www.mcga.gov.uk/publications/leaflets/Solas.pdf

Hope this helps.

crazyhorse · 30 April 2003, 21:08

David thanks,

MCA cat 3 yellow code how many miles offshore?,is it from a safe haven and do all work boats need codeing for diferent areas and tasks?

I also agree questions will only be asked when something goes wrong like car insurance companys do when you make a claim.

David Hickman · 30 April 2003, 21:11

Yes. I am 20 Miles from safe haven night or day in "favorable" weather conditions whatever they are!!!!!!

I am uk wide, but there is a less strict code (red book) for a nominated departure point (NDP)

crazyhorse · 30 April 2003, 21:16

Thanks David for your help, Im looking at 60 miles offshore rules at present MCA

Phill · 01 May 2003, 14:36

I've got a few spare solas V packets from the CG, first few address's if you're interested.

crazyhorse · 01 May 2003, 17:00

Thanks Phill I will pm my address to you if you still have any left.

Phill · 01 May 2003, 19:25

Sent