Recent content by chanelyacht

To be fair, KentPol do have the sensible attitude of not touching them with a bargepole and calling in Border Farce for the taxis.

Alert IV is definitely seagoing, as is the main RIB. Met Thames Division have a three way agreement with Kent and Essex though which means their coverage pretty much runs out to Shivering Sands in partnership with the other forces. Kent's boat is usually slightly occupied around Dover!

Most of them would need a defib when they first see it ?

Well, the structure is pretty phallic....

If you're within range, it's always worth catching the PLA broadcasts for tide heights - last week heights were significantly below prediction for a couple of days running with the gale. Shivering Sands is the best report.

I strongly suggest those speculating about what the skipper was / wasn't doing, stop it immediately. There is a police investigation in progress and many of the comments on here are bordering on the prejudicial. Admins - probably best to lock the thread.

Really odd - they have a station (well, mobile caravan) on Constitution Hill at Aberystwyth, and I think they had a mobile one at the end of the Lleyn for a while, but not sure. All their station IDs are NCI xxxxx or xxxxx NCI, so the plot thickens!

Out of interest, what did they call you on? They're only licensed for Ch65, not 16...

Back in 1993/4 and for a few years after, I was one of the directors of NCI - the role was always spot/plot/report, and that's what's in their agreement with HMCG. Following their granting of declared facility and their radio channel, they can broadcast conditions (not forecasts, copyright) but...

In that situation I'd have to say it's down to the skipper - and every person may have a different view. Personally, I wouldn't call anyone as long as I was confident in the vessel and conditions, but would have it in the back of my mind if need be. Other more nervous people might call early...

NCI wouldn't really know what to do with that sort of call - they would only report to the CG anyway. That's worrying about Solent - I wouldn't call that sort of call "routine" (I'm ex CG watch officer) and it's what they're there for!

No, not NCI - they are not a coordination authority in any way. They're great at what they do, but for the situation you describe it's either CG, or VTS in areas like Southampton or Portsmouth.

It will, but the MAIB don’t apportion blame, so will be secondary in this one, it will be a police led investigation first and foremost.

Ah, fair enough. Yes, simple repair then - but as you say, preparation will be the key though. Henshaws are really good for whatever bits may be needed.

Sounds reasonable, marine ply with a couple of stringers underneath for strength perhaps?