Any news from the Crouch Harbour Authority?

[James W]

I just wondered if anyone had heard anything from the Crouch Harbour Authority re: relaxing of their personal lockdown. It would be slightly strange if they remained closed whilst every other river on the East Coast is open for sailing.

 

[philld]

I contacted Crouch Harbour Authority last week in order to visit my boat which is moored mid-river at Fambridge. I've quoted their response below.

Further to our telephone conversation today with regard to you seeking authorisation to check on your boat. Please be advised that we are not in a position to give such permissions. We can only advise as per Government recommendations as to unnecessary journeys.

However, if you feel you need to check on your vessel for safety purposes then it is for you to decide.

We do however appreciate you keeping us informed.

Kind Regards,
Roz Fisher
Assistant Office Manager

Cheers
Phil

 

[Tomahawk]

I think the CHA is not acting legally to ban leisure navigation.
The regulations are not prescriptive but they ar equally not prohibitive subject to conditions.
From a quick read, they do allow for the closure of a port .. but under circumstances relating to national security and possible illegal immigration. I couldn’t fund anything to indicate a differential between commercial and non commercial navigation.

The CHA has not met the conditions set out in the regs to close a port.

 

[jon and michie]

philld - did you not receive the marina's notice yesterday afternoon ?

jon

 

[James W]

So, to sum up, it's clear as mud! Have they actually banned leisure navigation? Will anyone be testing this tomorrow? I can't as still have a few jobs to do before launch. I'll go as soon as I'm ready though, what possible grounds do they have to stop you?

 

[jon and michie]

Just seen this from the mobo's forum released tonight https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?at...1914868356336_678259955484065792_o-jpg.90150/

 

[James W]

Just seen this from the mobo's forum released tonight https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?at...1914868356336_678259955484065792_o-jpg.90150/

Thanks Jon and Michie. It would be nice if CHA could at least update their website regarding this.

 

[jon and michie]

James W it would appear that some areas in England are "freeing" up a little and others are taking a more cautious approach - maybe as the days progress this week we may start to see a relaxing of the use of the river.

jon

 

[James W]

James W it would appear that some areas in England are "freeing" up a little and others are taking a more cautious approach - maybe as the days progress this week we may start to see a relaxing of the use of the river.

jon

That's true enough.....I'd hazard a guess that there's a fair bit more traffic to consider on the Hamble than the Crouch though!

 

[jon and michie]

I wonder if the wood cargo vessel will start rocking up near Essex marina??
Jon

 

[jimi]

The Orwell is still closed to leisure craft AFAIK

 

[PaulRainbow]

The Orwell is still closed to leisure craft AFAIK

Says who ?

HHA have no authority to close the rivers. In fact the articles on their website refer to guidance.

The RYA article here confirms this Coronavirus - advice and information for recreational boaters | News | News & Events | RYA - Royal Yachting Association

An extract (highlighting is mine)

There is no reference in the regulations to the closure of marinas and they do not give powers in this respect to trade bodies or any harbour authority or individual marina operators. This provides scope for limited and controlled access for owners to their boats whilst implementing hygiene and social distancing measures.

 

[jimi]

COVID-19: Leisure vessel community update | May 2020 - Harwich Haven Authority

This refers to navigating in the Orwell. SYH has opened in a limited way for owners to access craft for security checks and maintenance.

River closure to my simple mind means not sailing a boat on the river, It doesn’t mean being able to access it to sit and stare at a kettle or change the impeller. You may think differently, that's your choice.

 

[Brooksie89]

I can't find anything that says HHA have the authority to ban leisure vessels. I've even read the bye laws, riveting stuff

 

[jimi]

So I’m hearing here that people are prepared to act contrary to the advice of the HHA? If so, you ought to grow up and act like responsible adults.

 

[PaulRainbow]

COVID-19: Leisure vessel community update | May 2020 - Harwich Haven Authority

This refers to navigating in the Orwell. SYH has opened in a limited way for owners to access craft for security checks and maintenance.

River closure to my simple mind means not sailing a boat on the river, not accessing it to sit and stare at a kettle or change the impeller. You may think differently, that's your choice.

From the HHA article you link to above ;

The guidance is in place to protect individuals, port workers and the maritime emergency services. ['quote]

They do not have the authority to close the rivers to leisure vessels. Read the RYA article.

 

[Brooksie89]

So I’m hearing here that people are prepared to act contrary to the advice of the HHA? If so, you ought to grow up and act like responsible adults.

Broads are open?

Anyway I won't have time to sail until next week, so there will be no Mexican standoff over VHF with Harwich.

 

[PaulRainbow]

So I’m hearing here that people are prepared to act contrary to the advice of the HHA? If so, you ought to grow up and act like responsible adults.

Point us to something where an authority that has the power to close the rivers has done so ?

We have thus far been restricted from sailing because of Govt restrictions and i've fully supported those restrictions. There was no need fo any harbour authority to issue anything. If you can't leave home, you can't get to the boat, so you can't be sailing. The restrictions have been relaxed and we can now travel and can also take part in sporting activities, with certain precautions. I also fully support these latest restrictions. I'm happy to only go sailing with members of my household and to continue to maintain social distancing etc.

 

[jimi]

I’m well aware of the rya guidance. However dickheads ignoring HHA guidance will do nothing for the reputation of leisure sailors and ought to be treated with due contempt by all and sundry. The HHA will no doubt amend their guidance at the appropriate time.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I’m well aware of the rya guidance. However dickheads ignoring HHA guidance will do nothing for the reputation of leisure sailors and ought to be treated with due contempt by all and sundry. The HHA will no doubt amend their guidance at the appropriate time.

If people want to follow advice from those who are not entitled to give advice, that's up to them. I have been and shall continue to follow the Govt restrictions.