tillergirl
Well-Known Member
UKHO Permanent/Preliminary/Temporary Notices:
1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - A significant reduction of depth on the east side of the Holm Sand (off Lowestoft).
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Buoyage. - Two new Yellow special lit buoys within the Sizewell Harbour Limits. Worth noticing if using the channel inside the Sizewell Bank.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Wreck. - A temporary notice prompted by the local Medway notice advising the dangerous wreck close by the Kingsnorth Jetty. As discussed by 'Oldgit'.
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - NM Blocks. - The UKHO has issue two blocks, one for the SNC and a second for the SCC, covering Gorleston Pier and the Yare ‘corner’.
5. DOVER STRAIT - Submarine cable. - In week 13 last year there was a Preliminary Notice [1339(P)/25] announcing the laying of a submarine cable between North Foreland and the Oostende. This is now complete. The Notice is long as it lists the cable positions for each SNC and SCCs involved and removes references to temporary works. Goto: Notices to Mariners if you want to download the lat/long positions.
Local
1. Sea Reach to Thames Estuary: Dredging Operations - commencing on 19th January 2026, dredging and associated survey operations will be carried out within the Port of London and approaches. These works are expected to be completed on or around 31st March 2026.. The various dredging and survey areas are listed below and indicated by red boxes on chartlets that can be seen in the Local List in the above quoted web page:
Thursday 4th June 2026 09:30 to 12:00
Monday 6th July 2026 11:15 to 13:45
Monday 3rd August 2026 10:30 to 13:00
Monday 14th September 2026 09:45 to 12:15
Sunday 11th October 2026 08:05 to 18:05 All times are approximate
The closures will be confirmed and promulgated by London VTS from 24 hours in advance of the operation by VHF radio on routine river broadcasts. From the start of each closing procedure until completion of the opening procedure vessels will be prohibited from transiting the Thames Barrier. Most closures are for approximately 2½ hours over the respective low waters. No vessel is to pass Margaretness inward bound or Blackwall Point outward bound once a Thames Barrier closure has commenced unless authorised by London VTS.
5. Works on Felixstowe Wave Buoy - Adjacent to the Felixstowe Ledge SHB is a yellow wave buoy. Work will take place on 16th January. 200m exclujsion zone, no fishing or anchoring, no mooring please. Full details in the Local List.
6. River Medway – Chatham Reach - Euro Wharf Quay Works - work is due to commence at Euro Wharf on the River Medway as part of the ongoing quay wall replacement project. Work to expose the old quay wall sheet piling will commence on or around 14th January 2026 with completion expected by 19th January 2026. The tug “Jean T” and barge PFL100 will be positioned off of the berth face at Euro Wharf with a 360° excavator on board, which will be used to remove granular material in front of the sheet piling which will be removed during the next phase. “Jean T” will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 74 whilst working and will concentrate activity on the lower end of the quay. All vessels are requested to keep clear and reduce speed and wash when passing.
7. Port of Great Yarmouth - Diving - Diving Operations will be conducted on M/V C-Force located at berth 4A on the 19/01/2026 between the hours of 0800 and 1800. The works will include testing of underwater diving systems and conduct diver rescue drills performed by Leask Marine LTD. Masters must obtain information from Yarmouth Radio on VHF Channel 12 before any movement or operation of engines or thrusters close to or adjacent to these berths. Masters are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching or passing the dive site, to keep well clear of the works area and to pass at the slowest safe manoeuvring speed. Swinging of vessels will not be permitted anywhere within the works area. For further information please contact Great Yarmouth LPS on VHF (Ch 12, callsign ‘Yarmouth Radio’) or telephone 01493 335511.
8. Sizewell - Core Barrel Recovery - works by Fugro on behalf of Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) have been extended for a period of up to 10 days (weather permitting) from 17th January 2026. The works will consist of diving operations to recover HPC core barrel from the seabed utilising a team of divers from the support vessel Paul D - in position - 52° 13’ 25.28”N, 001° 40’ 58.79”E See chartlet as reported by Sizewell obstruction vide #15 of 2025. Paul D will be conducting this operation whilst lying to 3 point anchor spread whilst working on seabed investigations which will render her unable to manoeuvre it is therefore, requested that all vessels operating within this area keep safe distance, maintaining at least 500m from the Paul D and pass at the lowest speed to avoid vessel wash effects. WM Proteus will be on site conducting personnel transfer and general support duties to Paul D. Paul D and WM Proteus can be contacted on VHF CH 12 or CH16.
That's it.
1. ENGLAND - East Coast - Depths. - A significant reduction of depth on the east side of the Holm Sand (off Lowestoft).
2. ENGLAND - East Coast - Buoyage. - Two new Yellow special lit buoys within the Sizewell Harbour Limits. Worth noticing if using the channel inside the Sizewell Bank.
3. ENGLAND - East Coast - Wreck. - A temporary notice prompted by the local Medway notice advising the dangerous wreck close by the Kingsnorth Jetty. As discussed by 'Oldgit'.
4. ENGLAND - East Coast - NM Blocks. - The UKHO has issue two blocks, one for the SNC and a second for the SCC, covering Gorleston Pier and the Yare ‘corner’.
5. DOVER STRAIT - Submarine cable. - In week 13 last year there was a Preliminary Notice [1339(P)/25] announcing the laying of a submarine cable between North Foreland and the Oostende. This is now complete. The Notice is long as it lists the cable positions for each SNC and SCCs involved and removes references to temporary works. Goto: Notices to Mariners if you want to download the lat/long positions.
Local
1. Sea Reach to Thames Estuary: Dredging Operations - commencing on 19th January 2026, dredging and associated survey operations will be carried out within the Port of London and approaches. These works are expected to be completed on or around 31st March 2026.. The various dredging and survey areas are listed below and indicated by red boxes on chartlets that can be seen in the Local List in the above quoted web page:
- London Gateway Berths 1-3
- London Gateway Manoeuvring Area
- Sea Reach
- West Oaze
- Knock John Channel
- The Sunk
- South Falls
- Inner Gabbard
- North Edinburgh Channel
| Vessel Name | Vessel Type | Length Overall | Period of Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| VALKYRIE IV | Survey Vessel | 11.3m | 19th January – 31st March |
| BREYDEL | Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger | 125.5m | 23rd January – 31st March |
| DHAMRA | Water Injection Dredger | 30.9m | 18 February – 31st March |
All vessels involved in dredging and survey operations will display the relevant signals in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. All vessels will be maintaining a listening watch on VHF Ch. 68 and VHF Ch. 69 and will be in direct contact with London VTS.
Mariners are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant when navigating in the vicinity of these vessels. For more information contact London VTS on the relevant VHF channel for the area or by telephone on 01474 562 215.
2. River Thames - Erith Reach - Coldharbour Jetty: Piling Operations - on or about Tuesday, 20th January, contractors instructed by the operator of Coldharbour Jetty will be undertaking arrestor pile replacement works. These works are expected to underway for approximately 7 weeks, with operations occurring between the hours of 0700hrs and 1800hrs. The chartlet shows the general location of the works, indicated by the red box: Works will be undertaken from flat top pontoons “Sea Voyager” & “GPS601”, with the addition of various support craft, including Tugs and Workboats. Only one flat pontoon will be present on site at any given time, moored on station on the riverside of Coldharbour Jetty. The works will include, but may not be limited to, diving operations, heavy lifts and working at height in MEWPs. During these works, any requirement to proceed with caution or at slow speed will be made in accordance with the procedure set out in the Port of London Authority’s Port Information Guide, under ‘London VTS’, ‘Section 4’. International Code Flags ROMEO YANKEE. The display of these signal flags will be in addition to any signals, lights or shapes specified by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at sea and local regulations. London VTS will broadcast further information, as required, on VHF Channel 14.
3. River Thames - Gravesend Reach - Port Health Pier: Repair Works - on or about Monday 26th January 2026, contractors instructed by the London Port Health Authority will commence repair works to Port Health Pier. These works will include lifting operations involving a crane barge and personnel working on the waterline. Crane barge HAVEN SEAFORTH and Safety Boats KGII and KING’S REACH are expected to be in attendance at these works. Additional tugs, workboats and safety boats may also attend on these works from time to time. The location of Port Health Pier is indicated by the red markings on the chart extract. These works are expected to be complete within approximately 6 weeks of commencement, with operatives expected to work 0800 – 1700, Monday to Friday. Similar safety signs as in #2.
4. River Thames - Woolwich Reach - Environment Agency: Thames Barrier Closures - will be closed once a month for test purposes, in accordance with a programme issued for a period of six months, commencing 01st May 2026. Listed below are the times between which the Thames Barrier will be closed to navigation for test purposes. During these periods’ navigation in the Thames Barrier Control Zone, between Margaretness and Blackwall Point, will be restricted and any movements in this area will require permission from London VTS. PROGRAMME OF CLOSURES:
Wednesday 6th May 2026 09:45 to12:15Mariners are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant when navigating in the vicinity of these vessels. For more information contact London VTS on the relevant VHF channel for the area or by telephone on 01474 562 215.
2. River Thames - Erith Reach - Coldharbour Jetty: Piling Operations - on or about Tuesday, 20th January, contractors instructed by the operator of Coldharbour Jetty will be undertaking arrestor pile replacement works. These works are expected to underway for approximately 7 weeks, with operations occurring between the hours of 0700hrs and 1800hrs. The chartlet shows the general location of the works, indicated by the red box: Works will be undertaken from flat top pontoons “Sea Voyager” & “GPS601”, with the addition of various support craft, including Tugs and Workboats. Only one flat pontoon will be present on site at any given time, moored on station on the riverside of Coldharbour Jetty. The works will include, but may not be limited to, diving operations, heavy lifts and working at height in MEWPs. During these works, any requirement to proceed with caution or at slow speed will be made in accordance with the procedure set out in the Port of London Authority’s Port Information Guide, under ‘London VTS’, ‘Section 4’. International Code Flags ROMEO YANKEE. The display of these signal flags will be in addition to any signals, lights or shapes specified by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at sea and local regulations. London VTS will broadcast further information, as required, on VHF Channel 14.
3. River Thames - Gravesend Reach - Port Health Pier: Repair Works - on or about Monday 26th January 2026, contractors instructed by the London Port Health Authority will commence repair works to Port Health Pier. These works will include lifting operations involving a crane barge and personnel working on the waterline. Crane barge HAVEN SEAFORTH and Safety Boats KGII and KING’S REACH are expected to be in attendance at these works. Additional tugs, workboats and safety boats may also attend on these works from time to time. The location of Port Health Pier is indicated by the red markings on the chart extract. These works are expected to be complete within approximately 6 weeks of commencement, with operatives expected to work 0800 – 1700, Monday to Friday. Similar safety signs as in #2.
4. River Thames - Woolwich Reach - Environment Agency: Thames Barrier Closures - will be closed once a month for test purposes, in accordance with a programme issued for a period of six months, commencing 01st May 2026. Listed below are the times between which the Thames Barrier will be closed to navigation for test purposes. During these periods’ navigation in the Thames Barrier Control Zone, between Margaretness and Blackwall Point, will be restricted and any movements in this area will require permission from London VTS. PROGRAMME OF CLOSURES:
Thursday 4th June 2026 09:30 to 12:00
Monday 6th July 2026 11:15 to 13:45
Monday 3rd August 2026 10:30 to 13:00
Monday 14th September 2026 09:45 to 12:15
Sunday 11th October 2026 08:05 to 18:05 All times are approximate
The closures will be confirmed and promulgated by London VTS from 24 hours in advance of the operation by VHF radio on routine river broadcasts. From the start of each closing procedure until completion of the opening procedure vessels will be prohibited from transiting the Thames Barrier. Most closures are for approximately 2½ hours over the respective low waters. No vessel is to pass Margaretness inward bound or Blackwall Point outward bound once a Thames Barrier closure has commenced unless authorised by London VTS.
5. Works on Felixstowe Wave Buoy - Adjacent to the Felixstowe Ledge SHB is a yellow wave buoy. Work will take place on 16th January. 200m exclujsion zone, no fishing or anchoring, no mooring please. Full details in the Local List.
6. River Medway – Chatham Reach - Euro Wharf Quay Works - work is due to commence at Euro Wharf on the River Medway as part of the ongoing quay wall replacement project. Work to expose the old quay wall sheet piling will commence on or around 14th January 2026 with completion expected by 19th January 2026. The tug “Jean T” and barge PFL100 will be positioned off of the berth face at Euro Wharf with a 360° excavator on board, which will be used to remove granular material in front of the sheet piling which will be removed during the next phase. “Jean T” will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 74 whilst working and will concentrate activity on the lower end of the quay. All vessels are requested to keep clear and reduce speed and wash when passing.
7. Port of Great Yarmouth - Diving - Diving Operations will be conducted on M/V C-Force located at berth 4A on the 19/01/2026 between the hours of 0800 and 1800. The works will include testing of underwater diving systems and conduct diver rescue drills performed by Leask Marine LTD. Masters must obtain information from Yarmouth Radio on VHF Channel 12 before any movement or operation of engines or thrusters close to or adjacent to these berths. Masters are advised to exercise extreme caution when approaching or passing the dive site, to keep well clear of the works area and to pass at the slowest safe manoeuvring speed. Swinging of vessels will not be permitted anywhere within the works area. For further information please contact Great Yarmouth LPS on VHF (Ch 12, callsign ‘Yarmouth Radio’) or telephone 01493 335511.
8. Sizewell - Core Barrel Recovery - works by Fugro on behalf of Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) have been extended for a period of up to 10 days (weather permitting) from 17th January 2026. The works will consist of diving operations to recover HPC core barrel from the seabed utilising a team of divers from the support vessel Paul D - in position - 52° 13’ 25.28”N, 001° 40’ 58.79”E See chartlet as reported by Sizewell obstruction vide #15 of 2025. Paul D will be conducting this operation whilst lying to 3 point anchor spread whilst working on seabed investigations which will render her unable to manoeuvre it is therefore, requested that all vessels operating within this area keep safe distance, maintaining at least 500m from the Paul D and pass at the lowest speed to avoid vessel wash effects. WM Proteus will be on site conducting personnel transfer and general support duties to Paul D. Paul D and WM Proteus can be contacted on VHF CH 12 or CH16.
That's it.