Solent Pan Pan

[BruceK]

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!

Out of interest, we have a good number of NCI watch stations out our way and I wonder what their full function is w.r.t. to your comment. The North of Cardigan Bay is a gunnery area and at the time of this incident there was a survey boat out doing it's work. NCI hailed me both inbound from Bardsey to Aberdwyfi and outbound requesting passage plans, speed and times before authorising my movement. I assumed that it was so engine noise / route did not interfere with any sounding work but it struck me as odd as it's the only times I have ever been in radio contact with them. Hence the query re co-ordination.

 

[chanelyacht]

Out of interest, we have a good number of NCI watch stations out our way and I wonder what their full function is w.r.t. to your comment. The North of Cardigan Bay is a gunnery area and at the time of this incident there was a survey boat out doing it's work. NCI hailed me both inbound from Bardsey to Aberdwyfi and outbound requesting passage plans, speed and times before authorising my movement. I assumed that it was so engine noise / route did not interfere with any sounding work but it struck me as odd as it's the only times I have ever been in radio contact with them. Hence the query re co-ordination.

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 all (including NCIs insurers) are very clear that they must not advise, direct or comment on the suitability of passage plans, etc.

That sounds odd about the "authorising" situation - unless the MoD had contracted with them for range control, what they were asking is way outside their remit. I know the Cardigan Bay ranges well, as I was at Milford for a while.

 

[BruceK]

I thought it odd too. Roy ( @seastoke ) was about an hour ahead of me on the return passage and can vouch for that call. He will likely point out that I was probably in trouble with the authorities again and mention fridges and props. The inbound passage was during tropical storm Gert and especially through Bardsey was one helluva ride.

 

[chanelyacht]

I thought it odd too. Roy ( @seastoke ) was about an hour ahead of me on the return passage and can vouch for that call. He will likely point out that I was probably in trouble with the authorities again and mention fridges and props. The inbound passage was during tropical storm Gert and especially through Bardsey was one helluva ride.

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

 

[BruceK]

Channel 16 definitely. They identified me on the radio by position, direction, speed and colour. Identified themselves as National Coastwatch. Given they were able to identify other smaller craft near Aberystwyth I would have placed their station somewhere between there and Aberdwyfi

This would have been this time 2017

 

[chanelyacht]

Channel 16 definitely. They identified me on the radio by position, direction, speed and colour. Identified themselves as National Coastwatch. Given they were able to identify other smaller craft near Aberystwyth I would have placed their station somewhere between there and Aberdwyfi

This would have been this time 2017

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!

 

[BruceK]

No definitely identified with the words National Coastwatch and to me appeared to be co-ordinating with the survey boat. There were numerous traffic bulletin calls on the radio to keep well clear of it. Probably it was towing a long fish behind it or something and they didn't want any Hooray Henry's getting their props caught in the lines, so ya, guilty. As I left Cardigan Bay transitioning Bardsey it was if they handed me over to the next station. Again I cant be sure but the chatter always started at that point.