TTNC Briefing

Yes had the invite, would like to go but its a bit of trek after work and I'm unlikely to go tidal this year.

Can we have a full report please:)
 
Well, I went.
Sadly I'm really short of time, so no full report I'm afraid, but VERY briefly, what transpired was:
I'd guess around 45 assorted members turned up, mingled and refreshed themselves for an hour or so. Half a dozen members of the Harbourmasters team were introducing themselves and participating in general banter. Punters seemed to be drawn from a broad spectrum, some like me representing themselves, but many representing clubs of all kinds, as well as activity centres and the like.
Then the HM team gave a series of presentations, ranging from interesting background information on the Port of London to specific advice, drawing particular attention to notices to mariners, safety bulletins, and the organisation and operation of communications and control on the river and in the estuary.

I found the whole evening enjoyable and useful. Amongst the many points made by the HM's, two stand out as repeated messages both in the presentations and in the Q&A which followed:

  • The website http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/ should be regarded as a "go-to" resource for information which all recreational users of the tidal river NEED to have.

  • While the PLA doesn't necessarily expect to hear from small boats on VHF except when mandated (e.g. approaching Barrier), everyone should "listen and learn" at all times, and very importantly, the PLA absolutely welcome contact from recreational users (by VHF or phone to VTS, or by hailing a patrol launch) in any situation where we want advice, are in doubt, or where common sense suggests it's better for them to know what we are, where we are, and what we are intending to do.

I'm hoping that at least one other attendee might be a forumite and find time to amplify this a bit, as I really haven't done justice to the event in any way, but at least for the time being, that's all folks.
A.
 
Alan ashore said:
Well, I went.
Sadly I'm really short of time, so no full report I'm afraid, but VERY briefly, what transpired was:
I'd guess around 45 assorted members turned up, mingled and refreshed themselves for an hour or so. Half a dozen members of the Harbourmasters team were introducing themselves and participating in general banter. Punters seemed to be drawn from a broad spectrum, some like me representing themselves, but many representing clubs of all kinds, as well as activity centres and the like.
Then the HM team gave a series of presentations, ranging from interesting background information on the Port of London to specific advice, drawing particular attention to notices to mariners, safety bulletins, and the organisation and operation of communications and control on the river and in the estuary.

I found the whole evening enjoyable and useful. Amongst the many points made by the HM's, two stand out as repeated messages both in the presentations and in the Q&A which followed:

  • The website http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/ should be regarded as a "go-to" resource for information which all recreational users of the tidal river NEED to have.

  • While the PLA doesn't necessarily expect to hear from small boats on VHF except when mandated (e.g. approaching Barrier), everyone should "listen and learn" at all times, and very importantly, the PLA absolutely welcome contact from recreational users (by VHF or phone to VTS, or by hailing a patrol launch) in any situation where we want advice, are in doubt, or where common sense suggests it's better for them to know what we are, where we are, and what we are intending to do.

I'm hoping that at least one other attendee might be a forumite and find time to amplify this a bit, as I really haven't done justice to the event in any way, but at least for the time being, that's all folks.
A.
Click to expand...


Use of VHF. In the past I've been roundly ticked off (but not by the PLA) about that the only need is to maintain a listening watch on VHF which of itself doesn't require a licence, nor does the use of VHF in an emergency require a licence.

Please could you clarify.

(I don't need reminding of the size of boat requiring VHF nor on the desirability of such).
 
Its not clear to me what's unclear to you :)
The HMs themselves made the point that even if you don't have a license, as you say you can and should listen and in an emergency could legally transmit.

The thrust of the message I was trying to relay is simply "if in doubt, call them".
 
TrueBlue said:
Use of VHF. In the past I've been roundly ticked off (but not by the PLA) about that the only need is to maintain a listening watch on VHF which of itself doesn't require a licence, nor does the use of VHF in an emergency require a licence.

Please could you clarify.

(I don't need reminding of the size of boat requiring VHF nor on the desirability of such).
Click to expand...

No, that's wrong.

It is illegal to listen to communications which you are not licensed to receive. The Wireless and Telegraphy Act is explicit on this.
 
During a visit to the PLA control room at Gravesend a little while ago with RCC,it was mentioned they have no problem with leisure craft contacting them for information or if unsure of something.
Suspect that the only caveat is to listen carefully first to avoid creating problems.
Clubs can book a visit.They do a nice chat with tea and biscuits followed by a look round and a chat to the operators.
 
"No, that's wrong.

It is illegal to listen to communications which you are not licensed to receive. The Wireless and Telegraphy Act is explicit on this."

No, that's wrong.

It is legal to listen to marine radio, you only need an operators license to transmit. The Marine Radio Wireless and Telegraphy Act is explicit on this. :D
 
Chris_d said:
"No, that's wrong.

It is illegal to listen to communications which you are not licensed to receive. The Wireless and Telegraphy Act is explicit on this."

No, that's wrong.

It is legal to listen to marine radio, you only need an operators license to transmit. The Marine Radio Wireless and Telegraphy Act is explicit on this. :D
Click to expand...

Should have checked this completely before pressing send, apologies :), you need a ships radio license for the actual radio which is free from Ofcom, but you don't need
an operators license to receive and listen to marine transmissions.
 
Chris_d said:
Should have checked this completely before pressing send, apologies :), you need a ships radio license for the actual radio which is free from Ofcom, but you don't need
an operators license to receive and listen to marine transmissions.
Click to expand...

Well folks, I think this dialogue has established that without inclusion of the word "operator's", the observation made at the briefing may have been technically false.
I have a feeling that forensic analysis of the meanings of the precise form of words used, which I do not claim to have captured verbatim, might, conceivably, exonerate the HM from the supposed heinous act of inciting unlawful use of wireless telegraphy equipment. Or not. Either way it's all a bit tangential to the message they were, I believe, giving us.
 
TrueBlue said:
Use of VHF. In the past I've been roundly ticked off (but not by the PLA) about that the only need is to maintain a listening watch on VHF which of itself doesn't require a licence, nor does the use of VHF in an emergency require a licence.

Please could you clarify.

(I don't need reminding of the size of boat requiring VHF nor on the desirability of such).
Click to expand...
Why wouldn't you get a licence? It only takes a day in a classroom.
 
MinorSwing said:
Why wouldn't you get a licence? It only takes a day in a classroom.
Click to expand...

It doesn't even take that long here...
https://services.ofcom.org.uk/
As long as you understand how and when to use radio you're not breaking any rules.

Since radios can be bought really cheap and licenced free I think it would be good for all if everyone on the water had one. Maybe that's what is being encouraged?
 
bobtooke said:
It doesn't even take that long here...
https://services.ofcom.org.uk/
As long as you understand how and when to use radio you're not breaking any rules.

Since radios can be bought really cheap and licenced free I think it would be good for all if everyone on the water had one. Maybe that's what is being encouraged?
Click to expand...

Its a day in a classroom to get an operators license not the "ships license", then you can use it :)
 
prof pat pending said:
iirc it became 2 days in the classroom at the begining of the year
Click to expand...

And it's quite expensive.
A bit of an overkill if it's only wanted for inland waterways - where there's very little official traffic. For the occasional short trips on PLA waters it's a bit of a nonsense (in practical terms) because folks can always a mobile in an emergency, which is what a boat under whatever-the-length
-is would have to do.
 
Offcom. IMO. ITU.MCA. or ......UKIP :)

Danbury said:
Yes... and unless you didn't guess... it's to comply with EU regulations...
Click to expand...

Always fascinated by how much is attributed to the EU especially when this sort of thing is usually comes under IMO.
A hyperlink to this rule coming from Brussels would be most appreciated. ?
 
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