UK seafarers, crew, and ship owners can get various types of navigational information by radio via:<\/p>\n
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) website provides Radio Navigational Warnings<\/a> (RNWs) and UK coastal warnings. It lists all in-force NAVAREA 1 and UK Coastal Warnings (WZs).<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: A leaflet produced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) gives extra details on maritime safety broadcast times<\/a> and for medical advice calls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As part of maritime navigational guidance and safety warning you should get radio warnings about:<\/p>\n If you spot any of these hazards yourself while at sea you can contact the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office Radio navigational warning helpline.<\/p>\n UKHO Radio Navigational Warning Helpline<\/strong> Note<\/strong>: Being responsible for causing a navigational hazard means you would need to contribute toward the cost of any broadcasts of obligatory navigational warnings (where necessary).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Navigating safely at sea is especially important in adverse weather and sea conditions. MCA guidance MGN 315 (M)<\/a> provides further information on keeping a safe navigational watch on merchant vessels.<\/p>\n One of the busiest shipping lanes in the world is the Dover Strait. See the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS<\/a>). It exists to help ships crossing the Dover Strait navigate in a safe manner and to avoid collisions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Ships must comply with requirements for navigation lights and other equipment. MSN 1781 Amendment 2 outlines changes to annex IV of the convention on the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea<\/a>, 1972 (COLREGs).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance MGN 369<\/a> gives further information describing the proper conduct of vessels in restricted visibility.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n High-speed craft can suffer some degree of difficulty in following and quartering seas. Often, it can include behavioural activities such as bow diving, broaching, and surfing.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: Read MGN 328<\/a> for extra details on the control of a high-speed craft during adverse sea conditions.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n The Dover CNIS provides a 24-hour radio and radar service for all shipping in the Dover Strait. They relay information in the Dover TSS area every sixty (60) minutes (30 minutes if visibility drops below 2 miles). You can get the broadcasts on VHF radio channel 11.<\/p>\n The Dover Strait Channel Navigation Information Service broadcasts information on:<\/p>\n Transmissions may also include information about any ship that appears to be breaking the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. This service helps to warn other ships in the vicinity of any potential hazards.<\/p>\n The system uses radar to automatically track ships using the TSS. The authorities can use this information in a prosecution if any ship breaks maritime laws in United Kingdom<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Small commercial ships should keep a listening watch on VHF channel 16. This radio channel allows you to receive coastguard announcements.<\/p>\n Some ships may need a fixed VHF channel to receive these broadcasts. If this is the case, you should have VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) fitted.<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: All new vessels must have VHF DSC installed (and any that are replacing outdated VHF radios).<\/p>\n Mount radio aerials as high as possible to get the best reception. You should also provide an emergency aerial in cases where the main aerial is fitted to a mast.<\/p>\n You can contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) if you are unsure of the VHF coverage in the area of your operations.<\/p>\n MCA Radio Helpline<\/strong> Making sure you can charge the batteries that charge the radio equipment of the ship is a requirement. You must also ensure they have adequate protection against flooding.<\/p>\n A fixed radio installation should contain certain identification markings that show:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: You should also have a card that provides clear information on radio distress, urgency and safety procedures. The card should be in full view of the radio operating position.<\/p>\n Details above show the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, 1972 (COLREGs). Even so, some small vessels may be exempt from certain requirements, such as if:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: MCA guidance notes MGN 280 (M)<\/a> contains further information on construction standards for small vessels in sport use. It also advises how the standards of the SCV code may be used for already coded vessels.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nReceiving Reports on Navigational Hazards<\/h2>\n
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\nEmail: navwarnings@btconnect.com<\/a>
\nTelephone: 01823 353 448<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSafe Navigation at Sea<\/h2>\n
Navigating in the Dover Strait<\/h5>\n
Navigation Lights, Shapes, and Sound Signals<\/h5>\n
Navigating in Restricted Visibility<\/h5>\n
Controlling High-Speed Craft<\/h5>\n
Channel Navigation Information Service (CNIS)<\/h3>\n
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\nNavigation Equipment (small commercial vessels)<\/h2>\n
Radio Installation Regulations<\/h3>\n
\nTelephone: 02380 329356<\/a>
\nMore on phone call charges<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Navigation Lights, Shapes and Sound Signals<\/h3>\n
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