Important Commodore Note
Thursday 23rd March saw a meeting for East Area Leisure Vessels collective to which there has been some interesting points made which I have to reinforce and make the members aware. This may not be relevant to a majority but is in particular importance for people soon to be approaching Harwich area Dovercourt bay and Felixstowe surrounding areas controlled by Harwich VTS (vehicle traffic and shipping).
1. All leisure craft are to avoid the main shipping channels and there be details sent out prior to commencement of the season showing in particular Yacht Tracks to which should be utilised for alternative safe passage.
2. For craft travelling to the continent there is a Single Pleasure Craft Reporting system (SPCR) which replaces the C30/31 form. This is a recommendation of use and is not yet legal requirement but advisable. This is all available online, (Border Force) and Foreign Yachts entering UK are already requested to do this. There will be an APP which will be easy to follow which I can advise when received.
3. We as a club need to notify the HHA in advance of any group /racing instructions in advance courses numbers etc so VTS are aware of movements and volumes etc.
4. Very Important that if in the area of the harbour to listen to channel 71 in the harbour and channel 68 in the Orwell. When and if racing please ensure that rescue and committee boats are listening to these channels. There will be dredging operations and information and location of movements likewise will be transmitted through channel 71.
5. Soon as the (SPCR) literature packs become available I shall make available at the club and hey will be available at other local marinas.
