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QHM Reminder - The Small Boat Channel

Published 16:14 on 6 Jun 2018

We have been asked to publish the following note from QHM's Safety Team with respect to the Small Boat Channel and the changes that have been made following the arrival of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

As regular users of the harbour it is worth an early season reminder, that with the
arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier, the General Direction in relation
to the use of the Small Boat Channel was updated in last Autumn.

The Portsmouth Harbour entrance and main approach channel is considered a narrow
channel in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions
and Sea (COLREGS) and as such, all mariners are reminded that in accordance with
Rule 9(b) "a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not
impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel
or fairway".

Vessels under 20m are to use the Small Boat Channel which is General Direction
02/17: Portsmouth Harbour Entrance-Approach Channel, Small Boat Channel, Swashway
and Inner Swashway, full details of this can be read here:

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/qhm/portsmouth/local-notices/general-directions/2017/1702-portsmouth-harbour-entrance

This image is listed in the General Direction but advises some of the key points of
the Small Boat Channel.