Restricted Visibility

Question 1

Where can you find Restricted Visibility Guidelines?

Answer 1

PUNG Section 1.2

Question 2

What is MGN 369

Answer 2

“Navigation in Restricted Visibility”

Question 3

On which channel will restricted visibility broadcasts be made?

Answer 3

In the event that these guidelines require a broadcast to be made by VTS, the broadcast shall be made
on VHF, Channel 14, preceded by a ‘Securite’ announcement on VHF, Channels 16 & 12, to warn
mariners in the VTS area of the presence, or likely presence of restricted visibility

Question 4

What is a ‘clear channel in fog vessel?

Answer 4

A ‘clear channel in fog’ vessel is one that is deemed to require a Moving Prohibited Zone.

ie. >150m LOA

Question 5

What action would you take When Visibility is Less Than 2 Nautical Miles?

(6 items)

Answer 5

1. Wx. Forecaster
2. VHF Broadcast
3. Reports from vessels
4. Tell Arriving/departing vessels
5. Tell Pilots & Launches
6. Review planned passes

Question 6

What action would you take When Visibility is Between 1 Nautical Mile and ½ a Nautical Mile?

(12 items)

Answer 6

1. Calshot/Hook fog signals
2. High speed ferries report at Hook
3. Ryde/Fishbourne/Portsmouth/Southsea Ferries report when departing
4. 2x radar desks manned
5. vessel pos’n Range & Bearing
6. PBG-F closed, go to E
7. > 150m Clear Channel Status
8. Pilots/PEC allowed clear channel <150m
9. N. of Itchen bridge closed
10. Laden DG vessels >60,000t DWT not past the West Bramble buoy or depart
11. no Fawley and Dock Head Passes
12. No vessel shall be permitted to leave a berth or enter Southampton VTS Area if, in the consideration of the Harbour Master, it is likely to place one or more vessels at unnecessary risk.

Question 7

What action would you take when Visibility is Less Than ½ Nautical Mile (5 cables)?

(4 items)

Answer 7

1. DG vessels don’t enter an area in which the visibility is less than ½ a nautical mile.
2. Nobody breaks speed limit
3. All ships are Clear Channel Vessels
4. Ship Assist Tugs authorised for use in the Port of Southampton will no longer be exempt from the “clear channel” rules.

Question 8

What action would you take When Visibility is Less than 2 Cables?

(4 items)

Answer 8

1. Inward vessels needing tugs consider aborting before West Bramble
2. Inward vessels >220m LOA consider aborting before W. Ryde Middle
3. Tug master might not make fast
4. All bunkering stops and hoses cleared of marine pollutants when vessels >150m LOA pass