SECURITY
Incidents, Investigations and Enforcement
Commercial
Five incidents involving commercial vessels were reported during the period since the last Annual Report and have
been investigated by CHC, with fi ndings shared with the Solent Operators Group (SOG) and MAIB where appropriate.
Close Quarters Situation - A yacht transiting the Outer Harbour cut close ahead of an outbound vehicle ferry,
failing to comply with Rule 9 of the ColRegs.
Close Quarters Situation - A fl eet of racing yachts were instructed to start a race as a ferry was inbound in the
Outer Harbour. The yachts cut close ahead and astern of the vehicle ferry. The race controllers were unaware
of the ferry’s presence.
Collision - A yacht failed to appreciate the rate and set of the tide and over-estimated the vessel’s ability to turn
in such a tideway. The yacht collided with the Cowes Chain Ferry.
Close Quarters Situation - A small passenger vessel failed to maintain a proper lookout whilst manoeuvring and
a passing yacht had to take avoiding action to prevent a collision.
Failure to maintain a proper lookout - The Cowes Chain Ferry failed to respond to VHF calls and delayed the
sailing of a commercial vessel as they blocked the river.
Collision - Four yachts made contact with the Cowes Chain Ferry chains. These incidents are under investigation,
but additional safety control measures have been put in place by CHC and the Isle of Wight Council to prevent
further incidents in the interim.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the above incidents. Key fi ndings and recommendations have provided
“lessons learned” that have been actioned to improve harbour safety. The safety issues surrounding safe passage
when passing the Chain Ferry are a top priority for CHC and we are working closely with the Isle of Wight Council
to fi nd a long-term resolution.
Leisure
Speeding and wash infringements featured prominently in the
record of leisure incidents that were in breach of Cowes Harbour’s
General Directions. CHC will continue to focus on these issues for
2018. This will partly comprise of continuing focussed harbour
patrols, and the utilisation of harbour wide CCTV that has the
capability of tracking vessels throughout CHC’s area of jurisdiction
from the Harbour approaches to the Folly.
Harbour Patrol Offi cers remain equipped with body-worn video
(BWV) cameras and are proactive in educating offenders. Our
Harbour Patrol Offi cers have recently attended enforcement training
with Hampshire Marine Police, along with other Solent Harbour
Authority representatives. This training covered legal requirements,
evidential considerations, dealing with offenders and an overview
of marine security.
Summary of Incident Occurrences
2017 2016
Speeding/wash infringement 171 118
Cutting through moorings 24 79
Incident response by CHC assets 77 120
Number of verbal cautions issued
following the PACE protocol 5 13
Other reportable incidents 11 6
Follow up warning letters issued 2 0
Alcohol related incidents 2 2
Harbour Security
Since our last Public Meeting, CHC has completed a major investment project to install a harbour wide CCTV
system that will provide full 24/7 coverage from the Folly Inn to the harbour entrance. The primary purpose of this
high specifi cation CCTV system is to assist CHC in fulfi lling its statutory duties and the safe management of harbour
activities, whilst enhancing security and enforcement capabilities within our area of jurisdiction.
The CCTV footage may also be used as evidence to enforce and/or prosecute under the Cowes Harbour General
Directions, and will enable CHC to carry out full incident investigations, with the CCTV quality and coverage required,
without having to rely on the cooperation of third parties.
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