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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Jersey Coastguard warning

25 May 2010

Jersey Coastguard received a significant number of calls last weekend (22 and 23 June) from stranded boat owners, some of which had the potential to escalate to more serious incidents.

To prevent further incidents, skippers and boat owners are being given the following advice:

  • check boat’s engine(s) and ensure oil, coolant and fuel is to acceptable levels. Marine engines need to be serviced regularly. If this is your first trip out, carry out a sea trial before setting off on a long trip
  • ensure you have the appropriate safety equipment, including sufficient numbers of life jackets, a VHF radio (not a mobile phone) and an appropriate pack of flares. This is a SOLAS V requirement
  • tie up dinghies and tenders securely and ensure they are marked for identification. An unmarked boat found adrift could result in a major sea search
  • check the weather and tides
  • tell someone when and where you are going, preferably by filing a traffic report with the Coastguard

Once boat owners have set off, they're being asked to remember:

  • that it is your responsibility to keep a sharp look out at all times, by all available means (ColRegs)
  • pay particular attention when entering bays and beach areas for swimmers and divers who may be using the water. Divers mark with Surface Buoys Marker (SMB) and swimmers offer a low profile when viewed from a boat
  • remember the 5 knot limit extends to 200m off shore. It is an offence to exceed this speed and can attract a significant fine
  • jet skis should keep to designated areas in the popular bays and also observe the 5 knot speed limits when close inshore

Deputy Harbour Master, Captain Peter Moore, said “With the summer now upon us, boat owners should take advantage of the RNLI's free and confidential advisory service to boat owners. It's called 'SEA check'. It takes place aboard your boat and it provides you with the opportunity of having an informal chat with a RNLI trained Sea Safety Adviser concerning your vessel and its equipment. You can request a SEA check by completing the on-line form on the RNLI's website. Once the form has been received, one of the Jersey based RNLI Sea Safety Advisors will contact you to arrange a convenient time.”

Jersey Coastguard thanks all those who responded to our "all ships" calls and towed various vessels back to port.

SEA check on RNLI website

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