We have now analysed the results of our recent Broads Survey, and the results are printed below.

Thank you for participating , and the winner of the prize draw of respondents is Graham Baggott.

Number and type the craft for which respondents are Broads Authority tollpayers:

Sail, with cabin ...........75  Sail, no cabin but keel …27      Sailing dinghy …55

Powered, with cabin .157  Powered, no cabin …......44      Other ..................63

Total number of craft....421       Number of respondents 247 (of whom all but 10 are tollpayers)

Days in the last year for which craft made a journey exceeding 100 metres on the Broads navigation (average):

Sail, with cabin …........32    Sail, no cabin but keel …20      Sailing dinghy …11

Powered, with cabin …36    Powered, no cabin …......27      Other …...............11

Average days for all types of craft ....26

Average rating for the availability of free moorings (score 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2=satisfactory, 1 = poor, 0 = don’t know (not included in scoring)) on:

                                                                                                                        Average scores:

            the Ant and ‘tributaries’ ……........................................................................2.01

            the Bure (and ‘tributaries’ ex Ant) above Thurne Mouth …….....................1.81

            the Bure below Thurne Mouth ………..........................................................1.69

            the Thurne and ‘tributaries’ ………...............................................................1.82

            the Waveney and ‘tributaries’ ………............................................................1.92

            the Yare and ‘tributaries’ (inc Wensum) above Cantley factory ….…..........1.83

            the Yare and ‘tributaries’ (inc New Cut) below Cantley …….......................1.60

Average rating for yacht stations in terms of the availability of moorings, facilities (including condition of them), security and value for money (score 4 = excellent, 3 = good, 2=satisfactory, 1 = poor, 0 = don’t know)

                                                                                                Average scores (not including 0s):

Average rating for availability of diesel (D), petrol (P), water (W), pump out (PO), chemical toilet disposal (TD) (scoring as above) on:

                                                                                                                                Average scores (not including 0s):

Appendix A: Comments about facilities

Issues raised by more than a few respondents are summarised below. All comments received have been logged and will inform the NSBA in acting for its members.

Riverside facilities in general

26 respondents referred to lack of facilities either generally or more commonly of a specific type. 6 respondents commented on the paucity of outlets selling petrol. 6 respondents commented on the lack of chemical toilet disposal facilities. 5 respondents commented on the reduced availability of yards to provide services, either because of the reduction in the number of yards or because the move to short breaks meant that yard staff were busy with hire boats for more of the week.

Electricity charging points

20 respondents commented on the need for an expansion of electric charging points around the Broads system, particularly at 24-hour moorings. They pointed out that, even where there was such a facility, the number of points was inadequate.

Public toilets

16 respondents complained about the unavailability of public toilets near public moorings. The facilities at Gaye’s Staithe, Hickling, Ranworth, Horning, Ludham Bridge and Womack were noted and held up as good examples, unlike those at Potter Heigham.

6 of the above respondents pleaded for the provision of showers.

Refuse disposal

14 respondents commented on the lack of refuse disposal facilities for boaters, three advocating the provision of re-cycling facilities and one asking for the provision for disposal of dog excrement. The following is worthy of particular note in terms of possibly inadvertent effect:

‘Waste disposal is a real problem in many places, especially where you don’t use the public moorings, eg in Horning, but you moor nearby and have to dispose of domestic-type waste. The notices in the public bins limit use to those using the public staithes only. What am I supposed to do? Bring my rubbish back home with me or, like everyone else, ignore the notices and threats of prosecution?’

The following comment is also worthy of note in terms of a consequence of the lack of refuse disposal facilities:

‘Boats often tie up bags of rubbish then leave them on the back of the boat over night to get knocked/blown in or pulled in by mooring lines. I’d love to see more education on it.’

Free moorings

15 respondents regretted the loss/lack of informal moorings.

6 respondents complained unfavourably on BA 24-hour moorings, citing the inappropriate surface material on refurbished moorings, obstructive ladders, and the fact that stern-on moorings are not practicable for craft which cannot directly moor stern to quay heading (eg long transom-hung rudder).

Yacht stations

8 respondents commented specifically on these.

‘One noisy night at Norwich Yacht Station has put me off visiting again. Norwich and Gt Yarmouth are best left to hire craft.’

‘Free short time moorings in, for example Beccles and Oulton Broad, so that one could go shopping.’

‘The staff are terrific at Gt Yarmouth Yacht Station, but the season is short and the "closure" arrangements in winter are awful, and a discredit to Borough Council / BA together. Its very scruffy with one of two men's showers our of order for a lot of last season, albeit the staff efficiency goes a long way to compensate.’

‘Overnight mooring fees have made it very expensive to stay for more than one night.’

‘I’d like the facility to be available to me in Norwich. I can’t get to it due to the bridge.’

‘Significant lack of security at Norwich Yacht Station, so much so that we won’t moor there overnight any more after being cast adrift in the middle of the night several times in recent years.’

‘Real issues of security at Norwich since waterside development – the “half” price is a joke. Won’t stay overnight any more and therefore don’t visit nearly as often (& love Norwich so sad state of affairs)!’

‘Sad yacht stations, eg Great Yarmouth.’

Appendix B: Problems with inadequate dredging

Respondents identified areas where they had experienced inadequate depth of water. The most commonly referred to areas were parts of the following areas: (* = all states of tide), ** = low tide, ***= no state of tide recorded, ****= half tide or less, ***** = most states of tide). All areas reported by respondents have been logged and will inform the NSBA in acting for its members.

Ant:

Barton Turf to Irstead Shoals inc Barton Broad and Port Hand Channel as far as Neatishead  6 reports: with drafts of 1.25m*** (4 reports), 1.12m***, 0.76m***

Dilham to Paddy’s Lane, Barton Turf  5 reports: with drafts of 1.2m** (3 reports), 0.9m***, 0.79m***

Bure:

Horning Racing Reach to Thurne Mouth  9 reports: with drafts of 1.5m* (2 reports), 1.25m**, 1.1m* (2 reports), 1m***, 0.9m * (2 reports) & ***

Thurne Mouth to Upton Dyke, including South Oby Dyke  5 reports: with drafts of 1.1m*** (2 reports), 1m*** (2 reports), 0.9m**

Lower Bure  5 reports: with drafts of 1.3m*, 1.25m*, 1.2m*, 1m***, 0.76m***

Thurne:

Above Potter Heigham Old Bridge  8 reports: with drafts of 1.5m***, 1.2m** (2 reports), 1.1m***, 1m***, 0.9m*, 0.85m**, 0.75m***

Heigham Sound/Meadow Dyke/Horsey Mere  33 reports: with drafts of 1.3m*, 1.25m***, 1.2m* & *** (2 reports), 1.1m* (2) & *** (2), 1m*(4) & ** (3) & ***(12), 0.9m* & ***(3), 0.8m*** (all in Heigham Sound except 2 x 1m***)

Hickling Broad/White Slea/Catfield Dyke  14 reports: with drafts of 1.25m***, 1.12m***, 1m* & ***(5) &*****, 0.9m* & ***(3), 0.85m*** (all but 1m* (Catfield Dyke) and 0.85m*** (White Slea) in Hickling Broad)

Waveney:

Oulton Broad and Dyke  8 reports – all but 1 re Broad: with drafts of 1.5m**, 1.3m****, 1.2m** & ****, 1.1m**** (Dyke), 1m** (2), 0.75m**

Yare:

Rockland Broad and Dykes  6 reports: with drafts of 1.5m***, 1.2m**, 1.0m*** (2), 0.9m**, 0.75m****

Appendix C: Other issues drawn to the NSBA Committee’s attention

Issues raised by more than a few respondents are summarised below. All comments received have been logged and will inform the NSBA in acting for its members.

Tree/weed clearance

19 respondents commented on the need for tree (and other bank growth) or weed clearance or both. Specific comments were made in respect of the upstream section of the Yare past Bramerton Common, Rockland Dyke, Ant Mouth to Wroxham, Dydler’s Mill to Coltishall Common, the Ant above How Hill including the approach to Neatishead, and the Waveney above Beccles (trees), and Hickling Broad, Heigham Sound, Martham Broad to West Somerton, the ‘Neatishead Cut’, the Upper Ant and the Chet (weed).

De-masting

12 respondents commented on the need for de-masting provision at bridges. Associated with this, one respondent, a dinghy sailor, pleaded for provision to be made at the yellow dolphin at the Breydon/Bure junction of something to enable craft without power to get hold of something – eg vertical ropes – while waiting for the tide to turn.

Bridges

7 respondents emphasised the problems with low bridges, including swing bridges which do not open, especially at Somerleyton, and the low bridges at Great Yarmouth.

The environment

7 respondents referred to the impairment of the idyllic, peaceful charm of the Broads, This included: boaters running engines early and late (4 reports), river into Norwich a mess and unwelcoming, too many ugly signs for boaters. Other complaints have been logged under the ‘Broads Authority’ heading.

Hireboat helms’ handling skills etc

5 respondents expressed concern about what appeared to be inadequate training by hire yards on boat handling/behaviour/‘rules of the road’.

Broads Authority

18 respondents were concerned about the lack of policing by rangers re drunkenness, speeding, itinerant live-aboards ‘who seem to be above the rules’. One respondent complained about over-zealous rangers.

8 respondents criticised the continuing rise in tolls not matched by improvements or by maintenance of waterway – neither value for money nor fair.

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate use

NOT GOOD ENOUGH BROADS BOATERS TELL GOVERNMENT

The Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association (NSBA) has told the Secretary of State for the Environment that the draft Great Yarmouth Harbour Revision Order is defective, vague and needs considerable clarification. The draft Order designates the Great Yarmouth Port Company as the harbour authority  for the port area, which includes Breydon Water and the lower Bure and Waveney, as well as the maritime parts of the port area.

NSBA claims there is no provision to protect the interests of recreational boaters who use the port area. Representation on the Great Yarmouth Port Authority and its Port Stakeholders Consultative Committee currently protects the interests of recreational boaters, but the draft Order does not guarantee continuation of this.

NSBA is concerned that the Port Company’s apparent preoccupation with the Outer Harbour Development is at the expense of the maintenance of Breydon Water and its associated rivers. It is also concerned that the Port Company’s failure to consult with interested parties, including the Stakeholders Consultative Committee, the Broads Authority and NSBA, in advance of the publication of the draft Revision Order, is unacceptable.

More……

NSBA/GYHRO/2

“Neither of these things bodes well for the attention which the Port Company is likely to show to the interests of recreational boaters. The NSBA considers it essential that adequate, formal provision is made for stakeholders’ involvement and for consultation mechanisms so as to protect the interests of recreational boaters who have a right of navigation over the waters covered by the draft Order,” it says in its submission.

The Association adds that if the Port Company should cease to exist there’s no provision in the draft Order for the functions and responsibilities transferred under it to be returned to a body with Trust Port. The Port Company is in its early days and many doubt the financial viability of its outer harbour development.

The NSBA considers the draft Order is unclear as to the future functions of the existing Port Authority, which will continue in existence and the operation of the Haven Bridge whose opening is essential for the passage of large or fixed-masted recreational craft to and from the Broads.

The future composition of the Port Authority listed in the draft Order is unacceptably small and does not reflect the range of skills, competencies and interests involved in its ongoing  operations. The NSBA considers it is essential there should be consultation on the Port Authority’s proposed composition with all interested parties.
— END —

Garth Cooper
NSBA Communications Officer,
Tel: 01362 699195
Mob: 078362 530970
E-mail: garthword@btinternet.com
Skype: Garthword

Editor’s Notes:

The Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association (NSBA) represents the interests of, and lobbies on behalf of, private boat owners and toll payers on the Broads. Apart from its growing personal membership, 47 sailing and boating clubs and class associations are affiliated. The Association is itself affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) the governing body of sailing in the UK, and has two representatives on the RYA East regional committee.

BSS Safety Alert NR 001.10 - Boat owners asked to act early and be vigilant for petrol system problems

BSS Safety Alert NR 002.10 - Take care with portable petrol engines says BSS

The details of the introduction of the Boat Safety Scheme are now in place. NSBA advice is that you should not wait until the last minute to make sure that your craft comply. The scheme examiners and boatyards on the Broads have a finite capacity for carrying out the work that will be needed and, if everyone waits till the last minute, they will not be able to cope.

Here is the information we have obtained from the Broads Authority to help you understand what is involved and what you need to do to comply:

Boat Safety Scheme on the Broads

The Broads Authority is confident that the necessary powers to implement the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) in the Broads will soon be obtained. This follows on from re-launch of the revised Boat Safety Scheme standards for private craft at the London Boat Show in January after months of consultation with boating, marine trade and technical groups.

These revised requirements only apply to privately owned, privately managed craft. Others will have to comply with the current requirements. This is because a separate and different review of safety standards for these vessels is underway by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The new requirements allow a greater degree of flexibility in complying with the safety regulations.

The three-year scheme, which was due to have begun last April for the largest hire and private motor craft, will now be introduced in April 2007. The Scheme, for Craft that are required to comply, will be introduced into the Broads according to the following schedule:

The scheme applies to all boats with engines and/or cooking, heating, lighting, refrigerating and other domestic appliances, which will need to pass an examination before they can be permitted to navigate the Broads. The scheme will not apply to open boats propelled solely by outboard motors and not fitted with any of the above appliances.

Boat owners will have to pay authorised independent examiners to check the craft and issue certificates. Their fees vary, so it is worth finding an examiner you are happy to use. There are around 25 that cover the Broads and most are willing to give advice about essential work, as is the BSS Office.  Lists of examiners are available from the Broads Authority office on 01603 610734, the BSS office on 01923 201278, and the BSS website, www.boatsafetyscheme.com/searchforanexaminer  Craft must be maintained to the standard of the scheme throughout the life of the certificate. If something is found not to meet the expected compliance option and yet you or your examiner have good evidence that it still meets the goal-setting requirement there is a fast-track appeals process starting with the BSS Office.

As no further changes are expected to be made to the requirements for private boats, it is recommended that owners get their boats certificated as soon as possible.  Those boats that do not have a valid BSS Certificate by their introductory date will not be permitted to navigate on the Broads, with many potentially getting caught out in the last minute rush.

BSS examinations will continue to include other safety checks, such as fire escape provision, flues for toxic fume spillage and power connections for potential for electrocution, etc. For a boat that fails any of these checks, the owner will be formally notified and advice will be offered.

The second edition of the Boat Safety Scheme Essential Guide has now been launched. The guide takes you step by step through the BSS, identifying hazards, approaches to risk reduction techniques, the legal requirements of the navigation authorities and the best practice standards to keep you and your crew safe when aboard or close to your boat. The Essential Guide is available from the BSS website : www.boatsafetyscheme.com , or a hard copy designed to fit in the folder of the red, grey first edition is available by post from the BSS office, and costs £5.50 plus post and packaging. Tel 01923 201278. 

For further clarification please contact the Broads Authority on 01603 610734

Following a number of complaints about wakeboarding activities on the Broads, the Broads Authority has issued the following Press release.

If you have views on wakeboarding, including positive or negative experiences, please let us know via the NSBA Forum pages.

"Wake boarders asked to limit boat wash

The Broads Authority is to write to wake boarders reminding them not to jump on the water or create a sustained wash following a series of complaints from other Broads users.

The management of water skiing agreed between the Broads Authority and water skiers two years ago has been very successful. But following complaints over the last few months the Broads Authority called an urgent meeting with British Waterski and the Eastern Rivers Ski Club to address the question of wake boarding.

Wakeboarding is a form of water skiing which involves a specialist board, and the skier, towed on a rope, rides the wake generated by the ski boat, often performing acrobatic tricks, which is considered to be in breach of Broads Authority byelaws. It is one of the fastest growing water sports requiring a high level of skill but is also suitable for novice skiers and to get children started in the world of water skiing.

The present byelaws, adopted in 1992, which preceded the development of wakeboarding, prohibit the skier from leaving the water or creating a sustained wake against the bank of more than a foot.

The Broads Authority and Eastern Rivers Ski Club, the only water ski club on the Broads, are now writing to all skiers reiterating the byelaws, and extra patrols on the rivers will support their enforcement.

Dr John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, said:

“The Broads Authority is concerned that a number of complaints have been received from other river users that specifically mention the excessive wake, making it difficult to navigate and maintain a course due to rolling. The Authority will be informing its navigation rangers to be more vigilant and further patrols will be undertaken to ensure that the byelaws are being followed."

"The Broads Authority is keen to encourage a wide variety of appropriate activities on the Broads. However, it must also endeavour to ensure the safety of all its users. The Authority hopes that those participating in this sport will take the appropriate action and help us to ensure the safety of other river users and the future of water skiing on the Broads.”

The Eastern Rivers Ski Club, supported by British Water Ski, has undertaken to continue to encourage its members to act responsibly and within the byelaws. However, they are keen to clarify the clause in the byelaw relating to being on the water that was written in 1978 before wakeboarding had developed.

Since March the Broads Authority has received complaints from boat owners and birdwatchers who believe there has been a big increase in wakeboarding this year, that a number of ski boats have been modified for wakeboarding and that byelaws are being contravened.

However since the Broads Authority and the Ski Clubs drew up a management plan two years ago the number of ski boats has fallen dramatically from the agreed ceiling of 166 to 64 this year.

Julian Barnwell, Chairman of Eastern Rivers Ski Club, who is also a member of the Yare Users Association and the Broads Authority’s Broads Forum, said:

“The reality is that there has been a dramatic drop in the number of ski boats in the last two or three years. We have eliminated the cowboy element and we are left with an extremely responsible hard core of enthusiastic and dedicated people who are keen to work with the Broads Authority and not conflict with other broads users.”

As a result of the management plan all water skiers and wakeboarders on the Broads have to be members of the ERSC, which is affiliated to British Water Ski, providing public indemnity,

All boat drivers have to pass the British Waterski Ski Boat Driver Award, which is recognised by the Royal Yachting Association, and have the option of taking the International Certificate of Competence,

Unlike other boat owners ski boat owners must take out boat insurance,

All members of ERSC pay a £25 fixed charge to help with the administration of managing water skiing on the Broads,

Water skiing is limited to 3% of the Broads area with restricted time zones

A presentation on wakeboarding will be made to the Broads Forum, a Broads Authority advisory committee comprising a wide range of broads users, so that issues involved can be properly explored.