BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No.9 of 2008
Notice of Partial Restriction of Access through
St Olaves Road Bridge and Foot Bridge
Notice is hereby given that due to refurbishment work being commissioned by Norfolk County Council to the Road Bridge and Foot Bridge at St Olaves, there may be restricted access during the following period.
15 September 2008 to 5 December 2008
During this period navigable passage will be restricted to a maximum width of 40ft, depth of 7ft and the height will be reduced by 15 inches.
You are advised to check your air draft with the adjusted gauge boards and ensure you navigate with care and caution in the area, observing any relevant signs or directions.
.
Robert Savage
Rivers Engineer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich
NR3 1BQ
5 August 2008
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Item Number: 85
last edited on: 05/08/2008
by: Editor |
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Volunteers Needed
Philip Ollier has been Executive Secretary of NSBA since May 2005. He will be standing down at the AGM in December 2008. The Committee has decided to divide the duties that he has performed into three distinct roles:
Administrator
Green Book Manager
Communications Officer.
A volunteer has been found to act as Green Book Manager, two further willing volunteers are being sought for the roles of Administrator and Communications Officer. The volunteers will stand for election as Officers of the Association at the AGM in December.
The Administrator will arrange the meetings of the committee(s), circulate agendas, take and distribute minutes, administer applications for membership, maintain the membership database and maintain and distribute the stock of regalia (flags etc).
The Communications Officer will work with the Chairman and committee members to co-ordinate the Association’s response to external consultations (from The Broads Authority, Central Government, etc.), co-ordinate the Association’s response to planning applications which impact on the Broads navigation, liaise with local MP’s and local authorities on the Association’s behalf and manage the use of the Association’s web site to provide communication between the Association, its members and the general public (technical operation of the web site will be carried out by the webmaster).
Small honoraria will be negotiated for the roles. Reasonable levels of computer literacy and suitable equipment and software will be required to fulfil both tasks.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of undertaking one of these roles please contact, in the first instance, the NSBA Chairman:
Mike Evans
Copper Beech Cottage,
The Avenue,
Wroxham,
Norfolk NR12 8TS
01603 782283
mike.evans@dial.pipex.com
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Item Number: 84
last edited on: 01/08/2008
by: Philip Ollier |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No.8 of 2008
Width Restrictions and Delays at Reedham and Somerleyton Swing Bridges
Notice is hereby given that craft movements could be delayed due to emergency survey work being undertaken by Network Rail on the following dates:-
Tuesday 12 August 2008 Reedham Bridge
Thursday 14 August 2008 Somerleyton Bridge
Work will commence at 8:00am and is anticipated to continue for a minimum of 4 hours on each day. During this period the navigable width will be restricted. The bridge will be able to swing but please expect delays. A Broads Authority launch will be in attendance.
Please ensure you navigate with care and caution in the area, observing any relevant signs or directions.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich
NR3 1BQ
29 July 2008
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Item Number: 83
last edited on: 29/07/2008
by: Editor |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No.6 of 2008
Notice of partial restriction for access to
Potter Heigham Old Bridge
Notice is hereby given that due to a structural inspection being commissioned by Norfolk County Council on Potter Heigham Old Bridge there will be restricted access during the following dates and times.
Thursday 15 May 2008 0930 – 12.30, 1500 – 18.00
Friday 16 May 2008 10:30 – 13:30, 1600 – 19:00
Vessels may need to wait for up to a maximum of 30 minutes for passage through the bridge. During these times, please ensure you navigate with care and caution, observing any relevant signs or directions.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich
NR3 1BQ
6 May 2008
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Item Number: 82
last edited on: 07/05/2008
by: Editor |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No.4 of 2008
Opening times of Trowse Swing Bridge
Notice is hereby given that
Trowse Swing Bridge opening times will be as stated below and remain as stated
in Notice to Mariners No.15 of 2007.
From Sunday 18 May 2008
to Saturday 6 December 2008
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Monday
to Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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1002
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0907
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0920
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|
1209
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1307
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1126
|
|
1607
|
1507
|
1326
|
|
1842
|
1707
|
1730
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It is recommended that craft
arrive at the bridge in good time before the specified opening periods as arrivals
after the published times may not be accommodated. The bridge may be contacted
on VHF Channel 12.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich
NR3 1BQ
15 April 2008
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Item Number: 81
last edited on: 17/04/2008
by: Editor |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No.3 of 2008
Part Closure of Oulton Broad
Notice is hereby given
that craft movements within the north channel and the immediate surroundings
of the powerboat racing circuit may be temporarily regulated, restricted or
prohibited for the duration of the racing, other than for those taking part
in the racing. The patrol boats will, where necessary, supervise transit via
this channel between races. Please take note of the advice given by officials.
The dates for the racing are listed below:
Thursday
17 April
Thursday 24 April
Sunday 4 May
Monday 5 May
Thursday 15 May
Thursday 22 May
Monday 26 May
Thursday 5 June
Thursday 12 June
Thursday 19 June
Thursday 26 June
Thursday 3 July
Thursday 10 July
Thursday 17 July
Thursday 24 July
Thursday 31 July
Thursday 7 August
Thursday 14 August
Monday 25 August
Sunday 7 September
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich
NR3 1BQ
26 March 2008
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Item Number: 80
last edited on: 27/03/2008
by: Editor |
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Somerleyton Bridge Closure
Somerleyton Bridge Closure – Thursday 27 March 2008, 09:00 – 15:00
Please note that the above closure is being made by EDF Energy for emergency works on the electricity supply to Somerleyton Bridge.
During this period the bridge will remain closed and will not be able to open. Vessels normally able to pass under the closed bridge will still be able to navigate through and will not be affected.
Chris Bailey
Waterways Admin Officer
Broads Authority
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Item Number: 79
last edited on: 20/03/2008
by: Editor |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No. 1 of 2008
Notice
of Closures
Oulton Broad Swing Bridge /
Mutford Lock Road Bridge
Notice is hereby given
that Oulton Broad Swing Bridge/Mutford Lock road bridge will be closed for
a further three occasions by the Highways Agency as part of the final
phase of work to complete the major maintenance scheme of the A12 Bascule
Bridge in Lowestoft.
The Bridge will be closed
from:-
-
8pm Saturday
2 February to 6am Tuesday 5 February 2008 (58 hours)
-
8pm
Saturday 23 February to 6am Thursday 28 February 2008 (106 hours)
-
8pm Saturday
15 March to 6am Monday 17 March 2008 (34 hours)
At all times vessels normally
able to navigate through the bridge in the closed position will still be able
to pass through the bridge.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich NR3 1BQ 21
December 2007
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Item Number: 77
last edited on: 03/01/2008
by: Paul |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No. 15 of 2007
Opening
times of Trowse Swing Bridge
Notice is hereby given
that Trowse Swing Bridge opening times will be changed from those times
previously published to the times published below.
From Sunday 9 December
2007 to Saturday 17 May 2008
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Monday
to Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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1002
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0907
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0920
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1209
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1307
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1126
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1607
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1507
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1326
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1842
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1707
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1730
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It is recommended that
craft arrive at the bridge in good time before the specified opening periods
as arrivals after the published times may not be accommodated. The bridge
may be contacted on VHF Channel 12.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Strategy Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich NR3 1BQ 22
October 2007
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Item Number: 75
last edited on: 22/10/2007
by: Editor |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No. 14 of 2007
Notice
of Closures /Restrictions
Oulton
Broad Swing Bridge /
Mutford Lock Road Bridge
Notice is hereby
given that Oulton Broad Swing Bridge/Mutford Lock road bridge will be closed
by the Highways Agency as part of the final phase of work to complete the major
maintenance scheme of the A12 Bascule Bridge in Lowestoft.
20:00 Saturday
20 October to Tuesday 23 October 06:00
20:00 Saturday 27 October to Tuesday 30 October 06:00
20:00 Saturday 3 November to Tuesday 6 November 06:00
20:00 Saturday 17 November to Tuesday 20 November 06:00
20:00 Saturday 1 December to Tuesday 4 December 06:00
During these
periods the bridge and road bridge will remain closed except for the following
times;
Sunday 21 October
and Sunday 28 October - The road bridge will be available for openings at 13:30
and 17:00
At all times
vessels normally able to navigate through the bridge in the closed position
will still be able to pass through the bridge.
Further works
being undertaken by Network Rail for the major refurbishment of the swing
bridge will result in the additional closures/restrictions affecting Lake Lothing.
Closure
2007
Monday 26 November 08:00 to Friday 21 December 20:00
Restricted
Opening 2008
Wednesday 2 January to Friday 8 February, the bridge will be available for a
lift at 13:30 on each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Closure
2008
Friday 8 February 20:00 to Monday 18 February 20:00
Restricted
Opening 2008
Tuesday 19 February to Sunday 9 March, the bridge will be available for a lift
at 13:30 on each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Closure
2008
Monday 10 March 20:00 to Thursday 20 March 20:00
During all
of the closures by Network Rail all vessels wishing to navigate through the
swing bridge in the closed position should be aware of an additional 2 metre
reduction in air draft and 1.2 metre reduction in width clearance.
Works to the
bridge will be completed by 21 March 2008 but testing will take place from this
date until Friday April 4 and occasional small delays may be encountered during
this period.
Angie LeeperWaterways Strategy
Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich NR3 1BQ 21 September
2007
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Item Number: 74
last edited on: 24/09/2007
by: Editor |
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Auxiliary Navigation Rangers
The Broads Authority is keen to recruit more Auxiliary Navigation Rangers to assist the full time staff with patrols on the Broads. The minimum commitment is one day per month in winter, two days per month in summer. If you would like to help the Authority patrol the navigation, contact rebecca.callister@broads-authority.gov.uk. A training programme will be starting in November.
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Item Number: 72
last edited on: 17/09/2007
by: Philip Ollier |
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BROADS
AUTHORITY
NOTICE
TO MARINERS No. 10 of 2007
Advice
to Broads Boat Users
Due to the on-going works
being carried out by BESL (Broadland Environmental Services Limited) on behalf
of the Environment Agency, and in conjunction with exceptionally high water
levels, the following advice is given to all boat users:·
- Keep well away from the
edge of riverbanks - piling that is normally visible can be covered during
project works and certain weather and water levels conditions
- If in any doubt, sailing
craft should tack short to avoid any potential hazards
- Take note of any port
and starboard marks and keep seaward of any temporary red warning markers
denoting a potential hazard or obstruction
- Be wary and keep clear
of any work vessels, rigs, cranes, digger arms, barges and ground anchors
- Check any area thoroughly
before you attempt to moor and do not be tempted to moor where instructed
not to do so.
- Boats must give way to
towed or heavily loaded vessels or vessels restricted in their ability to
manoeuvre - only overtake when advised by the skipper of the vessel
- Report any new hazards
or obstructions to the Broads Authority River Control on 01692 678459
This advice applies until
further notice.
Angie Leeper
Waterways Officer
Broads Authority
18 Colegate
Norwich NR3 1BQ 3
August 2007
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Item Number: 68
last edited on: 03/08/2007
by: Editor |
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2007 Ramuz Trophy Results
The Ramuz Trophy competition
was sailed in Wayfarers at Rollesby Broad Sailing Club on Saturday 23rd June.
The winners were Richard Whitefoot and Richard Dugdale, representing Horning
Sailing Club. Second place went to Jon and Tim Frary from East Anglian Cruising
Club and Veronica and Ben Falat from Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club came
third. NSBA is grateful to Rollesby Broad Sailing Club for hosting the event
and to the owners who generously loaned their boats to be used in the competition.
Here are the full results
of the event..
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Item Number: 65
last edited on: 27/06/2007
by: Editor |
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RYA Eastern Region are looking for a new Secretary
WANTED – SECRETARY TO THE RYA EASTERN REGIONAL COMMITTEE.
Can you be a key volunteer? Are you diplomatic? Are you ordered and methodical? Can you work a computer and understand the Internet? Are you keen to further the cause of sailing and boating in the region? Is being at the hub and in a position to influence trends attractive?
If so, you could be the person RYA Eatern Region are looking for to fill a central key position.
They are the Eastern Regional Committee of the Royal Yachting Association, the national governing body for all forms of recreational boating in the Eastern Counties. The Committee is the link between sailing clubs in the region and the national headquarters of the RYA at Hamble. It is made up of representatives of the various sailing associations in the region, and whose members are in turn, elected by the clubs.
The position is that of honorary secretary to the Committee. The role is to provide administrative services to and for the Committee, including organising the quarterly meetings, supplying members with agendas, taking the minutes during the course of meetings, writing them up and circulating them to members, and via email and post to affiliated club and training centre secretaries.
The secretary will also deal with the Committee’s postal, email, and telephone correspondence, and maintain appropriate records. The secretary will work closely with the regional chairman and other key members on a day-to-day basis.
The secretary works from home and will have access to the Internet, preferably via broadband, and a fax facility. The workload averages six hours a week, and all operational expenses will be met. We would hope the successful candidate would be able to work in tandem with the existing secretary for at least six months before taking over.
Fit the bill? Why not have a chat with Robin Hill-Sanders; tel: 01621-816131 or email him on robinhill_sanders@compuserve.com .
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Item Number: 62
last edited on: 02/01/2007
by: Philip Ollier |
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NSBA Regattas
The NSBA Youth Regatta was held on September 2nd 2006 at the Norfolk Punt Club. Seventy competitors entered. Norfolk Broads Yacht Club won the Centenary Trophy, Ruth Myerscough won the Lady Mayhew Trophy.
The Ramuz Trophy was sailed for on September 17th 2006 in Waveneys at Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club. 14 clubs entered teams. Chris Bunn was the winner, representing Snowflake Sailing Club. Ian Tims of Norfolk Broads Yacht Club was second, with David Mackley of Norwich Frostbite Sailing Club third.
NSBA are grateful to NPC for hosting the Youth Regatta and to WOBYC for staging the Ramuz Trophy. Sincere thanks are also due to those owners who lent their boats for the Ramuz competition.
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Item Number: 59
last edited on: 19/09/2006
by: Philip Ollier |
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Nic Asher WOBYC sailor has won the 470 worlds in China
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Nic
Asher, a member
of Waveney and Oulton Broad Yacht Club, and his crew, Elliott Willis,
have won the 470 World Championships in China. Detailed reports can be found
at http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?ID=j6fFh?pBD&format=popup
.
NSBA congratulate Nic and Elliott on their achievement. A monumental success.
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Item Number: 58
last edited on: 13/09/2006
by: The Editor |
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Wakeboarding
The NSBA committee has become increasingly aware of issues arising from the practice of wakeboarding on the Broads. Wakeboarding has been discussed several times during committee meetings. To help it come to a position, the committee asked representatives of water skiing/wakeboarding, and those opposed to it, to participate in a full debate of the issue at its last meeting.
Following lengthy and wide-ranging discussion, and after taking into account all the arguments for and against and particularly bearing in mind the importance of the safety and the enjoyment of other water users, the committee resolved by a clear majority that:
NSBA would not oppose water skiing but believes that wakeboarding is inappropriate on the Broads.
The key factors that influenced the committee were the effect of wake on passing craft, particularly inexperienced hire boats and boats engaged in towing, and general safety and disturbance issues which it believes to be incapable of mitigation by closer management. The Committee was also concerned about some of the wording in a guidance leaflet distributed to skiers and wakeboarders.
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Item Number: 56
last edited on: 24/04/2006
by: The Editor |
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Avian Flu
The following is the advice provided by the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities on the subject of Avian Influenza:
"Following advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities has issued guidance notes to its members on steps to be taken both now and in the event of an outbreak of Avian Influenza being confirmed in the UK. The Department has stressed the importance of all navigation authorities acting with a unified approach, and the advice adopted has been drawn up by British Waterways and circulated to its relevant members of staff.
The guidance notes stress the low level of risks to those using the waterways and that it is safe for people to continue to use, work on and enjoy the inland waterways. Waterway users should avoid handling any dead wild birds, unless it is clear the cause of death is from other means, and are asked to report any sightings of multiple dead birds (i.e. two or more of any species) to a helpline set up the Department (( 08459 335577) or via the appropriate navigation authority. Further information and a set of Frequently Asked Questions is available from British Waterways’ website www.britishwaterways.co.uk or in a leaflet form from ( 01923 201120 and various offices.
In the event of an outbreak of the disease, the Department has contingency plans, which might include the declaration of small protection zones around any confirmed cases, but these are unlikely to have any widespread implications for boat-owners and other waterway users, unlike those that were experienced during the 2001 outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease."
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Item Number: 55
last edited on: 05/04/2006
by: Philip Ollier |
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Latest Boat Safety Scheme Schedule from the Broads Authority
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:
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Boat
Safety Scheme on the Broads
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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:
| Introductory
date |
Type
and size or craft (Block Area) |
| 1st
April 2007 |
Hire
craft >30sqm Private motor craft =>21sqm |
| 1st
April 2008 |
All
remaining hire craft Private motor craft =>11sqm |
| 1st
April 2009 |
Remaining
Private motor craft All private sailing Craft. |
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
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Item Number: 52
last edited on: 05/10/2005
by: The Editor |
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Wakeboarding
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.
28/07/2005"
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Item Number: 50
last edited on: 01/08/2005
by: The Editor |
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River Tolls - Broads Authority statement on work of Independent Working Party.
(Below is the full text of the Broads Authority Press Release on the report of the independent working party set up to advise on River Tolls.)
An independent Working Group has recommended that the Broads tolls structure should be modified to support the hire fleet at a time of economic decline in the industry, while also easing charges for small non-powered craft and increasing discounts for electric boats.
The Tolls Working Group, which is representative of key groups with boating interests concluded that the present tolls system, which is structured around the total area (length times beam) of a craft, is robust, simple to understand and easy to measure. It has focussed its efforts on addressing a number of anomalies and revising certain policies taking into account current trends.
Daniel Thwaites, a member of the Working Group who is Chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum and runs a boat hire business, commented: “ We’ve tried hard to ensure the revised structure is designed to charge users in accordance with their level of use and impact on the waterways, while also ensuring that charges for small, non-powered craft are low enough to attract young and economically disadvantaged people to take to the water.”
The Working Group’s recommendations were welcomed and approved by the Broads Management Committee today. ( Thursday March 24 2005).Tollpayers and other stakeholders will have a chance to comment on the new structure in April and May and, importantly, indicate to the Authority priority areas for raising additional income from tolls.
A decision on a level of charges to be made from April 2006 will be made by the Broads Authority in July, following this consultation.
The Working Group’s recommendations include:
Reducing the multiplier for hire cruisers and sailing boats from three times those of an equivalent private craft to 2.7 over three years. This should then be reviewed.
Charging commercial plant on the same basis as other commercial craft.
Reducing the flat rate for small non-powered craft (sailboards, row boats, punts and canoes) from £24.70 to £20 from 2006/2007. Then applying annual increases in line with other vessels.
Maintaining existing incentives by raising the discount for electric boats from 25% to 30%. (Currently the toll for a powered craft of 10 sq. m and above is double that of an equivalent sized non-powered craft.)
Introducing a three-month licence for January 1st to March 31st at 50% discount for newly registered boats.
Extending the arrangement whereby voluntary youth groups can licence up to ten canoes for the price of one to include sailing dinghies.
The Group also considered the extent to which income from tolls can be maximised to demonstrate to the government that toll payers are contributing their fair share to the management of the waterways. Tolls will have to increase annually by an estimated 5.23% in order to maintain the present level of income and accommodate the impacts of inflation, the continuing decline in hire cruisers and a proposed reduction in tolls for hire cruisers. In comparison with other waterways, Broads tolls remain lower for most classes and sizes of boat, with the exception of small boats and the largest hire boats.
The Group emphasises that any increase over and above maintaining the existing income base will need to be earmarked for specific initiatives and be fully accountable by the Authority. It also recommends that the Authority should explore other sources of income from those who use the Broads for their business or enjoyment.
The Tolls Working Group includes boat hirers, and representatives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, Royal Yachting Association, British Marine Federation, Norfolk and Suffolk Boatbuilders Association, Broads Hire Boat Federation, British Canoe Union, Amateur Rowing Association, Broads Angling Strategy Group and the British Water Ski Federation, as well as the National Trust, RSPB and Wildlife Trusts.
Dr John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority, paid tribute to the members of the group for their “excellent report and hard work.”
“This is a major consultative exercise that reflects much consensus and some necessary compromise along the way,” he said.
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Item Number: 48
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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Grants for Quieter Cruising
The owners of noisy boats are being offered grants to quieten their engines from today (Feb 14th).The Broads Authority's Boating Holidays Project has secured £20,000 from the Rivers and Broads LEADER+ fund (European, local authority and government money) to pay for the scheme.
It's sufficient to quieten 150 of the noisiest boats (private or hire) by paying for 40% of the work, up to £160 a boat.
Invitations to apply are being sent to private owners with their toll renewals and to boat yards. Owners have to fill out an application form, and, once given the go ahead, provide receipts for work done. The work is expected to involve, most typically, re-routing straight exhausts. Applications will be dealt with "first come, first served."
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Item Number: 47
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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REPORT ON BROADS AUTHORITY WATERWAY STANDARDS WORKSHOP (13.01.05)
This was a workshop to discuss issues concerning waterway standards required by boat users and others, on the Broads. It discussed priorities, constraints and opportunities, particularly in relation to dredging.
The meeting first attempted to identify shallow places and to compare anecdotal evidence with the latest hydrological survey (HS) data. Four maps (Yare, Waveney, Bure, Ant/Thurne) had already been annotated with comments from the public consultation, (including those posted through the NSBA’s online survey for the Broads Authority.) Others were added during the meeting.
Not many of those responding to the survey had attempted to examine minimum widths in detail but virtually all had specified a minimum depth - from 1.5m to 2m. The rationale for 2m was based on several deep-keeled boats, the need for greater depth under keel when initially heeling and space for less disturbance of sediment.
Discrepancies between anecdotal evidence and the HS data emerged. For example, sailors reported the Waveney upstream of Burgh Castle as shallow, yet the HS showed deep water. By contrast, the HS shows the Bure just above Thurne Mouth to be shallow, yet sailors could not recall problems there. (This shoal, if it exists, might have some impact upon standing tides.)
The view that the lower Bure's shallowness is a cause of high water at Horning/Wroxham and the consequent call for dredging, was countered by concern about salt-water incursion if dredging went ahead. It was suggested that deep dredging of the lower Bure could be accomplished with minimal incursion if a Bure Loop washland was also created. A fear was expressed that significant dredging of the Lower Bure might cause higher tides above Potter.
There was general discussion about channel width. It was argued that sailors need good depth, bank to bank. The current proposal to return to "natural" banks raises a number of navigation problems, including difficulty in identifying shoal water unless it is made obvious (perhaps by a reed fringe) or marked. A consequence of removing piling will be that, on bends, the channel will move to the outside, while sediment collects on the inside. Navigators would like to see confirmation that channels would, nevertheless, be maintained at 2m depth and never be less than the current width. It was agreed (by conservationists and navigators) that overhanging trees are a problem: cutting back to 5m-10m from the water’s edge was proposed.
On prioritisation, the NSBA suggested and it was generally agreed that high priority areas should be addressed first. The remaining work would need further examination.
Constraints are legion – including sustainability, conservation, spoil removal, sediment contaminants (nitrates, mercury etc.), funds, timing, fish spawning areas, the hydrological impact on adjoining areas.
Opportunities were identified – for example, extra depth below boat props might cause less disturbance of sediment and encourage plant growth. It was argued that spoil could be used in the Flood Alleviation project. It was pointed out that research is needed to see if sediment stripping is feasible i.e., reduce the flow of sediment at the earliest point.
The workshop was well run and allowed full, clear and open presentation of the views of all concerned, particularly sailors. If individual river users have comments on the issues discussed, or useful local knowledge about the problem areas, any such information posted in the NSBA forum will be passed back to the Broads Authority for further consideration.
(Report: Richard Baguley.)
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Item Number: 46
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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Government Stumps up extra funds to pay for Broads Navigation and Conservation
Broads Authority claims it is a victory for its lobbying campaign.
The Broads Authority says years of lobbying Government to get a fair deal for the Broads have finally paid off.
The Broads Authority Chairman, Professor Kerry Turner, announced at the London boat Show (Jan 14th) that the Government is giving the Broads Authority an additional £500,000 a year over the next three years to tackle the backlog of maintenance and the costs of restoration.
Professor Turner said: "I am delighted by the announcement. Alun Michael, the Minister for Rural Affairs, has clearly listened to our case and the Government is prepared to share the task of maintaining the waterways. This is excellent news but now there is a clear expectation that an increase in the navigation tolls should reflect the Government's new commitment to integrated waterways management."
Currently the Broads Authority receives £2.9 million a year in National Park Grant from the Government and £1.7 million is paid by boat owners in tolls to maintain the waterways. Unlike other national parks the Authority carries the heavy responsibility of maintaining the waterways, which have become increasingly expensive in recent years, as well as the high costs of sustainably managing an internationally important wetland. The decline of the hire fleet, which pays three times the tolls of private owners, has also contributed to the Broads Authority's financial plight.
Chief Executive Dr John Packman said: "This is wonderful news! The Broads Authority has been criticised for not doing enough for navigation, but quietly, over the last three years, we have been putting forward the arguments for extra money and it has now paid off. Clearly, the Government has shown that it understands that the Broads is a special case. By targeting the money on practical works this extra funding will enable us to make a really big difference to the maintenance of the Broads."
The extra funds will be spent across the Authority's remit and it is good news for those interested in conservation as well as those who boat on the rivers and Broads. It is planned that a significant sum will be spent bringing life back into a further eight broads.
The Broads Authority will decide how the money is spent on 11th February but high on the list of the Authority's priorities are increased resources for dredging, the improvement of water quality and the repair of Mutford Lock at Oulton Broad.
The questions which will concern Broads navigators now inevitably will be: Is it enough? How much will actually be spent on the Navigation? And what happens when the three years are up?
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Item Number: 45
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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Could the cost of keeping a boat on the Broads double in the near future?
While the River Toll increase for 2005/6 looks like being set at 6.5%, the Broads Authority has set up a working party to consider the long-term future of the tolls regime from 2006 onwards.
There is a large shortfall between the income the BA receives from River Tolls and the amount it regards as essential to maintain and enhance navigation on the Broads and rivers. The working party - with members from conservation interests, as well as various private navigators, boat-building and commercial operators - has been set up to advise on the overall level of tolls and their application to various categories of river user and their different vessels.
The working party will review arrangements which give discounts to some river users. Hire boat operators currently pay three times as much as private owners. That ratio will come under scrutiny, as will the fact that some people who navigate entirely on the area's private waterways, currently pay nothing at all.
In the past, all the money spent on the navigation has come from tolls. The Broads Authority is optimistic that it can persuade the government that toll payers are no longer able to foot the whole bill and that in any case, others who benefit from the maintenance of the Broads should also contribute through government funding. But it is unlikely the government will meet the shortfall while, by some interpretations, Broads tolls remain lower than those for other UK waterways.
In general terms, navigation account income is now approaching £2m (2004/5 - £1.82m, 2005/6 - £1.88m) every year. That is enough to pay for work on the navigation at the current level. However, the Broads Authority has identified some £11 million pounds worth of extra work, required over the next five or six years. If that money were to come entirely from tolls, they would have to be roughly double the level they are now.
The NSBA is actively seeking the views of its membership, clubs and individuals, on these issues. There will be a public consultation in the course of the NSBA AGM, on December 6th, when Mark Wells (a member of the NSBA Committee and the tolls Working Party) will report on discussions so far. The Broads Authority Chief Executive, Dr. John Packman, will also be there to answer questions.
The NSBA committee hopes there will be a large attendance at the meeting, to arrive at an accurate picture of members' views across the Broads. In the meantime, visitors to this web site are urged to post their comments on the issue in the 'Forum' section. The NSBA needs to know your views to be able to represent them!
NSBA Annual General Meeting: Monday December 6th 2004 - Music Room, The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ, at 7.30 pm.
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Item Number: 43
last edited on: 28/07/2005
by: Philip Ollier |
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New requirement for Skippers to report "all incidents" does not apply on Broads
The RYA is taking legal action to obtain a declaration from the High Court that the introduction of a new regulation requiring skippers to report "all incidents" is unlawful. The measure, included in the Shipping (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Reporting) Regulations, could apply to anything from dinghy capsizes to recalcitrant outboard engines, although the Broads Authority has been advised the new regulation will not apply in the Broads Navigation area.
The new Regulations make it a criminal offence, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to £5,000, if skippers do not comply with strict reporting requirements when a craft is involved in an incident or accident.
The definitions of ‘accident’ and ‘incident’ are very broad; examples include hitting a buoy during a race, a dinghy capsize, a flat battery, a faulty VHF radio, a crack in a transom, a torn sail or a berthing manoeuvre involving two craft touching. According to the new law, all have to be reported or criminalisation risked.
However, the Explanatory Note to the Regulations states that the Regulations define the limits of the zone beyond the territorial sea around the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man in which jurisdiction is exercisable in order to prevent pollution by discharges from ships. This seems to make it clear that "controlled waters" in the 2004 Regulations will not include any areas of water within the Broads navigation area.
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Item Number: 42
last edited on: 09/11/2004
by: The Editor |
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River Tolls: NSBA presses for lower increase, 2005-6
River Users should have a degree of respite from steeply increasing annual river tolls if recommendations from the Broads Authority’s Navigation Committee are adopted.
The committee recently debated (Oct. 14th 2004) proposals for a 9% increase (itemised as a 6.5% increase, plus inflation), equivalent to the annual increases in place for the past five years. Over that period, it resulted in a total toll increase of some 57%.
But the navigation committee heard the five-year automatic increase had been introduced to raise a specific sum, primarily to address an urgent backlog of dredging, needed across the waterways. Some of that dredging has been carried out, while some has been delayed through the difficulty in finding locations to dump the spoil. As a result, Navigation Account financial reserves currently top £380,000.
Urged on by NSBA representatives, and others representing boating interests, the committee decided to recommend that the inflation component of this year’s increase should be covered by the reserves: the result will be a total increase of around 6.5% for the year 2005-6.
At the same time, the navigation committee decided the programme of dredging and general river maintenance should be accelerated, and a further £50,000 taken from the reserves for that purpose.
Both recommendations have now to be approved by the strategy and resources committee, before going before the full Broads Authority for final approval.
In the meantime, a special working party is meeting to decide a longer term strategy for toll levels from 2006. It is quite possible the allocation of who pays what will change – but with an ever increasing need for urgent river maintenance, it is likely that the general direction of tolls, for some time ahead, will be upwards.
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Item Number: 40
last edited on: 19/10/2004
by: The Editor |
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Wear your lifejacket!
A new Boating Safety Management Group has been set up by the Broads Authority to assess safety in the Broads.
The group has been formed to fulfil the requirements of the Port Marine Safety Code, a government initiative aimed at formalising the duties and responsibilities for safety and environmental protection within UK ports, including the Broads.
The group’s duties are to consider the recommendations of a Formal Safety Assessment by independent consultants, which highlighted potential hazards, and to develop a Safety Management System. The FSA confirmed that the Broads was well-managed with “a generally high level of navigational safety. Considering the large number of novice boaters using the Broads every year, the incident level is low,” it said.
The Broads Authority strongly encourages everyone to wear lifejackets on board at all times and has taken the initiative by making it compulsory for all its staff and volunteers to wear lifejackets while on or near the water. Each boat should carry sufficient lifejackets for all its crew.
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Item Number: 39
last edited on: 10/04/2004
by: The Editor |
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