Important General directions Flashcards
GD 7 reporting vessels movments
REPORTING VESSEL MOVEMENTS
7.1 This General Direction shall only apply to Reporting Vessels
7.2 With the exception of Intra-port Vessels, a Reporting Vessel must confirm with London VTS prior to navigating in the Thames, whether inbound or outbound:
a) the Vessel’s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code security level;
b) the number of Persons on board; c) the Vessel’s maximum draught; and
d) if intending to embark or disembark a Pilot, that the pilot ladder is properly maintained and will be rigged in accordance with the requirements of General Direction 11; e) any navigational deficiency, serious defect or any other situation where the Vessel may present an additional risk to port operations during navigation. 7.3 London VTS must be notified 10 minutes before the Vessel gets Underway, moves between berths or shifts at a berth in the Thames. Permission to Proceed must be requested and approved immediately before the Vessel is navigated. If Navigation has not commenced within 15 minutes of the initial advice, London VTS is to be informed.
GD 17 Navigational Restrictons and Exclusion zones
17.1 No Vessel is to:
a)enter any Exclusion Zone shown on PLA charts or established in the Thames from time to time by the PLA;
b)approach within 60 metres of any Berthed tanker, or oil or gas jetty in the Thames;
17.3 Reporting Vessels (excluding any assisting Tugs) and Passenger Vessels must maintain a separation of 1.0 nautical mile ahead and 0.5 nautical mile astern of:
a)a ULCS; or
b)a Specified Vessel, when navigating in the same direction;
except for the purpose of overtaking or passing with the specific permission of London VTS and with the agreement of the Masters of all Vessels involved.
GD 18 Signals for a reduction in speed
18.1A Person responsible for any Vessel, installation, works or activity for which a speed reduction by passing Vessel is required, must;
a)by day, exhibit conspicuously the international code flags “Romeo Yankee”;
b) by night, exhibit conspicuously an illuminated rigid replica of the international code flags “Romeo Yankee” not less than 1 metre in height; and
c) request permission from London VTS to display the signals in a) and b) above.
GD 20 Navigation against the prevailing direction of flow
The Master of a Vessel intending to navigate against the prevailing direction of traffic flow between two berths, moorings or anchorages on the same side of the river must report their intentions to London VTS.
GD 21 VESSELS NAVIGATING AGAINST THE TIDE
A Vessel navigating against the tide must, when approaching or rounding a bend, approaching or passing under a bridge, or any part of the Thames where one way working is in effect, navigate with caution and prepare to stop to avoid risk of collision with another Vessel that is navigating with the tide.
