<![CDATA[Notices for Mariners]]> <![CDATA[Installation of Prototype Tidal Turbine – Fall of Warness]]> Mariners are advised that construction work,installing a tripod 16m in height on the seabed within the  EMEC’s tidal testing  site at Fall of Warness in position:-

Lat. 59º 08.150’N, Lon 002º 48.307’W, has been temporary suspended.

However both surface and underwater hazards exist at and within 350 metres of the above position.

 

Mariners are requested to give the area a wide berth.

]]> <![CDATA[Introduction of port VTS Information Service]]> As from 19th May 2008 the existing navigation service provided by Orkney Harbour Radio will operate as a port Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Information Service within the Statutory Harbour Areas of: -

  • Scapa Flow and approaches including Stromness Harbour,
  • Kirkwall Harbour,
  • Wide Firth and Shapinsay Sound areas,

The introduction of the port VTS Information Service will apply to all vessels over 12.0m LOA or certified to carry more than 12 passengers when navigating within the Statutory Harbour Area.

Vessels should call at nominated reporting points and prior to departure from berth or anchorage locations to Orkney VTS on VHF ch 11.

Other changes in line with the introduction of the port VTS: -

  • Kirkwall and Stromness Harbour Radio will operate on VHF ch 14,
  • Weather forecast and notice to mariners broadcasts at 0915 &1715hrs will be broadcasted on VHF ch 20,

Existing port requirements for reporting to Stromness or Kirkwall Harbour Radio prior to departure and when within 1000m of the harbour remain in place but now apply to all vessels over 12.0m LOA or certified to carry more than 12 passengers

Further details regarding reporting point locations and information requested can be obtained from the Department of Harbours on 01856 87 3636, e-mail marine.ops@orkney.gov.uk or on our website at www.orkneyharbours.com and relevant UKHO publications.

Compliance with the rules of the port VTS is compulsory for all vessels required to report. All other vessels are encouraged to participate.

]]> <![CDATA[Fall of Warness - Tidal Turbine Maintenance]]> Mariners are advised that maintenance work, on the tidal turbine, at the piled installation in the Fall of Warness, in position Lat 59.09.433N, long 002.49.549W is ongoing, until further notice. All vessels are requested to pass at a safe speed and distance.]]> <![CDATA[Exclusion Zone Around The Wreck Of The Konig]]> All vessels are advised that there is an exclusion zone of 500 metres around the wreck of the Konig [ Scapa Flow ] in postn Lat 58.53.2N Long. 003.09.25W. Any vessel wishing to enter the the zone must obtain the prior permission from the Dept of Harbours. This special direction will remain in force until futher notice.

16th April 2008 - The above exclusion zone has now been lifted and the vessel can now be dived on again, however entry into the hull of the vessel is prohibited until further notice.

]]> <![CDATA[Deployment of Special Mark off Green Head, Scapa Flow]]> Mariners are advised that a new special mark is to be deployed off Green Head, Hoy on or around the 14th February for the purpose of dolphin monitoring.  The buoy will have the following characteristics:-

Position                        :           58° 52.52’N, 003° 12.40’W (WGS-84 Datum)

Light                             :           Fl(5) Y 20s, with a range of 2 nautical miles

Shape/Colour               :           Yellow Conical

Topmark                      :           Yellow Multiplication Cross

]]> <![CDATA[Underwater Survey - Scapa Flow]]> Mariners are advised that as part of an underwater environmental survey, sonic hydrophone test equipment will be suspended below the following navigation buoys, from week commencing 17th Dec.2007 until further notice.

                                           Green Head

                                           Gutter Sound

                                           Crockness

                                           Vanguard

                                            Grinds

Due consideration and seamanship should be exercised when passing the aforesaid buoys.

]]> <![CDATA[Lyness - Golden Wharf]]> Mariners are advised that berthing on this pier is temporary prohibited within 40metres from its Northern end until repairs have been carried out to loose stonework.

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