Two Bottle Nose Whales in Loch Goil

(photo by Derek Prescott)

Two Bottle Nose Whales visited Loch Goil over three days, arriving in Lochgoilhead where they breached multiple times right out of the water on 24th & 25th August 2020. On 26th August they headed out of Loch Goil passing Carrick Castle where they were seen by locals and visitors breaching as they departed. This was a rare sight and one to be savoured by us.

Update – Apparently they have now been seen coming back into Loch Goil and heading back to Lochgoilhead (26th August pm)…

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Glen Mallan jetty refurbishment to support Royal Navy’s surface fleets

News story

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is investing £64-million in a redevelopment of the Northern Ammunition Jetty in Glen Mallan to support the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.

Published 21 July 2020
From:
Defence Infrastructure Organisation
redevelopment of the Glen Mallan jetty.

The redevelopment of the Glen Mallan jetty will support the Royal Navy’s surface fleet in loading and unloading ammunition. MOD Crown Copyright.

The jetty is used to load and unload ammunition. The original jetty was last upgraded in 1970 and had reached the end of its natural life. It needed to be rebuilt so that the facility could continue to be used by the Royal Navy’s existing vessels and to make it suitable for the new aircraft carriers. The infrastructure works are expected to provide the new jetty with a design life of up to 50 years.

Contractors VolkerStevin are undertaking the project with completion planned for 2021. The original jetty has been demolished ready for the construction of its replacement. All waste from the jetty demolition has been transported on barges to recycling facilities on the Clyde to minimise disruption to the public and will be reused for construction. The project team has also installed 97 jetty head piles into the sea bed to support a reinforced concrete deck for the new jetty.

jetty head piles to support a reinforced concrete deck for the new jetty.
The jetty head piles will support a reinforced concrete deck for the new jetty. MOD Crown Copyright.

The works also include the installation of 5 mooring dolphins which will be connected to the jetty by a pedestrian access bridge, and two of these piles for the mooring dolphins have been installed. 2 modular fender spacer units will be placed in front of the new fender panel and will move with the tide to prevent the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers’ overhanging flight decks from colliding with the jetty.

The project also includes the installation of 2 modern pedestal cranes, fire-fighting equipment, stores, back-up generators and pre-fabricated modular buildings for offices. To secure the site, new fencing and a CCTV system will be installed. Part of the project will see 14 mooring points installed on the dolphins to ensure the aircraft carriers can be securely berthed and resist tidal movement.

Construction work at the Glen Mallan Jetty in Scotland.
Construction work takes place at the Glen Mallan Jetty in Scotland. MOD Crown Copyright.

Craig Macdonald, DIO’s Project Manager, said:

The demolition of the existing jetty is an important step in preparing the site for vital infrastructure works to support the Royal Navy’s surface fleet in loading and unloading ammunition.

Glen Mallan benefits from supplies of ammunition from Defence Munitions Glen Douglas, the largest weapons storage facility in western Europe, and can handle the high volume of ammunition needed for the surface fleets.

We are pleased demolition has been completed along with the installation of 97 piles into the seabed. Infrastructure works are progressing as planned and we look forward to continuing to work in collaboration with VolkerStevin, Jacobs, local contractors and other partners to complete this crucial project.

John McLoughlin, Marine and Defence Sector Director for VolkerStevin said:

We are delighted to be delivering this key piece of infrastructure for DIO which further strengthens our relationship following the successful completion of other critical projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Class Carrier Base Porting Infrastructure at HMNB Portsmouth and the Ro-Ro facility upgrade and refurbishment scheme in the Falklands Islands.

Jacobs Critical Mission Solutions International Vice President Jon Swift said:

As Principal Service Provider, we managed the contract on behalf of DIO as part of a dedicated team with the vision and drive to keep this project moving forward. Through early contractor engagement and close collaborative working, we are in a good position to deliver within budget and programme constraints, providing the Royal Navy with an important facility for years to come.

Fortunately, Coronavirus has only had a minor impact on the project. DIO’s primary concern is for the safety of our team who continue delivering critical infrastructure for defence. This work is considered by the government and MOD to be critical national infrastructure. Safety precautions have been put in place and DIO continues to work closely with our contractors to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of our workforce. Our staff and contractors on site are following the latest government and social distancing guidelines to help protect against Coronavirus.

Glen Mallan Jetty in Scotland.
The jetty will be used by the Royal Navy’s existing vessels and is being refurbished to make it suitable for the new aircraft carriers. MOD Crown Copyright.

Work on the jetty refurbishment continues in line with the latest government guidance and is set to be completed in early 2021.

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RYA writes to Government to discuss recreational boating and the future UK – EU relationship

Clarification is sought on possible Brexit developments affecting boaters.

With the deadline for an extension to the transition period having now passed, the RYA has written to selected Members of Parliament and Government Ministers regarding the uncertainty felt within the recreational boating community on the transition period ending on 31 December 2020.

There are two specific issues which the RYA believes need to be addressed by the Government before 31 December if significant adverse impact is to be avoided.

  • How and when VAT and/or import duty become payable in the UK;
  • Travel between the UK and the Schengen Area.

VAT and/or import duty

Amongst other things, the RYA has asked for clarification from Government as to whether boaters will be liable to pay VAT and/or import duty if their boat is outside the UK on 31 December and it is subsequently brought back to the UK. An assurance was given by the Government with respect to a no-deal exit that there was no need for UK boats to be in the UK, but HMRC has been silent on the details and there has been no indication that this assurance can be relied upon at the end of the transition period since the UK left the EU with a ratified withdrawal agreement.

Similarly, we are asking for clarification on whether boats that were lying in the UK at 23:00 UTC on 31 December 2020 will ever be required to demonstrate their VAT and/or customs status whilst they remain within the UK or if they leave the UK and re-enter. We are also trying to establish whether there will be similar arrangements in the UK for Temporary Admission and if so, what the criteria will be and who will be able to benefit.

Schengen Area

The other key issue is the length of time that boaters will be able to spend in the Schengen area following Brexit.

The RYA is therefore seeking clarification as a matter of urgency on the Government’s intent to negotiate six months visa-free travel for UK citizens travelling to the Schengen area after the transition period, reciprocating the offer made by the UK to EU citizens.

How you can help

With this in mind, we would like to remind you about the briefing note which was published several months ago on the RYA website. If you are affected then the RYA urges you to bring these matters to the attention of your MP. A template letter which you can personalise is available on the RYA website. It is crucial that these issues are brought to the attention of Government so that it understands their importance to recreational boaters.

The future UK / EU relationship is still being negotiated, but to help ensure that you are as prepared as possible for the end of the transition period, please read the Brexit guidance for recreational boaters on the Current Affairs hub page of the RYA website.

If you are a RYA member you can contact the RYA Cruising, Legal and Government Affairs team, via brexit@rya.org.uk

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What’s in your grab bag?

If you are planning an extended cruise or ocean passage, it is vital that should give thought to packing a grab bag for immediate emergency use – but what should you actually be packing? 

A grab bag should contain emergency items that, should the worst occur and you have to abandon your vessel, will assist in getting you rescued and help you to survive in your liferaft until you are rescued.

If you do not have a liferaft, then your chances of surviving may be significantly lower depending on the location, the weather conditions and the water temperature. Each manufacturer will include different equipment within a liferaft and this should be considered when you decide what to pack in your grab bag. Liferafts built and certified to ISO 9650 are packed with equipment according to the time likely to be spent on board before rescue. The list is comprehensive and certain items that have a shelf-life may be carried separately in a grab bag.

All grab bags should be stowed in an easily accessible location. The grab bag should be brightly coloured and able to float for 30 min in the water when fully packed. The grab bag should have a means of attaching it to an inflated raft.

It is worth preparing a list of the things you will need to put in a grab bag- assuming there is time – in priority order. The Royal Ocean Racing Club specifies a number of items in its Special Regulations for offshore racing which a useful place to start. The goal should be to ensure you are rescued having spent the shortest possible time in the liferaft. The order of priority is therefore:

  • Items that will indicate you are in distress and assist with your rescue, if you cannot do this then no one is going to look for you
  • Items for survival whilst waiting for rescue

Each liferaft, dependent on make and model, will have differing additional items included so it is important to check what may already be packed.

There are a variety of items you could pack which will indicate you are in distress and can attract attention: EPIRB/PLB, flares, EVDS, a waterproof handheld VHF, a powerful waterproof torch, spare batteries, a strobe light, a whistle and a satellite phone are all useful. A handheld GPS will help you to keep track of your movements in the liferaft.

You must also think about your needs for survival. The basic requirements are high energy food and water (a hand operated water maker may be useful). But you may need a spare pair of spectacles, warm and waterproof clothing, sun glasses, sun protection, lip salve, medication and antibiotics, seasickness tablets and a basic fishing kit. You should also collect together vital personal items that you will need once rescued, such as a passport, credit cards, keys, mobile phone, money, ship’s papers and insurance documents.

To find out more about how to keep yourself and everyone on-board safe whilst on the water, visit the Safe Boating hub.

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Return to Boating Guidance – Scotland

Return to Boating Guidance – Scotland

Related documents

Related pages

Updated 3rd July 2020

General Guidance For Boating Activity

Update to Phase 2 –Phase 3

Key notes which apply to all boating activities:  

Participants should be aware that the easing of restrictions in the phase 2 update will come into effect on the 3rd of July. Outdoor Hospitality is proposed to come into effect on the 6th July this does not mean that all facilities offering outdoor hospitality will open immediately. 

 Owners and operators will require time to put plans in place to ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. Indoor facilities will remain closed. You should anticipate no changing and showering facilities available.   

Training Centres will require time to consider all the implications of opening facilities/venues and put plans in place to re-engage staff and to set up operations that ensure the safety of participants, staff and volunteers. Please be respectful of local challenges.  

Cleaning information

We recommend you carry and use hand sanitiser which should be at least 60% alcohol based. Detergent wipes need to be appropriate for the surface they are being used on. Cleaning products should conform to EN14476 standard or any detergent will need to be followed by chlorine releasing agent. 

Be mindful of our fragile marine environment, do not release bleach products into the water and dispose of used wipes, gloves and masks responsibly. In addition, it may be worthwhile looking at best practice for general cleaning of equipment via  – The Green Blue.

Physical distancing requirements are still in place
People must stay a minimum distance of 2 metres apart when meeting others from outside their household. 

Travel distance limit relaxed, please note any local restrictions 

Meeting others is limited

You may meet outside with people from up to two other households (including an ‘extended household’) per day but the total number of people meeting must not be more than 8. 

For under 12s (0-11): Children under 12 are not required to maintain physical distancing with other children or adults outdoors. The number of overall households and individuals in a group is as above. 

For 12 and over (12-17): The number of overall households and individuals in a group is as above However, there is no limit to the number of these groups in a day providing that each contact aligns with the guidance. Physical distancing applies. 

Overnight stays at anchor are now permitted.

Before embarking on your journey check local restrictions with mooring owners/associations/harbour masters.

 #Respect the destination. Plan ahead, be considerate on arrival and think of the locals.

For Inland waterway users follow the link for further useful information. Scottish Canals

General RYA Principles applying to all boating activity:

We will always follow Government advice – Scottish Government  

  • The COVID-19 preventative measures are vital to protecting health and well being and to minimising pressure on front line services.  We have a collective and individual role to play by following the Scottish Government guidelines 

We will, as a boating community, take a considerate and conservative approach 

  • Considerate of others: be mindful of the potential impact that you could have on other water users and local communities.  Do not place unnecessary extra strain on the RNLI and emergency services 
  • Conservative of risk: help to minimise risk by taking an extra conservative approach to your boating

Additionally:

  • Individuals should sail singly or as a crew with members of their household group. If physical distancing can be maintained, you may sail with up to two other households on a boat and with no more than eight people.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their own personal equipment during this phase, or to have equipment allocated to them for exclusive use during a set period. This equipment should be cleaned appropriately before being allocated to another user.
  • Participants must only take to the water in conditions well within their ability and which assume a self-sufficient approach to their activity.
  • Competitions should only be undertaken locally and informally at your own club where household, physical distancing and hygiene measures are in place.
  • Check your equipment thoroughly, particularly engines and fuel, as they may not have been used for some time. Consider using a device to keep in touch such as RYA SafeTRX on a mobile or carry a VHF and notifying someone ashore of your intended activity, anticipated time afloat and calling them when you are back ashore safely.

Plan –Your Activity

Planning your boating activity is key to ensuring you protect yourself and others around you. 

  • Consider your activity type, destination and timescales.
  • Consider your options for changing pre and post activity.
  • Check the weather, sea state, location of launching and the location you may be visiting during your activity. 
  • Check your destination availability – Do you have car parking availability? Is your intended mooring available? Have you considered rural community impact? Have you taken enough supplies to not go ashore or utilise destination shops?
  • Do you have a contingency plan?

All these factors will help you support your decisions to whether you are able to participate in your activity. Planning to make your activity fun, safe and enjoyable is equally as important as planning to reduce the potential spread of COVID 19 

Prepare –Your Craft

  • Have you checked your craft is ready and appropriate for your activity?
  • Have you checked your personal life saving equipment?
  • Have you checked your communication systems?
  • Have you planned the journey?
  • Do you have a shore contact?

Deliver –Your Activity

  • Be considerate of others on and off the water.
  • Be conservative in your approach to your sport and do not take any unnecessary risk that may put you or others in danger. 
  • Avoid busy areas where social distancing is not possible. 

We would recommend that you do not launch at locations where you cannot maintain physical distancing for example crowded beaches or hot spots.

Review –Your Activity

  • How did it go? 
  • What impact have you had on your destination?
  • Would you change any elements of the trip/activity/sport?

Consider how you can ensure you play your part in reducing the spread of COVID 19. By considering these factors you will be able to ensure your next visit to the sporting location will be potentially easier, safer and more enjoyable. 

Finally we provide online sessions for members, clubs and training centres where we maybe able to answer your queries and hear from others around specific issues as we return to boating. Look at our Facebook events page for more details.

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PROMOTING THE USE OF FACE MASKS IN ARGYLL

PROMOTING THE USE OF FACE COVERINGS IN ARGYLL & BUTE
CALL TO ACTION FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS – 3 July 2020

Face coverings can reduce the spread of Covid-19. The Scottish Government issued
guidance on 11 May 2020 about their use. This includes use in enclosed spaces
where it may be difficult to ensure physical distancing from other people and on
public transport from 22 June. As lockdown measures reduce in-line with the national
route-map, their use will be compulsory in shops from 10 July:
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-2-staying-safe-andprotecting-others/pages/face-coverings/
However, people should not wait till then to start wearing masks. Local feedback
suggests the use of face coverings is low throughout Argyll and Bute. Reasons for
this may be related to people not having access to face masks, not knowing how to
use them, or not understanding the benefits of wearing them.
The Caring for People Tactical Partnership which was set up in response to the
emergency in March is issuing a call to local community groups in Argyll and Bute to
help promote the use of face coverings. This help includes:
 Crafting groups to make face masks;
 Local community groups to be a point of contact for the delivery and
distribution of face masks; and
 Local community volunteers to be advocates and champions to promote the
benefits of wearing face coverings and role model this in their own
communities.
Face coverings in the community do not have to be set “hospital” standard and there
are lots of designs available online. Masks are more likely to be effective if they
consist of more than one layer of different fabrics. They can be made easily at home
from old clothes like t-shirts or bed linen. Have a look at these links for ideas:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52609777
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08dq7y2
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/coronavirus/coronavirus-guidance/facecovering-guidance/
https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/face-masks/article/face-masks-where-to-buy-themand-how-to-make-your-own
Further information is available by emailing the NHS Highland Public
Health Department in Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care
Partnership at: High-UHB.ABHealthImprovement@nhs.net

PROMOTING THE USE OF FACE MASKS IN ARGYLL V2

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RYA Message regarding Covid-19 Restrictions

 

The First Ministers announcement on Thursday brought a little good news in relation to boating but was unfortunately short of what we had hoped might be forthcoming.

 

While much of the restrictions of Phase 1 remain in place, allowing those who have been shielding to begin to participate in outdoor activity is a welcome position which will undoubtedly bring more individuals back to boating.  Being able to meet with up to two other households offers opportunities for a greater mix of crew aboard and it is increasingly feasible for training activity to be delivered.  Most notably there is a concession on local informal competition which will please our racing oriented contingency.

 

As you might expect RYA Scotland has been working hard on your behalf in the background with the intention of securing the reduction of restrictions most affecting boating.  Much of our efforts were rewarded in Phase 1 when it was RYA Scotland and the Scottish Canoe Association who successfully secured the inclusion of water sports in the allowable forms of exercise.  Phase 2 has not been quite what we had hoped and I wanted to let you know what we have tried to secure albeit unsuccessfully.

 

In conjunction with a number of other sports and industry bodies we had asked that the current travel restrictions be eased to allow people to get to their boats.  This has been returned with a very simple ‘no’.  We are told that unrestricted travel is the single greatest risk of enabling the virus to jump from one community to another and is simply not up for debate until the medical and scientific advice support this easing.

 

We were fully expecting that Phase 2 would allow for clubs to open ‘ancillary facilities’ specifically from our perspective, toilets.  We clarified this understanding and had prepared our guidance to reflect this.  However, yesterday, this simply disappeared from the revised Routemap and subsequent clarification has confirmed that all club indoor facilities must remain closed until Phase 3.  Again the medical and scientific advice remains that the transmission of the virus is much more likely indoors compared to outdoors and consequently club indoor facilities must remain closed.

 

We had also hoped that there would be scope for bar provision outdoors (beer gardens) and galley operations for takeaway, both being important sources of income for a number of clubs and centres but the announcement yesterday clarified that these are not available for now.  The Scottish Government are looking into these options further and we will keep abreast of any developments for clubs.

 

RYA Scotland had specifically asked for consideration to be given to allowing overnight on board at anchor or on a mooring (which is not your own mooring). Despite providing considerable evidence that this would be a safe and limited extension for boating activity, we have been advised that overnight aboard is not permitted in Phase 2.  Anchoring briefly for a break during the day continues to be acceptable.

We now expect that overnight aboard will only become available in Phase 3.

We have not been given an explanation but it was always a possibility that the perceived risk to remote communities and the different treatment of boating compared to other activities might affect this decision and we believe this may be the position.

 

I hope this gives you some insight to the work we undertake on your behalf.  While we may not always be successful we do continue to represent our members and the wider boating community and I would like to note my personal thanks to the staff team and the volunteers who have been exceptionally busy these last three months.  None of this is possible without your continued membership or affiliation and I am deeply grateful for your continued support through what are difficult and challenging times for us all.

 

The guidance from RYA Scotland is available on our website and distils the raft of guidance documents from the Scottish Government and sportscotland into information relevant to clubs, training centres and individuals across Scotland’s boating community.  They have been approved by sportscotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and I hope they prove helpful.

 

If you have any further queries I encourage you to get in touch and I do hope we will see you on the water soon.

 

James

 

James Allan

Chief Executive Officer

Royal Yachting Association Scotland
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LOCH LONG – DEPLOYMENT OF SEABED CURRENT METER

Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde
LNTM NO 10/20
LOCH LONG – DEPLOYMENT OF SEABED CURRENT METER
BA Chart 3746

1. Mariners are advised that Loch Long Salmon Ltd has contracted Partrac Ltd. to deploy one seabed mooring frame containing an acoustic measuring device for period of 90 days, the position given below in Table 1 and Figure 3. This is to measure the water column tidal current profile throughout this period.

2.The seabed frame is 1.5 x 1.5m and will be 0.8m proud of the seabed (Figure1). The location will be marked by a 75cm diameter yellow riser buoy (Figure 2)

3. The measurement device is scheduled to be deployed week commencing 15th June 2020 and by the 22nd June. The works will be completed using the vessel Mary M (Figure 4) supplied and operated by GSS Marine Ltd.

Figure 1. Example Seabed Frame Figure 2. Marker Buoy

4. Mariners are requested to keep a distance of 250m away from the surface marker buoy, through this period.

Figure 3: Deployment location of Current Meter Buoy Loch Long

Figure 4: Mary M (GSS)

5. Further notice will be given when the current meter has been recovered following the 90 day monitoring period.

6. Further Information can be obtained from QHM Harbour Control on VHF CH73 or 01436 674321 Ext 3555/4005.

7. Next CWM 11/20.

Tuesday 16 Jun 2020

David Lightfoot OBE MSM AFNI
Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde

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Boating, swimming and other sea-based activities are now allowed once again in Scotland

Boating, swimming and other sea-based activities are now allowed once again in Scotland under the new guidelines, but, please remember to respect the coastline.

Whether you’re local or not, whatever your ability or experience in your chosen sport or leisure activity, the sea can still catch you out and be unmerciful when it does.

The majority of beaches will not be lifeguarded. If you get into trouble call 999 and ask for the Coastguard and we will come to your aid. But coronavirus hasn’t gone away and we all need to follow the rules.

Remember your choices might put people, including yourself and frontline responders, at risk. Take extra care in these extraordinary times.

Visit www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19 to check for the latest advice and guidance.

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LOCH LONG – CONSTRUCTION OF AIDS TO NAVIGATION BEACONS

Queen’s Harbour Master Clyde
LOCH LONG – CONSTRUCTION OF AIDS TO NAVIGATION BEACONS
LNTM No 09/20
                                                                                                                                                                                            BA Chart 3746

1. Mariners are advised that the first of two phases to construct 4 Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Beacons in Loch Long will commence on the 1st June 2020 lasting for approximately 4 weeks. The AtoN Beacons are being installed to effectively guide vessels to and from the new Glen Mallan Jetty following its construction.

2.Volkerstevin have been contracted to undertake the works which will include piling, marine construction and diving. Vessels will include crane barges, jack-up barge, supply barges, multi-cat work boats and a safety boat. All vessels associated with the works will display appropriate signals as required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. The following vessels will be used to carry out the marine operations:

 

Marine Vessel Particulars – ConstructionWorks
Type Owner Name Size (m) RegistrationNumber
CraneBarges LandfallBV NP549 60 x22 N/A
Jack-up Barge Combi Float C-726 31 X 20 N/A
SupplyBarges LandfallBV Lastdrager 7 50 x14 N/A
Multicats GSS MarineServices MeganM 24 x8.54 IMO6515473
AileenM 25 x9.9 IMO9570888
 

 

 

Safety Boat/ CrewTransfer

  

 

 

Commercial RibCharter

  

 

 

Lodestar

  

 

 

11 x3.3m

  

 

 

HINPLTME39001C909

 

3. Phase 1 of the works will be the installation of 4 piles for each AtoN Beacon to +4.0m above Chart Datum (CD), each pile being marked with a flashing yellow navigational light with the character Fl(2) 6s at +5.0m above CD. Following completion of phase 1 the piles will remain in this temporary condition until phase 2 in September 2020 at which point the top sections of the beacons and the sectored lights will be installed completing the works. A separate LNTM will be issued nearer the time giving details of the beacon commissioning process, and the change over of the Cnap Pt Lt headmark’

4. Please see below co-ordinate table and chart extracts of each AtoN Beacon in the order in which they will be installed:

 

 AtoN  Latitude  Longitude
 Mallan No 3  56 7.522635N 04 49.223771W
 Mallan No 1  56 6.800018N 04 51.098485W
(Approach headmark) ‘Cnap Point Lt’  56 7.375280N 04 50.193924W
 Mallan No 2  56 7.199451N 04 49.583375W

Extracts from BA Chart 3746 showing the AtoN positions

 

5. Whilst the vessels are operational in the associated areas, they will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channels 12,16 and 73.

6. Mariners are to navigate with caution when transiting in this area and reduce wash adjacent to the works. MOD Police will monitor activity in the area.

7. Further notice will be given when phase 1 is complete.

8. Further Information can be obtained from QHM Harbour Control on VHF CH73 or 01436 674321 Ext 3555/4005.

9. Next CWM 10/20.

See charts on this link:-

View notice online
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