Lymington Ferries

New Ferries planning to start operating in December Harbour Commisioners update no3 and Interim Safe Operating Profile - 2 December 2008 Letter from Wightlink to LTSC - 26 November 2008 Email from LTSC to Harbour Commissioners following Wightlink Press Release - 20 November 2008 annotated with Harbour Commissioners response on 24 November 2008 New Ferries River Trials Information Harbour Commisioners update no2 - 20 November 2008 Harbour Commissioners Update 18 November 2008 LTSC Response to Harbour Commissioners Update - 18 November 2008 Desmond Swayne raises issue in Parliament 19 November 2008. Wighlink Press Release - 20 November 2008
Wightlink N ewships	Environmental Appraisal based on 1992 review	Harbour Master River Safety guidance re existing ferries		Wightlink Ferries Lymington Harbour Navigational Review - Dec 2006	LHC Terms of Reference for Ferry Operations Risk Assessment (Oct 2007)
LTSC Ferry Forum 18 October 2007	LTSC Position Statement 23 October 2007	LTSC cover letter 19th March 2008		LTSC Sea Tec response 19 March 2008	New Larger Ferries
Harbour Commissioners - Notice to Mariners re New Ferry Trials			LTSC Ferry Comparison Group - Terms of Reference
Meeting LTSC, Harbourmaster & BMT - Wednesday 24th September 2008			W Class Ferry Evaluation: Sunday 28 September Afternoon - Photos

New Ferry Wight Light arrived during night of 1/2 September 2008

Photos (c) Adam Reay
Email from LTSC to Harbour Commissioners following Wightlink Press Release - 20 November 2008 To Ryan Willegers / Peter Griffiths From : Richard Jenner , Commodore LTSC Date : 20/11/08 Dear Ryan and Peter, Wightlinks Press Statement regarding the Introduction of the Wight Class Ferries Please accept my apologies for communicating by e mail but as Peter explained in his Statement we are now in a fast moving situation with regards to the New Ferries so it seems appropriate. This letter and my previous e mail this week will be copied to you as a formal letter from LTSC for the record. In Wightlinks Press Statement today,20/11/08 they state that there are two outstanding trials. The first involving dinghies requiring stronger winds than we have experienced on scheduled trial days and a second involving the passing of the W Class vessels in the river. They state that this latter trial can only be carried out in specific conditions which are likely to be some time away resulting in the indeterminate delay of the final report. Wightlink go on to say that ...With the vast majority of the findings of the sea trials before us, we can now be completely confident that the new ferries can operate safely within the Lymington river but, until the trials are concluded, we will work within the parameters of an "Interim Safe Operating Profile" The concern I must now raise again with you is that of ferries passing in the river. The Lymington Town Sailing Club have consistently raised this as a serious concern particularly with regards to sailing dinghies who are regularly overtaken by ferries at this point of the river. Wightlinks statements says that they have decided their ferries are safe to operate but no trials have been conducted on what must be the most hazardous occurrence in the river. That of two new larger ferries passing in the proximity of small sailing dinghies . Could you please advise us whether it is the LHC who will set the "Interim Safe Operating Profile" or is it Wightlink setting there own conditions. I would strongly recommend that this Interim Safe Operating Profile should prohibit the passing of ferries in the river until such time as the trials have proven it to be a safe occurrence in the presence of small sailing dinghies. The current situation is the cause of some alarm to LTSC and we would request an early meeting with you so that we may be acquainted with the detail of the "Interim Safe Operating Profile" as soon as you are in a position to brief us. Yours sincerely Richard Jenner Commodore LTSC
LTSC Response to Harbour Commissioner's Update - 18 November 2008 and Response by Harbour Commissioners on 24 November To Richard Jenner Subject: RE: LHC Statment Dear Richard, Peter & I have attempted to answer your questions – please see italics under each point. Regards, Peter Griffiths Chairman Ryan Willegers – Harbour Master To : Peter Griffiths and Ryan Willegers. From : Richard Jenner Dated : 18/11/2008 Dear Peter / Ryan I am most concerned on reading LHC statement headed " New Ferry Trials Information update to stakeholders" In the introduction LHC state that essential trials for the completion of BMTs analysis has yet to be completed. You also state that your trials to date have indicated some areas of concern with regards to the potential effect of the ferries on other river users. It is alarming that you state that when you met Wightlink to discuss these concerns you were in your words seriously disappointed by Wightlinks response during the meeting and in subsequent correspondence. I am shocked to learn that they are refusing to support the trials to there conclusion and that they have decided that their operation is safe and that they will commence operating their new ferries before the trials are complete. In the circumstances I believe there are a number of questions I must ask in order that LTSC members can be accurately appraised of the situation. 1: Presumably this means that Wightlink intend to operate without the completion of an independent risk assessment and contrary to the requirements of LHC ? Wightlink have subsequently issued a press release on the 20^th November indicating that they intend to introduce their vessels this year but that they will work in accordance with an ‘interim’ safe operating profile. This profile will be determined by LHC based on our advice from BMT SeaTech. Our stakeholder update No. 2 refers. 2: Is this action by Wightlink legal ? Whilst it is acknowledged that the Harbour is an open port is there not a legal requirement to ensure that a risk assessment is completed before a scheduled operation can commence ? There is a requirement for a risk assessment to be undertaken, however we also have an ‘Open Port’ duty. Based on the trials that have been undertaken thus far, we are not in a position where the vessel cannot safely use the river under any circumstances. If we were, then we could not have allowed the crew training and risk assessment trials to continue. That said, BMT have not yet completed all of the trials and therefore without having all of the data before us, the risk assessment and the terms under which the new vessels can operate on an interim basis will need to necessarily be precautionary in nature. I should also refer you to our Stakeholder Update No 2 which illustrates the actions we are taking to ensure that we fully discharge our statutory duties. 3: Given that results of trials to date have indicated some areas of concern should these not now be made public along with LHC ideas as to how these could be mitigated. The areas of concern raised with Wightlink relate to the operation of the aft thruster unit in the higher of the two power settings available to them. Our discussions around how these concerns may be mitigated include, 1) the need for the aft thruster to be used in the lower power setting when in the river – this will require a wind speed limitation. 2) investigation of the possibility of making a modification to give an intermediate power setting which can be used in higher wind speeds but this will require further trials. 4: Would LHC agree that Wightlink appear to be riding rough shod over the safety interests of other river users to support their own commercial interests. We think our Stakeholder briefings of the 18^th and 20^th November summarise our views. As you are aware Lymington Town Sailing Club have always expressed their concern at the possible effect of the new ferries on other river users particularly those in small craft. We have also made it clear that we fully support the respective authorities, in this case LHC to ensure that the interests of small boat users are protected. Our position remains unchanged but we must also point out that we will resist any restrictions on our Club activities believing that inspite of Wightlinks high handed response they will be required by the regulatory authorities to operate safely in the Lymington river without inhibiting the long established activities of our Club members
New Ferries River Trials Information Update to Stakeholders Harbour Commissioners - 18 November 2008 Introduction Much work has now been completed over the last two months and most measured data is now with the BMT Seatech risk assessment team for detailed analysis. A final trial with dinghies will be held on Wednesday 19 November if the wind is suitable. We have not yet completed the trials with two W class vessels passing on their transits. This requires a wind of F5/6 from the SW and a full range of tides from HW, Mid tide and LW springs. This work is essential if BMT are to be able to complete their analysis in accordance with their terms of reference and produce a draft report by Mid December as expected. Areas of Concern The results to date have indicated some areas of concern with regard to the potential effect of the ferries on other river users. In order to address these concerns ahead of the draft report we met with Wightlink last week to discuss them, and to attempt to find ways in which they could be mitigated. However, we were seriously disappointed by Wightlink’s response both during the meeting and in subsequent correspondence received. This is because: They now inform us that, contrary to their previous position, they can operate a commercial service without the need to modify the loading arrangements. They have stated that they will not support the trials to their full conclusion in advance of commencing commercial service. They have informed us that, prior to the completion of the risk assessment process they “consider it to be entirely safe for the Wight Class vessels to now enter service, and as stated at the meeting, we will be progressing plans for their introduction in early December” Harbour Commissioners Action We considered Wightlink’s response at our Commissioners meeting on Monday afternoon and agreed unanimously the following immediate and urgent actions. To consult with BMT Seatech for them to provide an evidence based interim Safe Operating Profile for the W Class, based on the information that they have gathered to date and the concerns identified. This must of necessity be based on precautionary principals given the incomplete nature of the trials. To consult with the environmental regulators to speed up the provision of their environmental advice. To inform the MCA and the Department for Transport of our concerns regarding Wightlink’s stated plans. To consult with our legal advisors to ensure that we have identified the most effective way in which to enforce an interim safe operating profile. To advise Wightlink of the action that we are taking and ensure that they fully appreciate our determination to regulate for the safety of navigation and protection of the environment, in accordance with our powers and duties under the Port Marine Safety Code. This is likely to be a fast moving situation and we will keep you informed of any significant developments as appropriate. Peter Griffiths Chairman – Lymington Harbour Commission 18^th November 2008
Harbour Commissioners - Notice to Mariners re New Ferry Trials
New Ferry W Class Ferry Evaluation: Sunday 28 September Afternoon There is an opportunity this Sunday for members to take their boats on the river to observe the new Ferry and to help ensure that the river is as busy as possible. This is to ensure that BMT (the consultants commissioned by Lymington Harbour Commissioners) can see what the river is like at busy times. Ideally they would like to see both keel boats and dinghy sailors on the water. The plan is for the W Class Ferry to undertake sailings at 13.45, 15.15, and 16.45 from Lymington and 14.30, 16.00 and 17.30 from Yarmouth. Depending on conditions there may also be an 18.15 sailing from Lymington. The reason Sunday afternoon has been chosen is because it provides an opportunity to assess the position over a LWS tide which will increase the congestion factor. LTSC is forming a Ferry Comparison Group to assess the differences between the impact of W and C Class ferries on small boats in the river. Any member is welcome to provide details of their observations regarding the impact of either ferry on their boats whilst the Ferry is in the River. Please indicate date, type of boat you were in, wind strength, state of tide and position in river and your observation. Please forward any observations to the Sailing Secretary. The Harbour Master has requested that we remind all members that any incident on the river between any boats or with any river marks should be reported to the Harbour master as they now have sophisticated recording and analyses systems to monitor numbers and types of incident. The report can be verbally to the Harbour Master office. Thank you in anticipation Richard Jenner Commodore
Extract from Telltales Well we have now all seen the new Wightlink vessel in the river and can form our own opinions. On Wednesday 24th September 2008, I met with BMT Sea Tech and Lymington Harbour Commissioners to discuss BMT’s response to the Club's observations on the proposed Phase 2 trials. I was accompanied by Richard Phillips and Barry Dutton from our Sailing Committee and Richard Russell who is a member of the Club's working group charged with evaluating the possible effects of the new vessels on the Club activities. The meeting was lengthy and covered aspects of concern to the Club. Minutes of this meeting are being prepared by Ian Dand of BMT and we will add any points of clarification which we see fit. Overall the views and points made by the Club were taken on board and assurances were again given that LHC’s objective was to ensure that if at all possible any restrictions/controls introduced as a result of the resulting risk assessment will be upon Wightlink and not leisure river users. LTSC were informed that at present there is no evidence that the area of the river where the ferries pass has a higher number of incidents than any other part of the river. The Harbour Master stressed the need for any incident in the river, whether it be with the ferry or not, to be reported to the LHC. Incidents are categorised by LHC and recorded so that a profile of incidents and their location on the river can be established. It was agreed with the Harbour Master and BMT that LTSC would provide some experienced dinghy sailors to assist with the comparison of the effects of the W and C Class ferries on various types of dinghies sailing in the river. An LTSC Ferry Comparison Group is being set up by the Sailing Committee to assist in this. In addition it was agreed that any member of LTSC may provide feedback to the Sailing Committee about their experiences with the new Ferry. Currently the Ferry trials are taking place on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, other times will be notified by the Harbourmaster Richard Jenner Commodore.

LTSC response to BMT SEATEC Phase 1 Report

LTSC has reviewed the report, but remains very concerned about the probable impact on small boats. Specifically:

1. The report does not adequately address the concerns of small boat users, such as the young and the inexperienced sailors, canoeists and rowers who have traditionally used the river for leisure.

2. We are concerned that some small boat users may be leaving the river due to their perceived fears and concerns about the impact of larger ferries. This will have a detrimental effect on the clubs and organisations, as well as Lymington in general.

3. The report discusses the practice of ferries passing in the river, but does not adequately address the risks to all river users, ferries included. The suggestion that "waiting in the river" should be an exception does not reflect our experience. It is evident that this practice can lead to irregular ferry speeds that make predictions of the ferry position by other river users very difficult. This risk is significantly increased at low water when many vessels, including sailing dinghies, are restricted by draft.

4. LTSC remains opposed to allowing ferries to pass in the River.

LTSC is committed to working with LHC in its efforts to establish safe operating procedures for the larger ferries. However, we cannot accept that our longstanding boating activities on the river should be changed or threatened by the introduction of larger vessels.

Richard Jenner
Commodore
7 April 2008

New Larger Ferries

The first phase assessment carried out for the Lymington Harbour Commissioners by BMT has now been published. A working group consisting of Nigel Walbank, Keith Wicks and Robin Dent have reviewed the document on behalf of the Club and submitted comments to LHC. A meeting was held at the RLymYC attended by representatives of all interested parties where both LHC and BMT listened to the comments and concerns of LTSC and other parties.

The Executive have agreed that a picture display giving an impression of the new boats in the river can be shown in the Lower Deck bar. These pictures have been prepared by Robin Dent on the basis of the data he has acquired, the club can take no responsibility for the accuracy but interested members are encouraged to speak directly with Robin.

In April The Solent Protection Society is holding a meeting at Elmers Court to which Adam and I have been invited. This meeting with representatives from over 25 different bodies and organisation both IOW and Lymington will also be attended by local MPs and Councillors. The objective as stated is to Brief and take questions

Richard Jenner LTSC Commodore
Extract from Telltales April 2008

LTSC Position Statement on the New Ferries

Lymington Town Sailing Club is concerned at the introduction of larger commercial vessels into the river, such as Wightlink’s new ‘R’ Class ferries, as these larger vessels could have an adverse effect upon leisure river-users, particularly upon small sailing dinghies, rowing boats and canoes.

The Club welcomes the risk assessment on the new vessels that is to be arranged by the Lymington Harbour Commissioners (LHC) and will continue to work with and support them. We trust that they will take effective action to ensure that leisure river-users are not adversely affected. LTSC feel strongly that, in addition to the measures to restrict the speed of the new ferries, it is imperative that these larger vessels pass one another in the open waters of the Western Solent, not in the river.

In the event that the LHC should seek to introduce measures restricting the LTSC's activities in the river the Club will resist these, as it believes that any restrictions on navigation should be borne by those seeking to introduce larger vessels.

If, in the final analysis, such restrictions on the larger vessels are inadequate to ensure the safety of all river-users, LTSC consider this would be sufficient justification to challenge the entry of larger ferries into the river.

Peter Upcher
Commodore
23 October 2007

Introduction

Areas of Concern

Harbour Commissioners Action