RULES FOR THE LAUNCHING OF VESSELS

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Rules for launching vessels and the operation of said vessels from the launch site at Beadnell Bay.

N.B. Vessels are those that are capable of supporting one or more persons on water and having a mechanical device capable of giving propulsion.

OR

Any vessel capable of supporting one or more persons on water that is greater in size than a Topper style dinghy, windsurfer board or small inflatable.

Prior to Launching

1. Vessels may only be launched from the beach with the permission of the launch warden on duty who shall have complete discretion as to whether any vessel may or may not be launched. In particular NO vessel will be allowed to launch:

• If it is considered to be unsuitable for sea usage
• If it is not equipped with the mandatory safety aides
• If the weather conditions are deemed unsuitable or small craft warnings

by HMCG have been issued

• If an excessive number of passengers are to be carried
• If the person in charge appears to be incapable of operating the vessel
• If the trailer carrying the vessel is no longer, because of deterioration,

capable of transporting the vessel in a safe manner

• If the person in charge is below the age of seventeen (Document to be

shown when in doubt)

• If the launch fee or permit has not been paid
• If the person in charge has been previously in breach of the launch

conditions or Bye Laws (see attached) relating to Water Safety

• If a valid certificate of insurance cannot be produced for visual

inspection or failing this the owner or skipper of the vessel has not signed a declaration stating that current third party insurance is in place (see form attached).

Furthermore vessels will not be launched if the beach surface is considered to be dangerous by the launch warden.

The person in charge of the vessel shall grant the launch warden on duty, or other authorised official, all reasonable facilities to inspect the vessel and any equipment therein.

THE DECISION OF THE LAUNCH WARDEN SHALL BE REGARDED AS FINAL

2. Not withstanding the authority of the launch warden to prevent launching, it is stressed that the personal responsibility for ensuring the vessel is sea worthy, has the required safety equipment on board and is not overloaded with excess passengers, lies with the person in charge of the vessel. Due regard must be given to all advice by the launch warden of potential or actual hazards to mariners (salmon netting berths, & buoys, exclusion areas etc.) and weather forecasts.

3. All seasonal launch permit holders must clearly identify their vessels with the identification mark (numbered board) allocated by launch control. The board should have numbers at least 15 to 20cms in height and should be positioned promptly on the vessel, preferably on the bow. The allocated board number must be painted on the trailer just aft of the ball joint. Daily launch users must also have some form of identification on their trailers, which indicates the board number allocated so that the launch warden can readily identify ownership of either the trailer or the vessel. Boards must be handed back to the launch warden on return to the launch site.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

•  Mandatory Safety Equipment is required on all vessels:

• Life jackets meeting British Standard Specification for each person on board. Buoyancy aids to SSBNF approval may be worn when operating at a minimum distance from the tide edge and not intending to cruise to deep waters. Whilst on board children must wear life-jackets
• Suitable anchor attached to a chain and a minimum length of 25 fathoms (150 feet) of rope
• Flares, hand held type. At least two of which must be within the expiry date shown. Mini flares are acceptable, but we strongly advise that hand held type are available on the vessel
• Compass – fixed or hand held
• Bailer – if not equipped with a self bailer
• Whistle on lanyard – preferably on each life-jacket
• Fire extinguisher – Power Boats
• Paddles or spare engine

• No vessels shall be launched or used from the Beadnell Bay launch facility unless there is in force, in relation to the vessel, an Insurance Policy covering third party risks, either unlimited in amount, or with a limit not less than fixed per accident by the major marine insurance companies.
• The vessel when in use must be in charge of a competent person, not under 17 years of age, who shall at all times operate the vessel in a careful and prudent manner and not cause any nuisance or danger to any person or vessel. Due regard must be given to the Rules of Navigation at Sea, the diving clubs Code of Safe Practices and the local Bye-Laws governing speed restrictions.

• ALL VESSELS MUST RETURN TO BEADNELL BAY AT LEAST 45 MINUTES before the launch site closes.

Failure to do so WILL invoke the Coastguard mounting a search and rescue operation. It is essential to get a search underway before nightfall. Should it be necessary to beach or seek shelter elsewhere the launch warden at Beadnell (01665 721259) or the H.M. Coastguard (999) MUST BE NOTIFIED of the whereabouts of the vessel and crew.

• Motor vehicles are not allowed on to the beach without the launch warden’s permission. All vessels will be launched by the site tractor operated by the launch warden. If the launch tractor is out of service then, with the permission of and, under the supervision of the launch warden seasonal launch permit holders only will be granted permission to use their own vehicle to launch their own vessel. Only one vehicle will be allowed onto the beach at any one time and immediately after the vessel has been launched the trailer must be returned to the trailer park and the vehicle to the car park.

GOING TO SEA

• All vessels should proceed directly out to sea at not more than 8 knots following the white dot route through the restricted area shown on the map at the back of this booklet, until well clear of the bathers. A sharp look out for persons bathing, paddling or using the sea must be kept at all times and in particular when approaching the beach, the vessel should approach the beach with only sufficient speed to maintain steerage. Extreme caution should be displayed with a readiness to take avoiding action given the circumstances warrant it. Except when launching or approaching the beach via the authorised launching channel – NO PERSON IN CHARGE OF OR HAVING CONTROL OF A VESSEL MAY ALLOW THE VESSEL TO ENTER THE PUBLIC SAFETY ZONE (within area marked by black dots on the map at the back of this booklet).

• JET SKI’S MUST ALSO KEEP OUT OF THIS AREA EXCEPT WHEN LAUNCHING

• All vessels when towing a water skier must have two occupants, one to act as a helmsman and forward out look, the other to watch the skier.

 GENERAL INFORMATION

• All divers are required to read, familiarise themselves and adhere to the instructions given in the information leaflet (incorporated within this booklet) provided for divers operating within the vicinity of the Farne Islands.
• All users of the launch site are required to read, familiarise themselves and adhere to the Beadnell Bay safety code leaflet (incorporated within this booklet).
• All users of the launch site are required to read, familiarise themselves and adhere to the relevant Byelaws contained within this booklet.
• Persons using the Beadnell Bay Launch Site do so at their own risk and the Council accept no liability for claims, proceedings, damages, charges and costs how so ever arising and how so ever caused, whether in relation to property or the death or injury to any persons whether in contract or tort in other manner, directly or indirectly as a result or in connection with the boat launching facilities at Beadnell Bay except insofar as the same results from the negligence of the Council, its employees or agents.
• These conditions may be suspended, varied or withdrawn at any time by the Council. Any permit issued may be withdrawn or cancelled forthwith should the person to whom it is issued be in breach of any of the conditions set out in this document.
• Vessels may not be launched before 0800 hrs.
• The site will be open from the first Saturday in April or Good Friday (whichever is earlier) until 31 st October.