Links
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Coastal VHF Radio listening watch information
A live map showing the various marine traffic VHF radio channels to be monitored around the coast
Click on the various shaded areas to display the VHF channel for that area.
You will need to zoom-in to see the various shaded areas.
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Leaving & returning to the UK by boat? - submit a Pleasure Craft report GOV.UK
If you are leaving or entering the UK on a pleasure boat of any kind, you must submit a Pleasure Craft Report. This is an on-line process – click on the red coloured text above.
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The report gives Border Force and HMRC details of your voyage plan and people and goods on board.
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You must do this within 24 hours and up to 2 hours before departure or arrival. You should receive an email confirming receipt of your planned voyage submission.
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Within the registration process, you will be asked to enter your boats ‘usual mooring location’ (UNLOCODE). A list of these codes can be found by selecting this link. For example, Benfleet is listed under South Benfleet with code ‘GB SBF’.
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Visiting the port of Calais (France) from the UK
SAILING FROM THE UK TO CALAIS AND RETURN
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Before setting off, no later than 24 hours before planned arrival in Calais, you are required to complete and submit via email, the French Immigration declaration form. Click on the link in red text above to download this document. Send the completed form via email to CALAIS MARINA at calais.plaisance@edeis.com
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If you are a national of a country outside the European Union (such as the UK), you will have to visit the Border Police of the Port of Calais immediately upon arrival to have your Passport stamped. Along with your passport, take all ship documents such as registration, in case needed. The office of Calais Border Police is located in the new Calais port “ferry terminal”. Click on the link below for directions. The distance is approx. 2.5 miles each way. Either take the free “Ballad’In” buss, walk or cycle.
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Route to Border Police using Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkWeXqpHvquijTSG8
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Before departure for your return journey to the UK, you must have your Passport stamped to show proof of exit, otherwise you risk exceeding your 90 day allowance (and potentially receiving a fine or other penalty).
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Don’t forget to report your departure and return to and from the UK – see above link on this page
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Visiting the port of "Nieuwpoort" (Belgium) from the UK
SAILING FROM THE UK TO NIEUWPOORT AND RETURN
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Before departing the UK, no later than 24 hours before planned arrival in Nieuwpoort, you are required to complete and submit a “Pleasure Craft Declaration Form”. Click on the link in red text above to access this on-line form. Once in the form, you will need to click on “EN” in the top left hand corner to change into English.
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If you are a national of a country outside the European Union (such as the UK), you will have to visit the Border Police of the Port of Nieuwpoort immediately upon arrival to have your Passport stamped. Along with your passport, take all ship documents such as registration, in case needed. The office of Nieuwpoort Border Police is located within the “Vlaamse Yachthaven Nieuwpoort” (formerly called VVW), immediately next to the marina office.
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Click here for location on Google Maps.
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Before departure for your return journey to the UK, you must have your Passport stamped to show proof of exit, otherwise you risk exceeding your 90 day allowance (and potentially receiving a fine or other penalty). Again, you will need to submit the on-line form prior to departure.
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Address and operating hours for the Nieuwpoort Border Police Office https://www.police.be/bordercontrol/en/contact/harbours/border-post-harbour-nieuwpoort
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Don’t forget to report your departure and return to and from the UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/submit-a-pleasure-craft-report
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NOTE: throughout the form, you will be asked to provide port UNLOC codes. You are likely to need the following: Nieuwpoort = BENIE, Southend on Sea = GBSAA, South Benfleet = GBSBF, Ramsgate = GBRMG
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Ministry of Defence (MOD) Shoeburyness: Range Sea Danger Area
QinetiQ operates the live weapons test and evaluation Range in Shoeburyness and on Foulness Island in Essex, known as MOD Shoeburyness. The Range is active Monday to Friday (occasionally at weekends), all year round, conducting activities that involve firing and detonating live ammunition, often over long distances, out to sea.
To enable the Range to work safely and ensure that hazardous activities do not present a risk to members of the public, it operates under the jurisdiction of the Artillery Ranges Byelaws 1936 and the Shoeburyness and District Military Lands Byelaws 1935 (under the Military Lands Acts 1892 to 1903). The byelaws govern the use of the land and rights of access and passage through the byelaw area. The byelaws cover an area of the Thames Estuary and the North Sea and the inner waterway that runs from Havengore Creek across to the River Roach and the River Crouch. These areas are known collectively as the Range Sea Danger Area (RSDA), unauthorised entry to the RSDA is both illegal and dangerous.
QinetiQ manages access to the RSDA ensuring that boats, yachts and personal watercraft (PWC) do not enter the area illegally, putting themselves and their vessels at risk. In order to monitor the RSDA whilst the Range is active, QinetiQ uses marine surveillance radar and has a Range Safety Boat which patrols and advises any unauthorised vessels to leave in accordance with the byelaws and in the interests of health and safety.
For further details please see the following:
PDF Document "Staying Safe near the Range Sea Danger Area (RSDA)
)1427847(and website: https://www.qinetiq.com/en/shoeburyness/public-safety/information-for-mariners
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RNLI Personal Buoyancy (Life Jacket) Advice
Providing help and support with how to choose the right lifejacket or buoyancy aid for your watersports activity.
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BYC Sailing Club Manager
Log-In for System Administrators only
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PLA Notice to Mariners
Notices to Mariners provide essential, up to date information and advice to those supporting navigation and commercial shipping in the Port of London. Subjects will include (but not be limited to) advice on PLA procedures and/or requirements and notification of new and updated rules and regulations for navigation.
Click here to visit the main Port of London Authority (PLA) website.
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East Coast Pilot publication
‘East Coast Pilot’ is the best-selling pilot book for the coast, rivers and creeks between Great Yarmouth and Ramsgate. A copy of East Coast Pilot book can be purchased from the publishers ‘Imray’ through this site.
Visitors to the East Coast Pilot website can also download the latest navigational chartlets for the entrances of the Rivers Deben and Ore.
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Coastal Events Guide publication
Capturing the essence of the UK’s East Coast and its rivers, the Coastal Guide is for all those who love to spend time on or by the water. We give you lots of info on events and ideas for activities and places to visit, including local sailing clubs, marinas and other waterside attractions enjoy reading all about them in the comfort of your own home.
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Thames Estuary Partnership
The Thames Estuary Partnership is an independent charity that builds understanding and appreciation of one of the world’s most famous rivers.
We bring together key stakeholders in the Thames, working in partnership to improve the river both for London’s inhabitants and for the ecosystems that it holds. We work with governmental bodies, port and local authorities, riverside developers, NGOs and the wider public to maximise our positive impact on this unique river.