General Directions

Question 1

Define ‘certificate of compliance’

Answer 1

A cert issued to a vessel where it has been assessed against the technical requirements

Question 2

Define designated anchorage

Answer 2

An area designated by a harbourmaster as an anchorage area or berth.

Detailed on charts, PLA tide tables or notice to mariners.

Question 3

Define exclusion zone

Answer 3

An area of the Thames defined by the PLA as being closed to to navigation for safety or emergency reasons.

Question 4

What fairways are in A1

Answer 4

The princes channel
Oaze precautionary area

Question 5

Define moored

Answer 5

Made fast to a mooring chain or buoy
Made fast by anchors or spud legs
Secured alongside another vsl so made fast

Question 6

Define pleasure vessel

Answer 6

Vessels not used for commercial purposes or bareboat charters

Question 7

Define reporting vessel

Answer 7

Vessel >40m loa
Commercial vsls >50 gross tons which ordinarily navigate outside the Thames
Tugs that are/will tow

Question 8

Define restricted visibility

Answer 8

Visibility <0.5nm

Question 9

Define specified vessel

Answer 9

Explosives
LNG in bulk
Flammable liquids/substances
Toxic/corrosive substances in bulk

Question 10

Define speed reduction

Answer 10

Notification from VTS that vsls must proceed at reduced speed in an area for the purpose of reducing wash/draw-off

Question 11

Define ULCS

Answer 11

LOA >320m
and/or
Draught >13.5m

Question 12

What VTS sector is A1?

Answer 12

Estuary sector/VHF 69

Question 13

Who must carry a generic port passage plan and navigational risk assessment?

Answer 13

All commercial vsls normally operating in the Thames.

Question 14

When, how and what must pre arrival/departure be given?

Answer 14

24h in advance than or not later than 1h before departure from last port
ETA/D, ISPS level, PEC#, confirm compliance
Submit via pices/email/telephone

Question 15

What constitutes compliance with the navigational safety requirements of the general directions

Answer 15

1.Charts/publications correct and up-to-date
2.Appropriate port passage plan
3.Compliant with ISM code
4.Mooring assistance arranged

Question 16

What info must a reporting vsl provide on arrival?

Answer 16

1.Security level
2.POB
3.Max draught
4.Pilot ladder compliant
5.Any navigational deficiency

Question 17

When must a reporting vsl request permission to proceed and how long is it valid for?

Answer 17

1.10 mins
2. 15 mins then VTS must be called if not commenced

Question 18

What are the reporting requirements for bunkering?

Answer 18

2 hours before ops:
-Location of ops
-Type and quantity of bunkers
-Expected commencement time
After permission given to commence:
-Start and stop of bunking
-Oil spills (location, type, quantity, action taken)

Question 19

Is sewage discharge permitted on the Thames?

Answer 19

As of 01/01/23 no commercial vessel may discharge sewage into the Thames

Question 20

What are the pilot ladder transfer regulations?

Answer 20

SOLAS Regs V/23 and IMO Res A.1045(27)

Question 21

What would you do if the pilot refuses to use your ladder because it is not compliant?

Answer 21

Get the crew to rig the spare

Question 22

Does your vessel have to carry VHF?

Answer 22

Yes all commercial vsls >7m must.
Most pleasure craft >13.7 must
(excluding vessels under oars)

Question 23

Your AIS breaks down, what do you do?

Answer 23

Immediately inform VTS and inform of nature of and request permission to continue.
Later provide details of intention to repair within 24h.

Question 24

Can you switch off your AIS in A1?

Answer 24

Must if unmanned/out of service.
For security/safety reasons but must inform VTS

Question 25

You enter an area of restricted visibility, what must you do?

Answer 25

1. Inform VTS if they are not aware 2. Safe speed 3. Post lookouts

Question 26

What are the bridge team requirements?

Answer 26

Master or crew member at the conning position. Pilot if required. Helmsman on the bridge. Crew member on board who can take over navigation in emergency.

Question 27

What are the exclusion zone rules and navigational restrictions?

Answer 27

1. Do not enter an exclusion zone on chart or notified on VTS 2. Approach <60m of any berthed tanker or oil/gas jetty 3. Approach <50m any wind turbine 4. Transit a bridge arch/spac which is closed

Question 28

What clearance must you give ULCSs and specified vsls?

Answer 28

1. Stay 1nm ahead 2. Stay 0.5nm astern (Except for overtaking/passing with permission from VTS/other vsl)

Question 29

Where may one-way traffic be in force?

Answer 29

1. Princes DWR 2. West oaze-SR3 3. Any other deemed by VTS

Question 30

What signals will a vsl requiring a speed reduction display?

Answer 30

1. Day - ‘romeo yankee’ flags 2. Night - a rigid replica of ‘RY’ >1m in height (permission is required from VTS to display these)

Question 31

In general who has right of way?

Answer 31

Vessels navigating with the tide.

Question 32

VTs requires you to proceed to anchor, what are the restrictions?

Answer 32

1. Non-designated anchorage before port limits 2. Designated anchorage within port limits 3. Only for a time as stated in pla tide tables book 4. Only for vsls with dimensions stated in pla tide table book 5. Not in a fairway (except in emergency or VTS permissions)

Question 33

What are the vessel manning requirements?

Answer 33

Vessel is capable of being moved/navigated and enough personnel to 1. Attend moorings 2. Comply with any directions from harbourmaster for the mooring/unmooring/moving vsl 3. To deal with any emergency

Question 34

What info in a routine broadcast?

Answer 34

1. Traffic information 2. Cautionary areas 3. Navigation info 4. Tidal info

Question 35

VTS services?

Answer 35

1. Passage monitoring 2. Prioritisation of vessels 3. Speed reductions 4. Local traffic control 5. Navigational assistance

Question 36

Define deep draughted tanker

Answer 36

LOA >90m Draught >10.5m

Question 37

Define specified vessel

Answer 37

-LNG/PG -Explosives -Toxic and Corrosive -Flammable

Question 38

How do VTS manage anchorages?

Answer 38

-Monitoring -Warning -Dragging *>30kn/F7 winds all anchored vsls called and informed and details added to routine broadcast.

Question 39

Why do VTS impose speed restrictions?

Answer 39

For safety reasons draw off/wash may need to be reduced *may be ignored for safety of v/l

Question 40

What are the AIS requirements in pla waters?

Answer 40

-Running -Maintained -Updated

Question 41

What are the anchorages in A1?

Answer 41

*Tongue HAZ & DW [1.5x2.5] *Margate Roads Queen’s 1-3 Shivering Sands [0.7x1.5] K3 [d0.5] Mouse [0.5x2.0] W1&2 Z9-12 *not designated