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This ANTM consolidates previous guidance relating to tug wash, escort operations, workboat compliance, and tug lines within Milford Haven.

Tugs and towage operations may generate significant wash and risk. Mariners must exercise caution, ensure safe tug line handling, and comply with workboat coding requirements.

Notice Summary:

This Annual Notice to Mariners (ANTM) consolidates previous guidance relating to tug wash, escort operations, workboat compliance, and the safe handling of tug lines within Milford Haven. Tug and towage operations can generate significant wash and present hazards to other vessels, particularly small craft. All mariners are reminded of their responsibilities to navigate with caution, maintain safe distances from tug operations, and comply with established safety and regulatory requirements. 

  1. Tug Wash During Berthing and Unberthing
    1. Mariners are hereby reminded that small craft should proceed with extreme caution when passing vessels berthing or unberthing with the assistance of tugs.
    2. Tugs pushing vessels onto or off a berth may use engines at high or full power, either intermittently or for sustained periods.
    3. Such operations can generate very strong wash immediately astern of the tug, which may extend over a considerable distance, particularly in calm conditions.
    4. Small craft and fishing vessels may experience significant difficulty in manoeuvring in these conditions.
    5. Mariners are advised to give berthing and unberthing operations involving tugs a wide berth at all times.
  2. Escort Tug Wash
    1. Mariners are advised that significant wash may be experienced in the vicinity of the West Channel, including areas between St Ann’s Head and Dale Point, and Sheep Island to Thorn Island.
    2. Harbour tugs engaged in active or passive escort operations of large vessels may operate at speeds of up to 12 knots and can generate substantial wash
    3. Milford Haven VTS will broadcast information regarding escort operations on VHF Channel 12.
    4. Mariners, particularly operators of small craft, are requested to maintain a listening watch and take appropriate precautions.
    5. Mariners should be aware that in calm conditions, the effects of escort tug wash may be felt over a considerable distance.
    6. Relevant charts include Admiralty Charts 2878, 3273, 3274 and Imray Y26 and 2600 Atlas.
  3. Coding of Workboats
    1. Mariners are reminded that any workboat offered for commercial use within Milford Haven must be appropriately coded under the relevant Code of Practice, or
    2. Provide a Category 6 compliance examination report acceptable to Milford Haven Port Authority.
    3. Further information may be obtained directly from Milford Haven Port Authority.
  4. Letting Go of Tug Lines
    1. Mariners are reminded that tug lines must be let go from the ship in a seamanlike and controlled manner.
    2. Tug lines and messengers are to be lowered slowly and under control to the tug.
    3. Alternative methods may only be used where this has been specifically agreed in advance with the tug master.
  5. General Safety Reminder
    1. The Port of Milford Haven operates one of the UK’s busiest energy ports, with high volumes of tug-assisted and escort movements.  All harbour users are reminded that tug operations generate significant hydrodynamic effects that can endanger smaller craft if approached too closely.
    2. Mariners must:
      1. Keep well clear of tug and tow operations;
      2. Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12; and
      3. Follow VTS instructions at all times.
    3. Failure to comply with this guidance may endanger life and property and could constitute a breach of the Port of Milford Haven General Directions.
  6. The following VHF channels are allocated for berthing and un-berthing operations within the main body of the Haven, for use by ships, tugs, line boats and jetties:

  7. This Notice will self-cancel at 23:59hrs on 31st December 2026.

 

BY ORDER
M RYAN
HARBOURMASTER

Port of Milford Haven
Gorsewood Drive
Hakin
Milford Haven
Pembrokeshire
SA73 3EP

Tel: 01646 696100
Email: enquiries@mhpa.co.uk