This Annual Notice to Mariners (ANTM) covers all fishing vessels: beam trawlers, exclusion zones, pot markers, hazards to navigation and coding requirements.

This Annual Standing Notice to Mariners (ANTM) consolidates and replaces the following existing notices:

  • ANTM 08 (Beam Trawlers) 
  • ANTM 12 (Fishing Pot Markers)
  • ANTM 13 (Coding of Workboats)
  • ANTM 15 (Exclusion Zones), and 
  • ANTM 18 (Hazards to Navigation)
It provides a single, clear reference for fishing vessels and other Haven users, setting out key safety, navigational, and compliance requirements applicable within the jurisdiction of the Port of Milford Haven. The Notice is issued in the interests of navigational safety, protection of critical infrastructure, and compliance with the Port’s General Directions and statutory powers.

  1. Coding of Fishing Vessels and Workboats
    1. Mariners are reminded that any vessel undertaking commercial operations, including fishing vessels, within the Haven must:
      1. Be coded under the appropriate Maritime and Coastguard Agency Code of Practice, or
      2. Present a valid Category 6 Compliance Examination Report to Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA)
    2. Evidence of coding or compliance must be made available to MHPA upon request.
    3. Further information regarding coding requirements can be obtained from MHPA using the contact details below.
  2. Fishing and Diving Exclusion Zone
    1. Mariners are reminded that an exclusion zone for fishing, potting and diving is established within the Haven.
    2. Fishing, potting and diving are prohibited within a 100-metre radius of position:
      51° 42’.2 N 004° 57’.2 W.
    3. This exclusion zone protects the wreck of a Sunderland Flying Boat.
    4. Any fishing or diving equipment found within this exclusion zone will be removed and may be destroyed without further notice.
    5. Reference should be made to Admiralty Chart 3275 and Imray Y26 & 2600 Atlas.
  3. Beam Trawlers
    1. Mariners may encounter beam trawlers deploying or recovering trawl beams in the area between the west end of South Hook LNG Terminal and Thorn Island.
    2. Trawl beams may protrude up to 15 metres from the vessel on both the port and starboard sides.
    3. Mariners should take due account of this when approaching, overtaking or passing beam trawlers and allow sufficient sea room.
    4. Reference should be made to Admiralty Chart 3274 and Imray Y26 & 2600 Atlas.
  4. Fishing Pot Markers
    1. Fishing pots must not be laid in the main navigation channels of the Haven.
    2. Lines to marker buoys present a serious hazard to navigation, including the risk of fouling propellers and rudders.
    3. Pots laid outside the main channels or further upriver must have sufficient line length to ensure the marker buoy remains afloat at all states of the tide.
    4. Any fishing pots or marker buoys found within the main navigation channels will be removed without notice.
    5. In accordance with Port of Milford Haven General Directions 2016 – Direction No. 35, marker buoys must:
      1. Display a black flag, and
      2. Be clearly marked with the identity of the laying vessel.
    6. Reference should be made to Admiralty Charts 2878, 3273, 3274 and 3275, and Imray Y26 & 2600 Atlas.
  5. Hazards to Navigation
    1. Following a number of incidents within the Haven, fishermen are reminded of the serious hazard posed by lost fishing nets and gear, particularly:
      1. Entanglement in bow thrusters of large vessels; and
      2. Fouling of propellers and rudders of small craft.
    2. Any loss of nets or fishing gear within the Haven must be reported immediately to Milford Haven VTS.
    3. All mariners are reminded to remain vigilant and promptly report any hazards to navigation.
    4. Milford Haven VTS operates 24 hours a day and can be contacted via:
      1. VHF Channel 12 – Call sign: Milford Haven VTS
      2. Email: vts@mhpa.co.uk
  6. This Notice will self-cancel at 23:59hrs on 31st December 2026.