VTS services, passage planning, navigation aids, message markers and known buoy limitations applicable to all vessels in Milford Haven.

Notice Summary
This Annual Standing Notice to Mariners (ANTM) consolidates and replaces the following notices:
ANTM 01 (Milford Haven VTS)
ANTM 03 (Leading Lights – High Intensity)
ANTM 16 (Passage Planning)
ANTM 17 (Passage Planning & Pre-Movement Declaration)
ANTM 19 (Message Markers)
ANTM 27 (Entrance Buoys – Light Reliability).

The Notice provides a single reference for general navigational requirements within the jurisdiction of the Port of Milford Haven, including the use of VTS services, standardised communications, passage planning obligations, navigation aids, and known limitations affecting aids to navigation. It is issued in the interests of navigational safety and efficient port operations.

  1. Milford Haven Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)
    1. Milford Haven Port Authority operates a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) providing harbour surveillance radar coverage of Milford Haven up to the Cleddau Bridge and the seaward approaches to ranges of up to 6 miles.
    2. Milford Haven VTS provides a Traffic Organisation Service (TOS) as defined in MGN 401 (M+F) and MGN 318.
    3. Vessels may contact Milford Haven VTS at any time for traffic information, traffic clearance, or port operational information via:
      1. VHF Channel 12 – Call sign: Milford Haven VTS
      2. Email: vts@mhpa.co.uk
    4. Mariners are advised that VHF and telephone communications may be recorded for safety and operational efficiency purposes.
    5. VTS services are provided on the condition that neither the Authority nor its servants or agents shall be liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the non-availability or operation of the service.
  2. Standard Marine Communication Phrases – Message Markers
    1. In accordance with IALA V-103 training, Milford Haven VTS will use Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP) message markers when communicating with vessels within harbour limits.
    2. The message markers used are:
      Question, Answer, Request, Intention, Instruction, Information, Advice, Warning.
    3. Mariners are reminded that additional SMCP may be used by VTS where necessary to ensure clarity and safety of communications.
  3. Passage Planning Requirements
    1. Passage plans are mandatory for every movement of reporting vessels over 50 metres LOA within the jurisdiction of Milford Haven Port Authority.
    2. General Directions 2016, Section 8.3 refers to the requirement for a passage plan.
    3. Passage plans must be prepared for each individual movement and be appropriate to:
      1. The manoeuvre intended.
      2. The prevailing and forecast weather and tidal conditions; and
      3. Identified contingencies.
    4. Mariners’ attention is drawn to IMO Resolution A.893(21), SOLAS Chapter V, and other recognised passage planning guidance. Supplementary planning aids are available via the Port website.
    5. Spot checks may be carried out by officers of the Authority. Inadequate passage plans may result in delay to vessel movements.
  4. Passage Planning Aids and Pre-Movement Declarations
    1. Electronic passage planning aids for Milford Haven are available via www.mhpa.co.uk.
    2. These include downloadable charts of the Milford Haven Waterway and the Master/Pilot Exchange (MPEx) form.  These charts are not for primary navigation but may be used to supplement the vessel’s berth-to-berth passage plan.
    3. Pilots will present their advice on the passage plan in paper format on boarding, forming part of the signed Master/Pilot Exchange.
    4. The Schedule Two form is also available online and must be submitted to Milford Haven VTS in advance of any arrival, movement, or departure of a vessel capable of carrying dangerous or polluting goods in bulk.
    5. The submitted Schedule Two form will be the only version accepted prior to permission being granted to commence the movement.
  5. Leading Lights – High Intensity Daylight Operation
    1. Mariners are reminded that the following leading light stations are fitted with high-intensity daylight lights for use in reduced visibility:


    2. These daylight leading lights will be exhibited on request to Milford Haven VTS via VHF Channel 12.
    3. Mariners are reminded that the PEL at Great Castle Head should not be used in conjunction with the front daylight leading light, as this may obscure the PEL.
    4. Relevant charts include Admiralty Charts 2878, 3273, 3274, 3275 and Imray Y26 & 2600 Atlas.
  6. Entrance Buoys – Light Reliability in Rough Weather
    1. Mariners are advised that during periods of bad weather, particularly when the wave period is 5 seconds or less, the buoys marking the entrance to the East and West Channels may appear unreliable due to buoy motion.
    2. Mariners should navigate with particular caution in these conditions and not rely solely on buoy light characteristics.
    3. Reference should be made to Admiralty Charts 2878, 3273 and 3274 and Imray Y26 & 2600 Atlas.
    4. Mariners should check the Port website for the current list of Notices to Mariners in force.
  7. This Notice will self-cancel at 23:59hrs on 31st December 2026.