Category Archives: News

Latest rules and info

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Hi all,

Sorry for taking so long sending out this email and not keeping everyone up to date with the rules. As I’m sure everyone is aware, as we are based in a tier 3 area, the rules haven’t changed that much compared to when we were in lockdown.

The good news is the harbour is still open to us as the club has the licences to go out on the water. However the showers and toilets are still closed.

We still have no news on the pool so no update on when we will be back there or what the rules will be when we can go back in.

The indoor training sessions that are normally on a Thursday night are still cancelled until we are unable to train indoors in groups.

Trips can be organised by using the club email list however, as we are in tier 3, we cannot go to Wales nor should we be going paddling too far away. So if you are planning on organising any trips through the club you need to be aware of sticking to groups of 6 and keep the paddling to somewhere within our tier. Also, no car sharing for the time being.

I’m sure everyone knows the rules that are currently linked to the tier system so please stay safe and hopefully see you all soon! There is more guidance on the British canoeing website if you would like more info:

https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/covid-19-update-paddling-guidance-in-england-from-2-december

Tom

Harbour Revised Tier 3 Lockdown Procedures

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This Notice to Mariners was issued by the Harbour Master’s office on Tue 1st December.

Events in Bristol Harbour

48/20 Harbour Revised Tier 3 Lockdown Procedures 

From Wednesday 2 December 2020 the Harbour will continue with the changes outlined in the Notice To Mariners 47/20 below.. 

This is to comply with the Government guidelines for Covid-19 Tier 3 rules approved by Parliament. 

Marine Officers will remain on duty from 9am until 5pm, 7 days a week carrying out dock patrols and will be on call to respond to emergencies only.  

These officers will carry a limited supply of pump out tokens, electricity cards and other sundries that previously were purchased at the Harbour Office and can be purchased from them using card payment only.   

Emergency telephone service

An emergency telephone service: 0117 903 1484 option 2, will continue to be available during operational hours.

Public slipway

The public slipway will be open from 9am to 4:30pm, for all craft that have secured annual navigational licences.  It is stressed that the operation of these vessels will be carried out in line with government guidelines. 

Short Term Navigation Licences

No new Short-Term Navigation Licence’s will be issued during the lockdown period. Therefore if a licence has not already been purchased the craft will not be permitted to use the Harbour. 

Group activities

All commercial and group based activities will not be permitted during this period.  

Harbour Office opening hours

The Harbour Office will remain closed, however are still contactable by telephone on 0117 9031484 between 10am until 3pm.

Tide/locking operations

Tidal/locking operations will continue, and all bookings must be made at least 48hrs in advance and must be confirmed by Harbour staff.  To make a booking, call and leave a message with the Watch House on 0117 927 3633. 

Future updates

These operations are under constant assessment and should Government Guidelines or the safe operation of the Harbour be compromised then the Harbour Authority reserve the right to amend them at short notice.

Should Bristol be downgraded at any stage the Harbour Authority will review these changes. 

The government has also announced arrangements that will be in place over the Christmas period from 23 December to 27 December, which at this stage will not impact on the conditions of this notice.

Harbour revised lockdown procedures

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This Notice to Mariners was issued by the Harbour Master’s office on Thu 5th November.

47 – 20 HARBOUR REVISED LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from Thursday 5th November 2020 to Wednesday 2nd December 2020 the Harbour will implement a number of changes so that the service can comply with the Government guidelines with regards the Covid-19 lockdown which were approved yesterday by Parliament.

Marine Officers will remain on duty from 09:00hrs until 17:00hrs, 7 days a week carrying out dock patrols and will be on call to respond to emergencies only. These officers will carry a limited supply of pump out tokens, electricity cards and other sundries that previously were purchased at the Harbour Office and can be purchased from them using card payment only.   An emergency telephone service (0117 9031484) will continue to be available during operational hours, using option 2.

The public slipway will be open from 09:00hrs – 16:30hrs for all craft that have secured annual navigational licences. It is stressed that the operation of these vessels will be carried out in line with government guidelines. No new Short-Term Navigation Licence’s will be issued during the lockdown period, and therefore if a licence has not already been purchased craft will not be permitted to use the Harbour.

All commercial and group based activities will not be permitted during this period.  

The Harbour Office will be closed until Wednesday 2nd December 2020.  Should you wish to contact the office by telephone, please call 0117 9031484 between 10:00hrs until 15:00hrs.

Tidal/locking operations will continue, and all bookings must be made at least 48hrs in advance and must be confirmed by Harbour staff.  If you wish to make a booking, please call and leave a message with the Watch House on 0117 9273633.

These operations are under constant assessment and should Government Guidelines or the safe operation of the Harbour be compromised then the Harbour Authority reserve the right to amend these procedures at short notice.

Apologies for the impact or inconvenience this may cause, but it is necessary to implement these changes with immediate effect to ensure we are complying with the guidance for the new national restrictions.   

Club awards 2020

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The recent AGM announced the following awards:

  • Polo ‘most valuable’ player: Phil Charman
  • Fish of the Year: Ruby (Lynne & Nick’s dog) for 5 swims on the Wye on the Glasbury weekend
  • Phil Longrigg Trophy: Mark Gillett

The following awards were ‘furloughed’ (not awarded this year_ due to lack of paddling because of the Covid-19 situation: Most improved white-water paddler; Best marathon paddler; Polo most improved player; River God

New committee for 2020-2021

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At the AGM held on 23rd Oct 2020, a new committee was voted in.

  • Chairman: Tom Brockett
  • Secretary: Ezra Watts
  • Treasurer: Fran Bamber
  • Other members: Alex Petsch, Ellie Payne, Lisa Gunton, Conor O’Neill, Matt Baird, Tanya Cownie, Nick Wainwright

Many thanks to the outgoing committee members.

Harbour phase 4 reopening Covid-19 Oct 2020

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This Notice to Mariners was issued by the Harbour Master’s office on Tue 20th October.

46-20 HARBOUR TO MOVE TO PHASE 4 ON THE 26th October 2020

Notice is hereby given that a move to Phase 4 will take place on Monday 26th October 2020

The Harbour Authority has introduced safety precautions and is working within social distancing guidelines to protect both colleagues and our customers and we would appreciate that visitors follow all signs and instructions. 

The move to Phase 4 will permit the currently prohibited use of the Harbour by Powered Craft launching from Baltic Wharf Slipway only

Baltic Wharf Changing, toilet and shower, facilities will remain closed.

The decision to move to Phase 4 will be constantly reviewed as Lockdown conditions change. All activities will remain at the discretion of the Harbour Master and his staff.

Phase information:

Phase 2:  All manually propelled craft (SUP, Kayaks/Canoes, Dinghies, Rowing boats) will be able to navigate the Harbour.  The only slipway open will be the one located by the Harbour Office.  Navigation licenses will be issued from the Harbour Office only and must be obtained before launching. Payment should be made by card, and if you wish to apply for an Annual License please email harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk.

Phase 3:  All permanent leisure berth holders will be able to use the Harbour for navigation.

Phase 4:  Harbour reopens fully.

The above only applies to leisure use and all current recognized commercial operators should contact the Harbour Office to discuss their commencement of operations upon the water.

A deteriorating situation will result in restrictions being reinstated.

Harbour phase 3 reopening Covid-19 July 2020

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This Notice to Mariners was issued by the Harbour Master’s office on Wed 24th June.

39/20 HARBOUR PHASE 3 REOPENING 06.07.20

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from Monday 6th July 2020, Bristol Harbour Authority will begin Phase 3 of reopening the Harbour for leisure use. The Harbour Office will remain open 10.00 – 15.00 for navigation licenses, should you need to contact the office please email harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk.

The Harbour Authority has introduced safety precautions and is working within social distancing guidelines to protect both colleagues and our customers and we would appreciate that visitors follow all signs and instructions.

Phase 2: All manually propelled craft (SUP, Kayaks/Canoes, Dinghies, Rowing boats) will be able to navigate the Harbour. The only slipway open will be the one located by the Harbour Office. Navigation licenses will be issued from the Harbour Office only and must be obtained before launching. Payment should be made by card, and if you wish to apply for an Annual License please email harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk.

Phase 3: All permanent leisure berth holders will be able to use the Harbour for navigation.

Phase 4: Harbour reopens fully.

Harbour users will be advised of movement through phases 4 by way of promulgation of Local Notices to Mariners. Enquiries regarding specific dates of phases should not be made to the Harbour Office.

Advancement through to phase 4 will be subject to continued Government relaxation of restrictions and improvement in the local and national situation regarding Covid-19.

The above only applies to leisure use and all current recognized commercial operators should contact the Harbour Office to discuss their commencement of operations upon the water.

A deteriorating situation will result in restrictions being reinstated.

Harbour phase 2 reopening Covid-19 June 2020

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This Notice to Mariners was issued by the Harbour Master’s office on Thu 18th June.

38/20 HARBOUR PHASE 2 REOPENING 29.06.20

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from Monday 29 June, Bristol Harbour Authority will begin Phase 2 of reopening the Harbour for leisure use. The Harbour Office will be open 10.00 – 15.00 for navigation licenses, should you need to contact the office please email harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk.

The Harbour Authority has introduced safety precautions and is working within social distancing guidelines to protect both colleagues and our customers and we would appreciate that visitors follow all signs and instructions.

Phase 2: All manually propelled craft (SUP, Kayaks/Canoes, Dinghies, Rowing boats) will be able to navigate the Harbour. The only slipway open will the one located by the Harbour Office. Navigation licenses will be issued from the Harbour Office only and must be obtained before launching. Payment should be made by card, and if you wish to apply for an Annual License please email harbour.office@bristol.gov.uk.

Phase 3: All permanent leisure berth holders will be able to use the Harbour for navigation.

Phase 4: Harbour reopens fully.

Harbour users will be advised of movement through phases 3 – 4 by way of promulgation of Local Notices to Mariners. Enquiries regarding specific dates of phases should not be made to the Harbour Office.

Advancement through phases 3 and 4 will be subject to continued Government relaxation of restrictions and improvement in the local and national situation regarding Covid-19.

The above only applies to leisure use and all current recognized commercial operators should contact the Harbour Office to discuss their commencement of operations upon the water.

A deteriorating situation will result in restrictions being reinstated.

Covid-19 Bristol Harbour reopening for club use

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This message was released by Tom Brockett (chairman) on 4th June.

Hi Everyone!

Hope you all are well and not missing the sunshine too much!

We have some good news for you all, the harbour will be reopened for club use as of Monday the 8th of June!

This means that anyone who is a member of the club will be able to go down to the harbour and paddle even outside of the Harbour master’s normal operating hours.

The points I outlined in my last email still stand regarding social distancing and cleaning club equipment etc so even though we are able to go out on the harbour please abide by the rules below. I’ve made some slight amendments to the points and added some more so please make sure to familiarise yourself with these. Any points applying to the cage near the Cottage Inn also apply to the ISO container which contains the Polo Kit:

No organised club trips/meetings

There will still be no organised trips with the club, this includes the Thursday night sessions. We will let you know in a separate email once these sessions can restart, but this won’t be anytime soon.

Always remember to social distance

If you are planning on doing any paddling trips, whether it is with the club kit or your own, and you will be accompanied by someone outside of your house, always remember to stay 2m away from each other. This applies within the cage as well as on the river. Be sensible with how you move about in the cage and touch as little as possible to limit the risk of spread. You are now able to go paddling in groups of up to 6 people.

Do not paddle if you don’t feel confident on the water

If you feel as though you aren’t 100% confident in your ability to get in/out of the water or to paddle in a straight line without wobbling and falling in then please hold off on going out just yet until the club restarts sessions normally.

Borrowing club kit

Club kit may be borrowed from the Cage by the Cottage Inn if you are a Gatekeeper however there are a few rules that need to be followed in order to do so:

  1. Sanitise any kit borrowed with the sanitiser provided.
  2. Only 2 people in the Cage at one time. The reason for 2 people is because some of the boats are stored high up and you will require assistance to get the boats down. Do not try and get a ‘difficult to reach’ boat on your own if you are planning a solo paddle. Seeing as we are now all allowed to go paddling in the harbour, there may be a large amount of people turning up at the Cage at once. If this is the case when you arrive, please wait outside the Cage for the people in there to finish getting their kit before you enter (always observing the 2m rule).
  3. No changing in the Cage. I know this rule is already in place, but if you do need to change, please do so by your car and not in the Cage to limit your exposure to surfaces in the Cage.

Cleaning club equipment

If you do borrow any club kit, please clean it thoroughly before using the kit and once you return it. Please use high % alcohol wipes to clean down the kit to make sure everything is killed off. We will sort out a little stash of cleaning equipment and leave it inside the cage before Monday. You will, however, need to bring your own sanitiser to clean the lock because the cleaning equipment we will provide will be inside the locker.

Polo practice

Rules above apply to polo players wanting to use club polo boats from the ISO Container. However, since polo is a contact sport and until we receive further advice from British Canoeing, the club only recommends contact training between members of the same household.  Furthermore, team games will not be organised by the club until further notice.

As Fran has already mentioned in an email, there will be a new gatekeeper code sent out tomorrow so look out for that email in your spam if you are wanting to go out.

Hopefully we will be able to resume some sort of normality within the club at some point, but for the time being please be aware of everything listed above and if you would like any more guidance please go to the British Canoeing website for more information: https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/update-guidance-for-affiliated-clubs-within-british-canoeing

Thanks everyone! Have fun paddling and stay groovy.

Tom

Harbour Phased reopening Covid-19 June 2020

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This Notice to Mariners was issued by the Harbour Master’s office on Wed 3rd June.

BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL – CITY DOCKS

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS NO 37

37/20 HARBOUR PHASED REOPENING COVID-19 June 20

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that from Monday 8 June, Bristol Harbour Authority will begin a phased reopening of the Harbour for leisure use. Harbour Authority working hours will continue to be 09:00 – 17:00.

We want everyone to be able to use and enjoy our Harbour in a safe and responsible way. At this time we must also consider the need for social distancing for our staff, and Harbour users, meaning some services and support had to change. As restrictions are eased we are working on a phased return to usual service which keeps everyone safe. Thank you for your patience as we adapt.

Phase 1: From Monday 8th June 2020 members from recognized clubs using manually propelled craft and sailing dinghies only will be able to navigate the Harbour.

These clubs have been notified by the Harbour Office. Clubs will need to follow their own guidelines and safety measures regarding COVID-19, and should refrain from activities not currently sanctioned by their relevant association. The clubs permitted to use the Harbour in Phase 1 may go afloat outside of Harbour Authority working hours providing the relevant Code of Practices are adhered to.

Phase 2: All manually propelled craft (SUP, Kayaks/Canoes, Dinghies, Rowing boats) will be able to navigate the Harbour and slipway will open. Navigation licenses will be issued from the Harbour Office only and payment should be made by card.

Phase 3: All permanent leisure berth holders will be able to use the Harbour for navigation.

Phase 4: Harbour reopens fully

Harbour users will be advised of movement through phases 1 – 4 by way of promulgation of Local Notices to Mariners. Enquiries regarding specific dates of phases should not be made to the Harbour Office.

Advancement through phases 2, 3, and 4 will be subject to continued Government relaxation of restrictions and improvement in the local and national situation regarding Covid-19.

The above only applies to leisure use and all current recognized commercial operators should contact the Harbour Office to discuss their commencement of operations upon the water.

A deteriorating situation will result in restrictions being reinstated.