www.iska.ie

When Kayakers are crossing Dublin Bay you are of course crossing the shipping channels into the busiest port on the East Coast. Traffic includes large container vessels, Tankers, Ro/Ro Ferries & most dangerous of all the High Speed Ferries .

The Harbourmaster in Dublin Port has asked that we act responsibly and that we strictly follow the protocol below.

Restrict your crossing to good weather & good visibility,
When crossing of the shipping channel South to North and vice versa.

Before attempting to cross the lead vessel (Kayak)must contact VTS Dublin on VHF Ch 12 requesting permission to cross. (VTS = Vessel Tracking System - a bit like Air Traffic Control for an airport.)
If permission is not granted the flotilla ( kayak group) to hold position until such time as the channel is clear and VTS Dublin gives clearance. Also when permission has been granted the flotilla must cross as a group close together and at right angles
All participants to be suitably trained and qualified as well as wear the appropriate safety equipment.

More experienced Dublin Bay Kayakers also plan their route so as to reach
the various bouys marking the shipping Channel - the idea being that the large shipping vessels know where these bouys are and will avoid hitting them. Buy the Marine Chart of dublin Bay and find out where these Bouys are. Use a GPS as well to find the bouys if you need it.

You can check the arrival / departure times of all vessels on the dublin port website. http://www.dublinport.ie (Times are approximate)

Don\'t forget we are but a speed bump in the path of these large vessels and probably they cannot see you and definitely cannot stop or manouvre to avoid you .

Take Care & safe paddling.
:cheer:Post edited by: alanhorner, at: 2010/04/23 09:46

Sensible advice, but speed bump might be overstating our effect somewhat.

Did something happen to prompt this protocol?

Great advice. I would never have thought of calling Dublin Port on Ch 12 before crossing the shipping lanes. But will do from now on.

I don\'t have a chart beside me but as far as I remember they (the lanes) are only about 300m across, which means only a short time in the danger zone.

Also, if possible, check out the following website for live action in Dublin Bay just before embarking. http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/
One can observe a vessels direction, speed and destination. Kind of like trainspotting for kayakers!!!

Alternatively, do as I did and cross on Christmas morning when the bay is eerily quiet!!!

As one approaches the shipping lanes it is important to know that all ships do not stay in the shipping lanes. You are responsible for your own safety, so remember if you can see both the port and starboard side of the ship it is bearing down on you and you need to get out of the way. I have often come across ships (big ones) not using the shipping lane. If not sure play safe and get out of the way.

Some more useful information....

http://www.dlmarina.com/Rules/Guidance_Notes.pdf
http://www.afloat.ie/dublin-port-company/

To allay fears
No nothing happened - just was discussing with the Harbourmaster as I work in the same building.

Alan

Great advise, very concise.

Having looked at the guide as posted by Alan, I can confirm that not all ships stick to the navigation channels as advised. I have waited outside the shipping lanes on a number of occasions to let ships leave the port but have on two occasions had to take action to avoid same ships. Just remember they are big things and you should be able to see them. They will unlikely see you. Be safe.

Tony Walsh is a grand kayaker.

The last post is a very irresponsible attitude. If it is in jest, it is in poor taste.

Let us take the advice of those who know best. Alan has posted concise guidelines on this issue from the harbourmaster. Dave has also given valuable insight from his experience.

The last thing we want is to make headline news due to reckless behaviour.

Mary
Chairperson