Man overboard in marina
On witnessing or discovering a man overboard (MOB):
- call St Helier VTS on VHF Channel 14 or telephone 999 and ask for the Coastguard, stating the exact position of the MOB, for example berth number and/or area of harbour, and if the person has fallen from a vessel, pass the vessel’s name
- the officer will alert relevant services to assist
- locate the nearest lifebuoy and throw it to the person in distress
- use any available methods to assist and recover the MOB, for example ropes, fenders, poles, ladders
- stay with the person until the emergency services arrive – you may be contacted again to provide further information
Fire in marina or harbour
On discovering a fire in a marina or within the harbour:
- call the Fire Service on 999 and pass details of the vessels and/or areas involved. The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service will respond and will advise the relevant harbour officers
- make your way to a fire assembly point
Marina gate failure
St Helier Marina and Elizabeth Marina have tidal gates that close on a falling tide and open on a rising tide to maintain the two pools of water. The tide gates close and open at approximately half tide.
In the event of a gate failure, the water level in the marina basins will fall below the normal retained level and a fast outward flow of water will be visible from the marina entrance.
If a boat owner or member of the public believes that a gate has failed, they should contact St Helier VTS on VHF Channel 14 or telephone +44 (0) 1534 447722.
Security in the marinas
The security of the marinas can be ensured through a combination of observation, user awareness and controlled access.
If any suspicious or unusual activity, such as vandalism or breaking and entering is observed within the marinas, this should be reported through the Boat Watch Scheme (via St Helier VTS) or to a marina attendant. St Helier VTS should be informed of the following information:
- the exact location
- number of persons involved
- a description of what occurred (including as much detail as possible)
St Helier VTS can be contacted via VHF Channel 14 or telephone +44 (0) 1534 447722.
If any property is discovered as missing and as a consequence stolen, then this should be reported to the police on telephone +44 (0) 1534 612612 or +44 (0) 1534 612345.
Vessel sinking in the harbour
If you are on a vessel that is taking on water and sinking or can see a vessel in distress within a marina or harbour, contact St Helier VTS on VHF Channel 14 or telephone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
St Helier VTS are then able to initiate procedures to assist the sinking vessel.
Stand by the vessel in distress (if you are able) in the event that persons on-board have to abandon the vessel into the water.
Reporting an accident or incident
Urgent reporting
You must immediately report urgent navigational matters to Jersey Coastguard on VHF 82 or by telephone on +44 (0)1534 447704.
The Coastguard may request a form be filled out and submitted within 24 hours of the incident.
If you are within the Port limits of St Helier Harbour, call St Helier VTS on VHF 14 or telephone +44 (0) 1534 447722. The Harbour Master may receive a follow-up written report in support of verbal advice.
Recreational and small commercial vessels (non PEC) incident
You must report navigational or safety incident or near miss within Jersey Territorial Seas using recreational and small commercial vessels (non PEC) incident form.
The report will assist the Harbour Master in an investigation. Ongoing statistical data gathered will also be used to develop future safety initiatives.
Recreational and small commercial vessels (non PEC) incident form
Land based incident
Marine traders, boat owners and authorised contractors are encouraged to submit a report for any land based incident or near miss that has occurred on the Ports of Jersey estate.
This includes:
- Accident Report Form
- Potential Hazard / Near Miss Report Form
- Pollution Report Form
You only need to fill in the section appropriate to the situation.
The ongoing statistical data gathered will also be used to develop future safety initiatives.
After the initial report has been taken by Jersey Coastguard, they may request this form be filled out and submitted within 24 hours of the occurrence.