BroadsAuthority

Hi all, I have been on annual leave for a few days, returning today. Unfortunately I'm not able to respond to messages/posts on here whilst I'm not at work. I can see there has been a lot of conflicting information between different organisations and I am sure we will be issuing an update shortly. I will have a quick skim of this thread and try to answer any questions. What I do know is that the information posted on this webpage https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-phased-return-of-outdoor-sport-and-recreation by a poster on page two is outdated/superseded. I am not sure why it is still on the Government website. Best, Tom

Hi all, reproducing this update from our Facebook page for your information. All of the updates have filtered through to our web page but I have written a summary for social media in the mean time. We haven't had much clarification yet from central Government on a number of points (the Authority and a number of other waterways organisations are waiting for updates) other than that DEFRA were quite firm to the Authority and other inland navigation authorities that they do not regard winterisation and planned maintenance as essential travel at the moment. "Further update to 5 November lockdown and the Broads We and other organisations are still waiting for further details to be issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) regarding issues such as paddle sports, angling from vessels and night-fishing. We are expecting an announcement in the near future. Regarding those who are already on holiday, the Government guidance has been updated to state 'if you were already on holiday, you should return to your home as soon as practical and comply with the stay at home requirements in your holiday accommodation in the meantime.' The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has advised the Broads Authority and other inland navigation authorities that ‘winterising’ boats and other planned maintenance by the general public is not permitted under the restrictions as it is not classed as ‘essential travel’. Under the regulations private boat maintenance businesses may still be operating and are able to provide services for boat owners. The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) has advised us that it is following current UK Government advice ‘Guidance for people working in, visiting or delivering to other people's homes’. BSS examinations will continue where it is safe to do so. The advice for boat owners is to continue to contact an examiner to arrange their boat’s examination as per usual if one is required. Current BSS Certification expiry dates are not being extended as they were in the previous lockdown. Where a boat is not available to be examined due to COVID-19 related issues and a BSS certification is needed to support a necessary licence application, a registration or a toll, then the owner needs to liaise with the Broads Authority. Finally, according to British Marine, marinas can remain open for business services including (but not limited to) boatyard, boat servicing and tenants. Chandleries and other non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers, click and collect and to supply the marine trade. For further information about making BSS examination arrangements visit: https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/boat-examination-and-certification/arranging-the-examination" Tom

Good morning, To provide a bit of context, we ask our Rangers and maintenance staff to send the Comms Team photographs of what they are up to (when they get a chance) so we can share this on our social media feeds. People like to see what Rangers and other staff are doing and photographs help to illustrate the work that takes place. Matt, one of our Rangers for the Thurne area, sent me a couple of photographs of him and a fellow Ranger out on Hickling putting out the buoys that designate the winter waterbird refuge areas to post on social media. I very quickly wrote a post for Facebook and Twitter to share the photographs, and in the haste of doing so (we are rather busy at the moment trying to make sense of the communications that need to go out about the new lockdown) referred to the refuge areas as having 'restricted' access. This was picked up by some people on social media, including Peter, as being incorrectly worded. I then promptly edited the post to have wording that better reflected the situation: 'There are four areas at Hickling Broad and Heigham Sound which are designed as refuge areas from November to March inclusive. Recreational users are asked to avoid these areas during the winter months. If a refuge area needs to be entered, please navigate with care trying to avoid disturbing any wintering birds. These areas rely on understanding and support from recreational users.' These refuge areas have been in place for a number of years now to help reduce the disturbance of overwintering birds and are not a new policy. Hope that helps! Tom

Thank you all for sharing these. We created a webpage in the previous lockdown for resources that remained open - https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/news/information-for-liveaboard-boaters I will update it with the information shared above now. Best, Tom

Hi @JennyMorgan, Without going back and checking you were possibly 'blocked' by a member of the team in accordance with the social media terms of service/house rules which people are asked to abide by if they are to interact with the Authority on social media. Most public sector organisations have these in place to prevent abuse towards staff or the organisation, reduce spamming and prevent campaigning. Being blocked on Twitter should not really constitute censorship as any tweets directed towards an organisation by an individual would still be visible on their feed and others (if their account was not private). I have just signed in and unblocked you now Tom

Breydon Water has now re-opened to hire craft. Conditions are still choppy and water levels are high so please navigate with extra care and caution. Although Great Yarmouth Yacht Station has now closed to the public, our team are still contactable on 01493 842794 or 07766 398238 if you require advice on navigating through Great Yarmouth/Breydon Water. Tom

Just an update: We have reviewed the closure at high tide (10.34am) and conditions are still poor. We have therefore extended the closure to midday at the earliest where we will review again. Thank you, Tom

There's a list of points on our website that may be helpful: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/facilities/electric-boat-charging-points/ Best, Tom

This video has been sent in to the Authority via Facebook and I have advised that they need to contact the yard (Richardson's) directly if they wish to make a formal report. Best, Tom

I wanted to respond to a comment in here regarding missing marker posts on Breydon, but I cannot seem to find it now. FYI all of the missing markers will be replaced over the coming winter period. All markers missing from Breydon at the moment should have a corresponding channel buoy in place to mark the channel. Without having time to read through the many pages of this thread, if there are any questions for the Authority please drop me a private message or get in touch via our website and someone will get back to you. Best, Tom

This is correct, our Rangers are understanding and won't be moving people on who are being sensible and remaining moored at our 24-hour moorings in the essence of safety :-) Rangers who are on launches today have reported it is very rough out there. Tom

Hi again @LondonGuy Broads Authority Byelaw 83 states that "A person shall not navigate a vessel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of taking proper control of the vessel." In short, this means that you are able to enjoy a drink during your visit, however you must remain capable of controlling the vessel you are piloting in a safe manner so as not to endanger yourself or other people. If one was found to be unable to pilot safely due to the effects of alcohol, for example by causing an avoidable incident, one may be liable for prosecution. There is a difference between enjoying a drink or two (as many do during their time afloat) and becoming so drunk you are incapacitated/unaware of your surroundings. The river can be a dangerous place that presents risks at the best of times, and alcohol certainly increases these risks whether you are helming a boat, stepping off/on the vessel or just walking along the river's edge. We encourage visitors to take personal responsibility for their safety, know their limits and ensure that they do not endanger themselves or others. Correct me if I am wrong but it seems like you are a new boater - if you have any questions or concerns about your visit to the area that we (the Broads Authority) can help with please feel free to drop me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can Best, Tom

Hi @LondonGuy You don't need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy a boating holiday on the Broads, but please wear a lifejacket at all times and be vigilant around trip hazards and when getting off/on the boat. Thousands of people enjoy their holidays here without any incident but it is worth remembering that the water can be a dangerous environment and it needs respecting appropriately. Our website has lots of safety information and highlights some of the risks to be aware of on your trip: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/safety We also provide information regarding outdoor swimming (which we do not encourage) and the associated risks: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/outdoor-swimming All the best, Tom

Hi Helen, thanks for the question. There aren't any charging points at Hardley Cross so I am not quite sure how it ended up on our list. I have corrected this now and removed it. Hardley Cross is unfortunately very remote and it would be difficult and extremely expensive to get the cabling there. Hope that helps and sorry for the confusion! Tom

Hi Ian, Sorry to hear you did not get a response from us. If you send me a direct message and let me know who you tried to contact I can follow up and see what happened. I have just spoken to our Ranger team in the area and the scheduled repairs of the 22m section at our Hardley Cross moorings are still in the works programme, however they are on hold at the moment until some budget issues are resolved. 60 metres of the mooring is still open so there should be plenty of room at that time of the year. You have had some great suggestions for alternative moorings in this thread from the other posters, however if you want some advice from our Quay Staff when you get here you can contact Reedham on 01493 701867 or Yarmouth Yacht Station on 01493 842794 and they will be happy to help and advise you. All the best, Tom

Sorry you are experiencing difficulties with the tolls system Cambridge. I can’t say whether it is due to a delay in the office or not but as Paladin has suggested please give the Tolls team a ring on 01603 756080 and they will be happy to help. Tom

Hi all, We are currently investigating a number of reports of speedboats behaving dangerously and speeding in the Broads area over the last few months. This includes the ongoing investigations referenced in threads on this forum from earlier in summer. If any members of the public have seen these – or any other vessels speeding – the Authority would welcome evidence by way of witness statements and/or photographs. Witnesses must be prepared to give a statement and go to court if necessary otherwise their evidence may not be admissible in the potential prosecution. Please make initial contact to Broads Control on 01603 756056 or Broads.Control@broads-authority.gov.uk if you can help. Thank you Tom

Hi @Upcycler Grendel is correct, we can't post any updates until the investigation and any follow up has been concluded. We don't post updates of ongoing investigations on our website or anywhere else, but we will publicise successful prosecutions if it is in the public's interest. Best, Tom

Hello all, It's worth noting that the toll checker on our website is not always accurate and may not take into account if the owners have made payment arrangements with our tolls team. If you are concerned about an untolled vessel it is always best to give Broads Control a ring or email on 01603 756056 or Broads.Control@broads-authority.gov.uk and let them know (although chances are that they are already on our radar). With regards to tolls, Grendel is correct that any hire vessels that are used during the year are still liable to be charged for a full year's annual toll, and it is only the payment dates that have changed to allow hire yards more flexibility in these times of financial difficulty. Our Tolls Team have also accommodated some private boats in this manner and we have stated from the beginning of the pandemic that if any boat owner is having difficulties in meeting their toll commitments to speak to our Tolls Team and we will work with them to make the necessary arrangements. During the lockdown period our Rangers and Maintenance teams continued working and undertaking maintenance/repair/dredging works in the Broads system. This meant that we were in a position to welcome boats back before other inland navigation authorities such as the Canal and Rivers Trust, who had to undertake safety checks (etc.) before they could allow boats to use the navigation again. The continued payment and support by our toll payers was crucial in allowing us to do this. Hope that clarifies the situation a bit. Best, Tom

Hi all, We certainly can prosecute those who do not pay their tolls, overstay, speed or infringe on other bylaws if it is deemed appropriate. For example, a number of cases have gone to court over the years for non-payment of tolls and have resulted in some quite significant fines for those responsible. Of course each case is different and the individuals involved have unique circumstances, so there is not a blanket approach to dealing with these issues. With regards to Stalham Staithe, if bylaws are being infringed (when applicable) we will work with those responsible towards a favourable outcome, however our Rangers may seek prosecution if this is not possible. Best, Tom

Hi all, hope you are well. Thank you @grendel, @Jbx5 and @brundallNavy for sharing your photographs and reports of this speeding vessel. This is now an active investigation and we are gathering evidence. I have sent you all a direct message, please get back to me as soon as you can. If any other forum members believe they have have witnessed the vessel pictured in this thread speeding or being piloted dangerously please get in touch with me via the private message function. Best, Tom

Hi Colino, Following the improvements to the facilities we are in the process of taking this over as a Broads Authority 24 hour mooring. When this happens we will be able to enforce bylaws and prevent vessels overstaying (amongst other things). At the moment the hold-up is not on our end or with our colleagues at Stalham Parish Council. It is unfortunately due to delays with the paperwork being processed by Her Majesty's Land Registry. We hope to be able to provide updates soon. Tom

Hi Smoggy, Yes you can get them from Rangers still, or there is a list of short visit outlets here (although some might be closed because of COVID-19): https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/owning-a-boat/tolls/short-visit-toll/short-visit-outlets Best, Tom

Thanks for the feedback ECIPA, As suggested, the full meeting is able to be viewed on YouTube if individuals' wish to find out in more depth regarding the changes to the application. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYHn1boH34A Our posts above were relaying why the objection was lodged in the first place. The fact that this was the initial application which we were asked to formally comment on has been made clear in the posts above. The multiple amendments by the applicants to the licensing during the meeting was in itself a consideration for the licensing panel, as viewers can see from the link above. I will ask the mod team to edit the previous post which references the initial licensing hours to make this clear. Finally, we should point out that the Authority wholeheartedly welcomes further dialogue with the applicant(s) if they require assistance in resubmitting an application in the future. Information provided here in response to questions was intended to provide further context that has been missed out from the EDP article, not to promote a backlash. At the risk of being drawn into a debate, we will refrain from commenting further on this forum topic any further. If you have any further questions on this matter please submit a contact form and the relevant staff member will be happy to help: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/contact-us/contact-form Best, Tom

Hi @EastCoastIPAIPA, Thanks for the message and yes I am aware that the applicants amended the licensing request during the meeting. As mentioned in the post above though these are the times and requests in the initial application of which the Authority was invited to formally comment on (and subsequently objected to). For further detail on why the licensing board denied the application despite changes to the hours requested it would be better to speak to deciding representatives on the licensing board, or Broadland District Council, directly. Best, Tom