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Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 2 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 March 2006. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 March 2006 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Marine Environment

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library copies of the (a) current and (b) proposed new guidance for mariners on (i) Muckle Flugga, (ii) Fethaland, Shetland and (iii) Tor Ness, Hoy.
Answer

As regards current guidance, a mariner planning a passage through the areas indicated in the Shetland and Orkney Islands would, as required by Chapter V, Regulation 34 of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, be expected to use the largest scale Admiralty charts of the region, supplemented by a number of nautical publications. The main publications are:"North Coast of Scotland Admiralty Sailing Directions (NP 52)—contains a wealth of information and guidance and intended to amplify that already contained on the charts;""Admiralty List of Radio Signals—in particular Volume 6.(1) which details pilot services, vessel traffic services and port operations;""Admiralty List of Lights (Volume A)—characteristics of visual aids to navigation;""Admiralty List of Tides (Volume 1)—times and heights of tides at primary and secondary ports;""Admiralty Tidal Stream Atlas (Orkney and Shetland Islands)—tidal streams and rates;""Admiralty Notices to Mariners—issued by the UK Hydrographic Office;""if carried (although not required by law), the International Maritime Organization Ships' Routeing Manual which details all routeing measures adopted by the IMO. The information contained within the manual is also reproduced, as appropriate, on relevant charts and in relevant publications."As regards new guidance, my Department's Maritime and Coastguard Agency will publish a Marine Information Note which will advise mariners about the UK's Marine Environmental High Risk Areas (MEHRAs), to be followed in due course by a Marine Guidance Note. I shall take the earliest opportunity to place the Marine Information Note, and the subsequent Marine Guidance Note, in the House of Commons Library.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
56831; 443 c1272-3W;443 c1272-3W
Session
2005-06
Subjects
Navigation Shetland
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk