The Notice to Mariners issued below makes it clear that all commercial vessels operating in Southampton Water must now be equipped with an AIS transponder by 2025. This includes training boats, RIB experience boats, charter yachts, fishing vessels, workboats, test vessels and UAVs etc. Digital Yacht have a product to suit every installation from type approved Class A transponders for larger vessels to Class B/B+ systems for RIBs and workboats. What’s more there’s special trade pricing from us and our authorised resellers by quoting SOUVTS
NOTICE TO MARINERS No 52 of 2024 from Port of Southampton gave notice as follows:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) requires Harbour Authorities to ensure that commercial craft operating from and within the harbour are fit for purpose – ie: properly maintained, equipped, and manned, and used only for purposes which they are capable.
All commercial vessel operators (undertaking paid work, training or carrying fare paying customers)with small craft, boats or vessels working within Southampton the Statutory Harbour Area (SHA) are therefore required to register their craft with the Port of Southampton on an annual basis providing the following information:
(a) Name and address of owner/operator.
(b) Vessel details
The Port of Southampton may, where deemed appropriate, conduct inspections of such vessels, such inspections being based on national standards, laws and agreed codes of practice, manufacturer’s handbooks, and other similar information. The results of the inspections, and any limitations on the vessel’s use, will be recorded and
discussed with the vessel’s owner and operator. Ship Assist Tugs authorised for use within the Port of Southampton and listed within LNtM 02 are exempt from the requirements of this LNtM.
Please note that all vessels operating commercially within the Port of Southampton will be required to have an operational AIS transponder fitted to their vessels by 1st January 2025. Further information on this can be obtained by contacting the Port of Southampton at
hmsouthampton@abports.co.uk.
