On a lighter note the KHM Portsmouth has published a notice referring to ASV trials within the dockyard.
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth that Autonomous Surface Vessel trials will be conducted within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth over the period 23 - 26 July 24. These trials will be conducted during daylight hours only.
2. A NavyX APAC Autonomous Surface Vessel (ASV) will be carrying out sea trials in 2 Basin, the approach channels to both Portchester and Fareham, the main Portsmouth approach channel and Man – of – War anchorages.
3. Trials will be conducted within 2 Basin on 23 July AM, Portchester / Tipner approach channel on 23 July PM, Fareham approach channel on 24 July, and then exit through the main Portsmouth approach channel to complete a circuit around the Man - of - War anchorages and back through the main Portsmouth approach channel on 25 July.
4. The designated trials period will be from 0900 – 1700 daily and include the APAC operating in Remote/Autonomous Mode. Commencing and ending from a position 2 cables south of the GODDARDS BEACONS on 23, 24 and 25 July. (Fri 26 July is designated a trials spare day.)
5. On 25 July during the trial run out of the harbour entrance to the Man – of – War anchorage, and on return, the APAC will be escorted by XV PATRICK BLACKETT (PTBK) and a safety and support boat. All three vessels will exit the harbour via the main shipping channel to 4 Bar Buoy then head to Man –of- War anchorage number 1. The APAC will then complete a circuit of the Man – of – War anchorages returning to anchorage number 1 and then all three vessels will return through the harbour entrance using the main channel from 4 Bar Buoy to a position 2 cables south of the GODDARDS BEACONS.
6. Trials staff will request approval from KHM Harbour Control, when the autonomous trial runs are to start and notify KHM Harbour Control at the end of each run.
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9. All trials vessels will conform to the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and Portsmouth Harbour Regulations, including speed limits at all times.
View notice online