Portland Harbour prohibited area.
Discussion
There's a prohibited area in the south of Portland Harbour just beside the south entrance. The chart/harbour website say entry only with permission of the harbour master. I think it's ex-MOD with various piers.
I've called and the switchboard suggested emailing as there was no answer. So I've emailed and it's now getting late on a Friday and not had an answer.
We're planning on kayaking round Portland tomorrow and cutting across would save a km or more of paddling after we've already done 15k.
I'm already wondering if I would have been better to ask forgiveness than permission, but in the event I don't hear back by tomorrow afternoon anyone know how bothered they are likely to be? And if they're bothered if there are any consequences apart from a good shouting at?
I've called and the switchboard suggested emailing as there was no answer. So I've emailed and it's now getting late on a Friday and not had an answer.
We're planning on kayaking round Portland tomorrow and cutting across would save a km or more of paddling after we've already done 15k.
I'm already wondering if I would have been better to ask forgiveness than permission, but in the event I don't hear back by tomorrow afternoon anyone know how bothered they are likely to be? And if they're bothered if there are any consequences apart from a good shouting at?
I was going to say that was before my time, but it turns out it was after. 
I guess you are calling their landline but have you tried the VHF channel?
Lots of other numbers to try on this website, including the Chaplain who is only available on a Tuesday between 12.00 and 14.00, so don't go calling for his assistance....
https://www.portland-port.co.uk/contacts
Lots of other numbers to try on this website, including the Chaplain who is only available on a Tuesday between 12.00 and 14.00, so don't go calling for his assistance....
https://www.portland-port.co.uk/contacts
pequod said:
I guess you are calling their landline but have you tried the VHF channel?
Lots of other numbers to try on this website, including the Chaplain who is only available on a Tuesday between 12.00 and 14.00, so don't go calling for his assistance....
https://www.portland-port.co.uk/contacts
Lots of other numbers to try on this website, including the Chaplain who is only available on a Tuesday between 12.00 and 14.00, so don't go calling for his assistance....
https://www.portland-port.co.uk/contacts
The main number is what I've tried and the relevant person was out hence the suggestion to email. I hesitate to say it but I don't have a VHF but will phone again tomorrow.Bill said:
There's a prohibited area in the south of Portland Harbour just beside the south entrance. The chart/harbour website say entry only with permission of the harbour master. I think it's ex-MOD with various piers.
Yep, that's the old RN area I've been on HMS Broadsword, HMS Fife and the ocean survey ship HMS Fawn when they were moored there many years back. South entrance has been blocked since they sunk the old pre-dreadnought HMS Hood there in 1914. Little things can get over it if it's open.
From my experience of MoD restricted areas - if its something they don't want you going near, they will be patrolling it and will tell you that you can't. Or even give you a free tow 
If it's civilian, which I'm guessing it is now, then all bets are off - some harbourmasters couldn't give a damn really, others are a different matter altogether...
Though if you call them on VHF (74) and don't get any response then it's likely they don't give a damn!
Considering they want money off you for harbour dues you would expect them to answer the phone though too. Try the various numbers on their site, whether "relevant" or not!
If it's civilian, which I'm guessing it is now, then all bets are off - some harbourmasters couldn't give a damn really, others are a different matter altogether...
Though if you call them on VHF (74) and don't get any response then it's likely they don't give a damn!
Considering they want money off you for harbour dues you would expect them to answer the phone though too. Try the various numbers on their site, whether "relevant" or not!
Evanivitch said:
Glad you went well.
My experience of MOD safety zones (off firing ranges) is that's it's a f'in free for all, and the sail boats and lobster pot fishing boats get nothing more than a polite request to GTFO.
My father's experience is a vessel coming charging up to him firing blanks across his bow, but I guess that's what happens when you ignore chart instructions, pilot book guidance, ignore your VHF, and a middle Eastern warship of some description is training in the area and a little bored. My experience of MOD safety zones (off firing ranges) is that's it's a f'in free for all, and the sail boats and lobster pot fishing boats get nothing more than a polite request to GTFO.
My experience was just a fleet tender coming up alongside as I approached the zone, and a local politely lean over the bow and suggest "gonnae no dae that".
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