Monthly Archives: January 2021

With the lookout closed for two months during the national lockdown and with single crewed watches thereafter, this was one of our busiest years in terms of incidents but with slightly fewer recorded vessels than 2019. All in all 2020 was quite an extraordinary year.

The number of craft which passed our lookout and were recorded by our watchkeepers are as follows:

Commercial vessels – 1,913

Leisure vessels – 12,145

Military – 5

Other – 319

Total – 14,382

We were involved in 56 incidents where we had contact with HM Coast Guard or other SAR/Emergency services.

We also recorded 327 calls to us on VHF CH65 made by mariners to our facility for radio checks or other information.

On Monday 4 January, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown to counter the steep rise in coronavirus (Covid-19) infections in England.

The new restrictions become law on Wednesday 6 January, but people should follow them as of now.

As a reminder and In line with this guidance the Government have asked us to stay at home and only to go out for the reasons set out in law. More information about what is and isn’t allowed is available on the Government’s website.

There is not yet any specific advice on whether this is applicable to watersports and other marine leisure activities and we are seeking clarification on this from the British Ports Association. Specific guidance is expected shortly.

Until we have confirmation, we would ask that people follow the Government guidelines and Sport England’s advice for sporting activity.

Please note that we do not believe that general boat maintenance constitutes sport or physical activity, therefore work of this type should not be undertaken in boat yards and yacht clubs.

The overall message is to stay at home and stay safe.

Any queries please contact the harbour office on 01395 223 265 or email epa@exeter.gov.uk

Grahame Forshaw MBE MNI

Harbour Master

Exeter Port Authority