Vessel Insurance

"Dear Harbour User,

In order that we can update our records please provide us with an up-to-date copy of Insurance for your vessel. 
Happy 2019 to all,

Quentin Dimmer, 
Dunbar Harbour Master, tel 07958754858"

photo credit plus.google.com

Marine Accident (MAIB) report 20-2018: Solstice.

In September '17, the 9.9m fishing-vessel Solstice capsized in calm weather conditions, south of Plymouth. The skipper and crewman were rescued 5½ hours later but the owner was trapped and drowned in the wheelhouse. Solstice later sank.

The scallop dredger had recently been modified to operate as a stern trawler and was hauling a heavy catch on board when the capsize occurred. The crew did not have time to raise the alarm. As the vessel was not equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and the crew did not carry Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), they were wholly reliant on family and friends realising they were overdue and alerting the coastguard.

Safety lessons

Vessel owners should always ensure that stability assessments are carried out before and after any modifications are undertaken. Action should be taken to reduce excessive loads being lifted on board.

The Coastguard says; "Take the search out of search-and-rescue; fit an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and carry an EPIRB and/or PLBs. They can be life savers. Personal flotation devices should always be worn when working on deck and lifejackets should be worn or readily-available.

photo credit MAIB investigation report

Branders, now installed.

AG Thomson's men have been erecting the last of the branders in Cromwell Harbour, This photo shows a couple. The branders are made of oak timbers and heavy-duty rubber, secured by large brackets. Now all the ladders have their protective branders allowing the fishing boats to 'ride' safely up and down during tidal changes and swell movements. They're great but it has not been an easy job.

We expect the project to be of real benefit to the fishermen, especially during our frequent storm surges. Many thanks to Kevin and his team for completion of phase one.

photo by Kenny Maule

Many changes coming for the RNLI station.

The RNLI are planning a revamp of their current station which has stood proudly for 115 years but is no longer able to accommodate growing needs. The expected plans include improved changing facilities, a better visitor experience for public-safety training, a new shop, plus a two-storey block for the Inshore garage. Over the years the duties of the station have expanded and now consist of the Torness-based All-weather Lifeboat (AWB), the Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) and thirty volunteers. 

The building plans will take some time to be finalised and will then be presented to the local authority in a few months for approval or modification. 

photo by Kenny Maule