Emergency procedures in marinas

The emergencies procedures in the marinas are:

  • man overboard in marina
  • fire in marina or harbour
  • marina gate failure
  • security in marinas
  • vessel sinking in the harbour

Man overboard in marina

On witnessing or discovering a man overboard (MOB):

  • call St Helier VTS on VHF Channel 14 or telephone 999 and ask for the Coastguard, stating the exact position of the MOB, eg berth number and/or area of harbour, and if the person has fallen from a vessel, pass the vessel’s name
  • the officer will alert relevant services to assist
  • locate the nearest lifebuoy and throw it to the person in distress
  • use any available methods to assist and recover the MOB, eg ropes, fenders, poles, ladders
  • stay with the person until the emergency services arrive – you may be contacted again to provide further information

Fire in marina or harbour

On discovering a fire in a marina or within the harbour:

  • call the Fire Service on 999 and pass details of the vessels and/or areas involved.  The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service will respond and will advise the relevant harbour officers
  • make your way to a fire assembly point

Marina gate failure

St Helier Marina and Elizabeth Marina have tidal gates that close on a falling tide and open on a rising tide to maintain the two pools of water. The tide gates close and open at approximately half tide.

In the event of a gate failure, the water level in the marina basins will fall below the normal retained level and a fast outward flow of water will be visible from the marina entrance.

If a boat owner or member of the public believes that a gate has failed, they should contact St Helier VTS on VHF Channel 14 or telephone +44 (0) 1534 447722.

Security in the marinas

The security of the marinas can be ensured through a combination of observation, user awareness and controlled access.

If any suspicious or unusual activity, such as vandalism or breaking and entering is observed within the marinas, this should be reported through the Boat Watch Scheme (via St Helier VTS) or to a marina attendant. St Helier VTS should be informed of the following information:

  • the exact location
  • number of persons involved
  • a description of what occurred (including as much detail as possible)

St Helier VTS can be contacted via VHF Channel 14 or telephone +44 (0) 1534 447722.

If any property is discovered as missing and as a consequence stolen, then this should be reported to the police on telephone +44 (0) 1534 612612 or +44 (0) 1534 612345.

Vessel sinking in the harbour

If you are on a vessel that is taking on water and sinking or can see a vessel in distress within a marina or harbour, contact St Helier VTS on VHF Channel 14 or telephone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

St Helier VTS are then able to initiate procedures to assist the sinking vessel.

Stand by the vessel in distress (if you are able) in the event that persons on-board have to abandon the vessel into the water.