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QHM's Harbour Patrol (QHP) enhances the safe transit of small leisure craft transiting the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth (DPP) the majority of the time they can be found patrolling the Small Boat Channel (SBC) at the Harbour Entrance.
The SBC extends from the Ballast Pile to Number 4 Bar Buoy. Any vessel under 20m in length must use the SBC, unless given permission from the QHM, the QHP will ensure that the SBP is utilised and that the main part of the harbour entrance remains clear for the transit of the larger Continental Ferries, IOW Ferries and of course the Royal Navy.
Additional tasking includes:
Patrolling the Personal Watercraft (PWC) areas at Lee-on-Solent, Eastney and Wooton creek. Ensuring the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order June 2005 (DPPO) is complied with.
Enforcing the DPPO regarding fishing ensuring that fishing vessels do not fish or lay pots in incorrect places. Note: all illegally placed pots are removed.
Assisting Harbour Control as and when required
Assisting in marshalling events within and outside of the Harbour.
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Queen's Harbour Patrol Boat
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The Volunteer Harbour Patrol is there to assist and advise mariners, they are not a police service, or waterborne traffic wardens – they assist and advise only. The Patrol is on the water from April to November.
If there is a major event, such as the Volvo Ocean Race, Cowes Week, or a major boating event, the Patrol invariably provides marshals and assists. Throughout the summer season, the Patrol is a re-assuring presence on the water at evenings, weekends and bank holidays – the busiest times. No other port in the country has any organisation on this scale or with these unique assets.
The Patrol is a registered charity, entirely dependent on voluntary donations and the goodwill of the amazing volunteers. The VHP operate four patrol craft and two jet skis (all very kindly donated) and have over 40 dedicated volunteers. All our personnel give up their time freely to help. All are RYA safety boat, first aid, RYA sailing and radio trained.
The whole organisation is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, of which the Queen’s Harbour Master is the chairman. His role is to ensure that we are run properly and efficiently, within all appropriate legislation.
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Volunteer Harbour Patrol Craft
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Ministry of Defence Police Marine Unit
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The Ministry of Defence Police Marine Unit are responsible for the security and policing of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth, which embraces not only the harbour but also much of the north-eastern Solent. The Ministry of Defence Police Marine unit consists of fast motor launches and rigid inflatable boats (RIB's) that provide a high profile security and policing service to protect warships transiting and berthed within the port area, together protecting the waterfront area of the Naval Base.
The Police Marine unit Officers work in close liaison with their colleagues from the Hampshire Constabulary Marine unit, HM Customs and Excise, the Maritime Coastguard Agency and the Immigration Department in order to contribute towards safety and port security.
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MDP boat Loyalty
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