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About Us...

Northern Exposure Rescue is a registered charity that operates in England and Wales providing event management, photography services and safety cover for all manner of water sports. We use experienced and highly qualified volunteers coupled with reliable equipment and aim to deliver activities in a safe and controlled environment. Members of Northern Exposure Rescue benefit from heavily discounted training, access to first class equipment, and gain experience across a wide range of different types of events to ensure an ongoing legacy of supporting events. We work closely with various sports governing bodies and relevant statutory bodies to meet event organiser’s needs whilst ensuring the highest standards of safety. Northern Exposure Rescue does not get paid to organise the safety cover for these events, and just like the safety crews, only our expenses are reimbursed.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant - At high water on Sunday 3 June 2012 up to a thousand boats will muster on the River Thames in preparation for The Queen to lead the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. It will be one of the largest flotillas ever assembled on the river. The participants have been selected via an invitation and an open submission process, some boats have been chosen for their historic links with the River Thames and the UK’s trading communities, others simply because they provide the Pageant with an element of fun, flair and unique visual excitement. This also means it will attract a wide range of boat types and abilities. The Pageant will be divided into a number of sections:

1. Rowed and paddled (man powered vessels) 2. The Royal entourage 3. Motorised historic vessels 4. Motorised private leisure vessels 5. Working and Service vessels 6. Passenger Boats

The spectacle will be further enhanced with music barges, boats spouting geysers and pyrotechnic barges spitting smoke and daytime fireworks; there will be specially constructed elements like a floating belfry, its chiming bells answered by those from riverbank churches. The opening ceremony of London’s Olympic Games is just six weeks away and the public that crowds the riverbanks and bridges gives a rousing reception to the many boats that have travelled from far and wide to represent the counties of the UK, Commonwealth countries and other international interests. Some Thames bridges will be elaborately decorated with flags and banners; others host musicians playing fanfares marking, as the Pageant passes beneath, the passage of Her Majesty’s sixty year reign. For those wanting a whole day of events, Battersea Park will be host to a Jubilee Festival with vintage music, dance, crafts, funfair and a multitude of other entertainments. Downriver of London Bridge, the Pageant will pass through a spectacular avenue of sail made by traditional Thames sailing boats, oyster smacks, square riggers, naval vessels and other impressive ships. (A separate ID sheet will be provided!)

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Over a million people are expected to converge at the river’s edge to watch the Pageant. Thames piers, riverside roads and bridges will be closed to traffic to allow members of the public to enjoy the pageant from all possible vantage points. There will be big screens too, all along the route, with filmed commentary to follow the action of this unique historical event. The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant magnificently brings the Thames to life; making it joyously full with boats, resounding with clanging bells, tooting horns and sounding whistles, recalling both its royal heritage and its heyday as a working, bustling river.

Pageant Route - The mustering area for the Pageant is, effectively, upriver of Battersea Rail Bridge. The dispersal area is downriver of Tower Bridge. The principle pageant route is between these two areas. For planning purposes, we consider our event arena to stretch from Dove Pier in the west to the entrance to West India Dock in the east.

Organisation - The River Pageant is being organised by the “Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Foundation”. On the 3rd of June the actual event will be under the control of David Phillips the Chief Harbour Master for the Port of London Authority and Mr Adrian Evans the Queen’s Pageant Master. Northern Exposure Rescue has been asked by Captain Phillips and Mr Evans to support the event and provide safety and marshalling boats, event management services and safety advice. We do this on a best endeavours basis, free of charge to the organisers asking only for expenses to be covered. We have encouraged all members of Northern Exposure Rescue to take part, using club boats and their own boats where possible. However additional boats will be required so we have asked other

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organisations and individuals to take part as well to increase numbers. We are very grateful for their support of the event. Chris Lowe, the Commodore of Northern Exposure Rescue, supported by Chris Dunn, the Treasurer of Northern Exposure Rescue, will co-ordinate the safety marshals across the man powered fleet with up to eight deputies responsible for each fleet. Each of the eight deputies will be control a number of safety marshals who as the name suggests will provide safety and marshalling support to the participants. In addition there will be a considerable presence from the Metropolitan Police, the Coastguard (responsible for search and rescue), the MCA (responsible for vessel safety and licensing) and the RNLI. The London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and the Armed Forces will also be present. With so many organisations involved it is very important that communication is very clear and each organisation’s role is understood.

Organisational Structure -

Overall event safety is the responsibility of the Pageant Master, Adrian Evans. In discharging this responsibility, the Pageant Master has appointed Chris Lowe as the Event Safety Officer (ESO) for the man powered fleet. The ESO has appointed eight Fleet Safety Officers (FSOs), who are responsible for the safety of each fleet of boats.

Fleet Fleet Safety Officers Traditional Watermen’s Cutters Will Burchnall Viking Longboats & Invasion Craft Dave Pilcher Pilot Gigs & Celtic Longboats Mike Burns Skiffs & Other Traditional Craft Kim Mason Explore & Other Rowing Boats Guy Walker Kayaks Si Murphy Dragon Boats Keith Holland Trinity 500 Sea Cadets Duncan Cooper Task Fleet Dave Williams

A command and control structure has been established and the relevant sections for the man powered fleet are presented in table 1 below. Several of the organisations mentioned are self contained and do not require interaction with the main event control. As a result they are excluded from the structure to keep it as simple as possible.

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Table 1 -

= Management Channel Users (NER Private VHF Channel) = Fleet VHF Channel Users = Fleet VHF Chanel Users and Management Channel Users

The safety fleet will consist of dedicated safety boats plus any associated mother ships. At the request of the FSO’s any support boats may be brought into the Safety Fleet. They should then operate under the direction of the FSO’s until the need passes, where after they should be released back to their supporting roles. Each FSO will have responsibility for the operation of safety boats within their fleet. The ESO will work with the FSOs to communicate the safety cover plan with the River Pageant and safety team.

PLA River

Service

Launch

Coastguard On Scene

Coordinator

Assistant

Harbour Master

Event Safety Officer “Safety Control”

Trinity

500

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Task

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Kayak

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Explorer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Dragon

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Skiffs

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Gigs

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Viking

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Cutters

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

Fleet

Safety

Officer

SILVER COMMAND – @ Thames Barrier Navigation Control

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

Safety

Boats

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The ESO is responsible for the overall management of the Safety Fleet both on and off the water. This should include delivering the organisational structure, adherence to this document, and management of the Safety Fleet infrastructure (e.g. boat allocation, boat resourcing, mooring, etc.). The ESO will set up a VHF Radio Control Base (“Safety Control”), on a PLA River Service launch. This vessel will have a facility for multiple base radios to monitor all calls on each channel and keep a record of all important information. Instructions from the Harbour Master(s) and ESO will be passed through Safety Control to ensure that all stations can hear and the information is correctly logged.

Safety Boat Equipment and Competency -

In order to provide adequate safety cover for the participant and ourselves, it is important that the following guidelines are followed. We have selected boats that have a low freeboard and can safely carry a reasonable number of participants in case of a capsize. In the main RIBS have been chosen, complemented by a number of larger hard boats. Regardless of what type of boat you are bringing they must be covered by valid public liability insurance up to £2 million for any one claim and for any loss, injury or damage to property or persons (including people onboard the boat). It must be fitted with a suitable tow point and there must be no drinking or smoking whilst afloat. You should ensure you are carrying the following equipment; Table 2

1) This Safety Fleet Information Pack 2) A copy of the Safety Fleet Call Sign Sheet 3) Mobile phone 4) Lifejackets for you and your crew 5) Anchor and warp 6) Oars / paddles 7) Fire extinguisher 8) Engine tool kit 9) Spare propeller 10) Paper and pencil 11) Buckets / bailers 12) Bellows (RIBS) 13) Towlines (Eg 1x10m 2x5m) 14) Flares 15) Bolt croppers 16) Knife

17) First aid kit 18) Spare dry clothes 19) Space blanket / survival blanket 20) Hot drinks 21) 25 watt VHF radio 22) Navigation lights 23) Enough fuel and 20% spare for your boat for the day. 24) If you are not familiar with the Tidal Thames – a chart. 25) The PLA’s Passage Plan 26) Recognised photo ID for everybody onboard All equipment needs to be secured in place and the crew needs to know how to use them to be an effective safety boat!

IMPORTANT - Equipment in bold text is essential

All Safety Boats should have a minimum of two competent people (16+) aboard. Similarly safety

boats should not be overloaded and the following limits are imposed on the safety boats;-

4m to 6m = 2 people on board

6m to 7m = 3 people on board

7m to 8m = 4 people on board

All the skippers taking part should be competent to take part in the event. Competent is considered

to be an RYA Safety Boat Certificate with experience or as an alternative an RYA Powerboat

Level 2 and considerable experience.

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Scrutinering of safety boats will be carried out at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier on the day of

the Pageant by the Port of London Authority, Northern Exposure Rescue and the Maritime and

Coastguard Agency.

You and your crew MUST wear suitable personal buoyancy at all times. This includes on

slipways and on pontoons.

You and your crew MUST have photo ID on you at all times.

If the Event Safety Officer feels a safety boat is not appropriate for whatever reason he may

withdraw the boat for the Pageant and expenses will not be reimbursed. Please follow the

instructions in this handbook to avoid any disappointment.

Objectives -

The objective of the Safety Fleet is to provide efficient, competent safety cover at the event to allow competitors and all those involved maximum enjoyment whilst minimising the risks to the safety of the participants and boats.

0645 - Launching Starts - Putney Embankment Launching of safety boats will take place at Putney Embankment on Sunday the 3rd of June between 0645 and 0945. The full postcode of Putney Embankment is SW15 1LB. If you are not a regular visitor to London we recommend you visit the Transport for London website to check out traffic restrictions, Congestion Charging (the slip is outside of the CC zone) and the London Low Emission Zone (applies to older commercial and commercial based vehicles) You will be allocated a launch slot by email before the day of the Pageant. Please make sure you arrive on time as it will cause delays at the end of the day. Please note parking is only available for tow vehicles. No vehicles delivering safety boats to Putney Embankment may travel down Putney High Street. Please travel from the west to east, along Lower Richmond Road as per the plan below; Ephemeral Data Tidal information

High Water Low Water Richmond 02.01 4.47m 10.11 -0.12m London Bridge 01.05 6.78m 06.53 0.70m

NB The Thames Barrier will be closed for the entire day, with the Barrier closing at 09.30 until 22.30 and will maintain a level of 4.5m +/- 0.5m

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The whole of the Embankment at Putney will be closed to other traffic and pedestrians to ensure a safe zone to launch. On arrival at Thames Place you will be greeted by one of the Beach Team wearing Red High Visibility vests. They will record your arrival give you a parking permit and temporarily park you so that you can prepare for launching. Please do this quickly. Once you are ready to launch, the Beach Team will invite you on to the slipway to launch. Please be careful reversing down the slipway and watch for people walking behind you. Once your boat is afloat drive the car and trailer to the top of Putney Embankment. A member of the Beach Team will direct you where to park. Smaller boat trailers may need to be uncoupled from their tow vehicles. Once parked, we advise you to secure your car and trailer using a hitch lock and/or wheel clamp. Please note; Northern Exposure Rescue or the event organisers will not accept any responsibility for damage or loss to vehicles, their contents or trailers.

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Once parked you will need to wade out to your boat and then travel downstream to Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier for the Roll Call. A very limited number of boats will be arriving by river. This MUST be approved in advance and if this applies to you travel straight to Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier.

10am - Roll Call at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier

On the 3rd of June there will be a roll call at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier at 1000hrs which all safety boats MUST attend. Mooring space will be limited so please raft up as tightly as possible and follow the instructions of the Berthing Master. During this roll call information about weather and updates to the event plans will be shared. We will also distribute safety flags and other equipment. The pier must be cleared of safety boats by 1045 at the latest when the fleet of Dutch barges will arrive. Radio Channels, Callsigns Pageant Schematic and Mobile Phone Numbers -

Northern Exposure Rescue will allocate call sign sheets and a Pageant Schematic to each Safety Boat. The call sign list will be presented on an A4 list which will include mobile telephone numbers and will be distributed on the day of the event to take account of any last minute changes. It will include details of the VHF radio channels that each fleet will be using. You will be able to see where you will fit into the pageant using the call sign sheet and the Pageant Schematic which also will be distributed on the day. VHF Radio Procedures -

Northern Exposure Rescue will allocate radio channels for each fleet. There will be a separate management channel which will be used by Fleet Safety Officers, Task Fleet Safety Leader, and Safety Control. The Fleet Safety Officers and the Task Fleet Safety Leader will monitor both the management channel and their fleet’s own channel. Safety boats should ONLY monitor the channel their fleet has been allocated. Scanning multiple channels must not be done as it can often lead to missing important broadcasts. Each safety boat should have a fixed (25watt) VHF radio onboard, with a vessel licence and a licensed operator. IMPORTANT - Radio transmissions should be kept to an absolute minimum to prevent clutter.

Mobile Phone Procedures - Due to the large area the River Pageant will cover and the number of buildings that impair VHF communications, every safety boat should have a mobile telephone onboard to work as a back up to

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the VHF system. It is important that Safety Control are aware of the number before the event so this is included on the call sign sheet. Mobile phones should be easily accessible and stored securely so that they can still be heard. Telephone calls from Safety Control will be made to safety boats using a withheld number. Please do not screen your calls and ensure you pick up these calls on the day.

Under no circumstances should members of the safety fleet make communication with any outside agency. The Event Safety Officer will instigate all outside communication where appropriate. Safety Boat Identification - All Safety Boats will be allocated 2 flags at the Roll Call. One will display the Pageant logo and will be used for security identification purposes. The second flag will have a number on them to aid identification. 4ft wooden poles and zip ties will also be provided to assist in mounting the flags. The Pageant logo flag should be mounted on the starboard side of your boat and the numbered ID flag should go on the port side of your boat. They must be returned to each FSO at the end of the event or you will not have your expenses reimbursed.

1030 – Mustering 1000 boats begins! Don’t forget today you are on world-wide television! Everything you say and do will be seen and heard by millions of viewers. Look happy, have a wonderful time AND remember you’re being watched ALL the time.

Each Fleet Safety Officer will then direct his fleet of safety boats upstream to provide safety cover over a specific zone of the river so that participants will be safe as they travel to their muster points. Remember to minimise your wash as you travel to your patrol zone. The following safety fleets will cover the launch sites listed; Location Fleet Name Fleet Leader Brentford to University of London Boat Club Cutter Squadron Will Burchnall ULBC to Chiswick Bridge Viking Squadron Dave Pilcher Chiswick Bridge to Chiswick Eyot Pilot Gig Squadron Mike Burns Chiswick Eyot to Fulham Football Club Skiff Squadron Kim Mason Fulham Football Club to Putney Bridge Dragon Squadron Keith Holland Putney Bridge to Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier Explorer Squadron Guy Walker Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier to Battersea Heliport Kayaks Squadron Si Murphy Battersea Heliport to Cremorne Wharf Trinity 500 Squadron Duncan Cooper Hammersmith Bridge (1030-1200) Task Squadron Dave Williams

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MSO Marine, Brentford ~ road arrival requiring craning.

Thames Tradesmen RC, Chiswick ~ road arrivals of rowed craft for launching or storage ashore.

Putney Embankment ~ road arrivals of

Explore/Coastal, Dragon Boats, Gondolas.

University of London Boat Club,

Chiswick ~ road arrivals of Hawaiian Canoes, Canadian

Canoes, New Zealand Waka.

Cremorne Wharf ~ river arrivals of Kayaks.

Mortlake Anglian & Alpha Boat Club,

Chiswick. ~ river and road arrivals of small rowed craft for

storage ashore

Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier

Dove Pier

Hammersmith Bridge

Barnes Railway Bridge

Chiswick Bridge

Kew Bridge

Putney Bridge

Wandsworth Bridge

Battersea Railway Bridge

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Procedure to get participants to the fleet muster areas -

NOTE: NO MANPOWERED CRAFT ARE TO PASS BELOW DOVE PIER, HAMMERSMITH UNTIL 12 NOON. As soon as directed by a PLA Marshall Boat ALL craft shall proceed downstream using the centre of the river to the manpowered mustering area between Wandsworth Bridge and Battersea Railway Bridge. Kayaks will move upstream from Cremorne Wharf at the same time and into position at the rear of the fleet. NOTE: THE LAST MANPOWERED CRAFT MUST PASS UNDER WANDSWORTH BRIDGE BY 1344

Any craft that is late will be refused access to the muster area and any further participation in the flotilla.

Procedure once at the fleet muster areas -

In the muster area there will be 200m floating lines in the river on both sides to assist the participants in holding position. Please encourage the participants to make use of these as you may be here for some time. Participants have been asked to take a mid line down the Schematic of the Flotilla to work out which side of the river they should be on.

Those craft on the left of the centre line moor/hold station on the left side of the river; Those craft on the right of the centre line moor/hold station on the right side of the river. Those who fall on the centre line join the nearest like size craft and moor/hold station.

Make sure they take up position with their bows facing downstream. Raft up ‘like-size’ boat with ‘like-size’ and their numbers have been issued with this in mind. A clear channel must be left in the centre of the river at all times.

Positions of Safety Boats during the Pageant -

Each safety boat will be allocated a position in a “U” shape behind their fleet with their Fleet Safety Officer taking position in the centre of the u shape (See table 3 below). Safety Boats should not be inside the fleet of participants unless they are responding to an incident. These positions will be allocated in advance and will be on the call sign sheet handed out at Wandsworth Riverside Quarter Pier which will include a location for each call sign. Safety boats should remain in their position at all times unless requested by their FSO or when responding to an incident. Along the starboard side of the river will be a special safety lane. No boats should be in this lane unless dealing with an incident. Do not let rowing boats drop behind you. They have been instructed to maintain 4 knots at all times.

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Table 3 – Down river to Gravesend

River Bank

Safety Lane

River Bank

PLA Marshall PLA Marshall Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Keep SB Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig SB Clear Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig SB Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig SB Safety SB FSO SB Lane River Bank

Keep

River Bank

Clear Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff SB Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff SB Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Safety Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Lane SB Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff Skiff SB River Bank

SB

FSO

SB

Keep

River Bank

Clear

Up river to Richmond Key – SB = Safety boat FSO = Fleet safety officer Gig = Participants boats Skiff = Participants boats

1400 - Flotilla Formation - At approximately 1400 a verbal order will be given by the PLA Marshall boats to prepare to row. Participants will move away from their neighbouring craft and move towards the centre of the river. The Royal row barge ‘Gloriana’ will take up position mid river. At approximately 14.24 a verbal order will be given by the PLA Marshalls to all crews to commence rowing downstream. The participants have been asked to row in close formation across the river in your section of like-sized craft. Please refer to the PLA ‘Passage Plan’ for details of bridges and other obstructions in the river. Participants have been issued with the ‘Flotilla Formation Schematic’ which shows where they should be in the flotilla. It’s only an indication for them but for us, it’s vital we all follow it. Skippers - you will have to travel in close formation with other craft. Please control your crew and ensure you hold a good course ~ no sudden changing of direction or speed. If becomes necessary to warn other craft about their course call “Take a look (boat number)” Kayaks will join in at the rear of the Manpowered Section, in front of the PLA launch. Maintain the 4 knots being set by the lead PLA Marshall launch and the State row barge ‘Gloriana’. Any slow boats will be removed from the fleet and passed to one of two diesel launches at the rear of the fleet and

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towed to the finish. If this happens, inform your Fleet Safety Officer so they can arrange this. (See “specific problems” below) You are now following HM Queen who will be aboard the Royal Yacht ‘Britannia’ launch. At Cadogan Pier, below Albert Bridge, HM Queen will board the Diamond Jubilee Royal Barge (‘Spirit of Chartwell’) to take the salute from our section. The Diamond Jubilee Royal Barge (‘Spirit of Chartwell’) will now leave its moorings and move to centre river 350 metres behind the Sea Cadet boats carrying the flags of the Commonwealth & Dominions behind our Squadron. The rest of the Pageant will now forming behind us and we will all be moving downstream at 4 knots. Any problems will need to be dealt with very quickly. If you see anything that needs safety boat attendance inform your Fleet Safety Officer immediately using the VHF radio and they will coordinate a response. Please don’t rush in, report it and wait for instructions. You might not be the best person/boat to respond so please don’t be disappointed and play your part in the safety team. Enjoy the sights of London from the river but keep an eye on the participants in the rowing boats at all times. Skippers - please keep a continual look out and steer a safe course through the bridges ~ do not get too close to the buttresses. If it becomes necessary to warn other craft about their course call out “Take a look (boat number)”. Maintain good humour, do not become agitated, work together to make this happen. Having passed under Waterloo Bridge take extra care, the next four bridges are close together and the buttresses do not line up, steer carefully being aware at all times of other craft around you. Below London Bridge the Avenue of Sail starts and reduces the width of the available river. If necessary slow your crew and drop back ~ we have to work together here to continue safely downstream. Pass under Tower Bridge and continue down the Avenue of Sail ~ you have about 3 miles to go…keep going at 4 knots. Each participant has been issued with ‘Individual Craft Instructions’ indicate which location they should go to at the completion of the Pageant in the dispersal area. The seven locations are:

Shadwell Basin, E1W 3TD

Millwall Dock slipway, E14 3QS

South Dock, SE16 7SZ

Poplar & Blackwall RC, E14 3DT

Ahoy Centre, SE8 3JY

London Yard, E14 3UU

Trinity Buoy Wharf

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Shadwell Basin Millwall Dock Slipway London Yard Trinity Buoy Wharf

South Dock Ahoy Centre Poplar & Blackwall RC

Procedure once participant’s boats reach the dispersal point - Once the fleets have reached their dispersal point, each FSO will ensure the same number of boats that started the event pass the dispersal point and inform Safety Control that their fleet is clear of the Pageant Course. The participants should begin to separate out to the side of the river that their slipway is at. Make sure the participants leave a clear channel mid-river for the Explore/Coastal rowing, Dragon boats, Hawaiian & Canadian canoes and the Waka behind us who have to row/paddle downstream to Poplar & Blackwall RC and London Yard for recovery. NO MANPOWERED BOATS ARE TO STOP MID-RIVER. ALL BOATS ARE TO MOVE TO EITHER THE NORTH SIDE OR SOUTH SIDE OF THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL THERE ARE OVER 600 MOTOR CRAFT COMING DOWNSTREAM AT 4 KNOTS BEHIND YOU!!! As you get close to your fleet’s recovery point form a “wall of safety boats”, keeping the middle of the river clear and the man powered boats close to the shore. Maintain your position and keep a good look out.

Main channel

Safety Boat Safety Boat

Safety Boat

Safety Boat Safety Boat

Safety Boat

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Please do not rush at this point. Safety is paramount and we must all work together to safely recover both crews and boats from the river. Safety Boats may only stand down (at approximately 1745) when given permission by their Fleet Safety Officer. This will be done progressively as the number of participants afloat reduce. Once stood down, safety boats will travel back to Putney at less than 12knots and in their fleets for recovery. Particular care must be taken when approaching the Avenue of Sail as the water taxi service will be running again. The recovery process will take a long time to accomplish. Please be patient and wait your turn. The Beach Team will ensure this happens as quickly as possible. It is important that cars and boats clear the slipway as soon as possible. Follow the instructions of the Beach Team at all time.

Specific Problems - In the event of a capsize:

Inform your Fleet Safety Officer immediately. They will task the nearest / most appropriate boat to attend the incident. Bring the people on to your boat if necessary (Stop the engine or check it’s in neutral!). Keep a look out for all other competitors heading downstream towards you. Report back to the Fleet Safety Officer and they will either instruct you to keep the person on

your boat/put them ashore/or on the diesel launches at the rear of the manpowered fleet. Once the people are safe out of the water the FSO will task additional safety boats to deal

with any swamped hulls. Once again your FSO will either instruct you to keep the hull in tow behind your boat/take it ashore/or on the diesel launches at the rear of the manpowered fleet

In the event of a boat retiring or not maintaining 4 knots:

If any of the participants look like they are struggling to maintain 4 knots let your FSO know as soon

as possible.

If they do not speed up the FSO may decide to take them into tow. This is not negotiable! The FSO

may task a safety boat from within their fleet to tow it to the finish or if appropriate, send it to the

diesel launches at the back of the man powered fleet.

Members of the public swimming or looking like they may jump in the river:

Inform your FSO immediately.

They will inform safety control who will alert the Police/Coastguard. If they are already in the water

and it is safe to do so, recover them from the water. The ESO will arrange for the Police to collect

them from your boat. Do not put yourself at risk.

Emergency stop - If the pageant needs to be stopped due to a serious incident the PLA Marshalls and PLA Command and Control launch will fly red flags and Safety Control will inform the Fleet Safety Officers. They will then instruct all safety boats to pass the message to all the participants to stop rowing and turn to starboard and head back up river.

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This will inevitably cause some collisions and it is not a decision that will be taken lightly. Depending upon the nature of the incident the participants may have to head up river as far as Putney Embankment until the incident is resolved. Emergency evacuation - In some cases it may be necessary for some boats to accelerate downriver and out of London. If this is the case the task fleet will form a chevron from the back of the fleet of man powered boats and then travel through the entire fleet (See table 4 below). If this becomes necessary each Fleet Safety Officer will alert their safety boats to clear participants to each side of the river. Table 4

Down river to Gravesend

River Bank

Safety Lane

River Bank

PLA Marshall PLA Marshall Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Keep Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Gig Clear Gig Gig Gig Gig SB SB Safety SB SB FSO SB SB Lane River Bank

TASK TASK TASK

TASK TASK

Summary -

Remember;

Boats should have arrived with full fuel tanks and should be fully maintenance checked That lifejackets are worn and correctly fastened at all times whilst afloat. That kill cords are used whenever the engine is on. That alcohol is not to be consumed during safety boat operation. For your own safety, smoking is not permitted on safety boats. Never have fewer than 2 people in the boat and stick to the maximum numbers. Turn the engine off/check the boat is not in gear when you are rescuing a person in the

water – the prop must be stationary. Your priority is people not property – rescue the crews first, then boats and possessions. Keep a good lookout and maintain radio contact/listening. Each fleet has its own working channel which is detailed on the call sign sheets. Please do

not use any other channels. Safety boat skippers are reminded that they are not exempt from the speed limits on the

River Thames. Under no circumstances should members of the safety fleet make communication with any

outside agency. The Event Safety Officer will instigate all outside communication where

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appropriate. This instruction applies particularly to contact with the Coastguard or London Ambulance Service.

Radio transmissions and telephone calls should be kept to a minimum to prevent clutter.

Make sure your insurance company know you are using your boat as a safety boat. Northern Exposure Rescue, it’s officers or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant Foundation and it’s officers won’t be held responsible for any damage, injury, loss or death caused by taking part in this event.

Welfare -

Unfortunately as this is a charity event and we cannot provide sandwiches and drink for the safety

fleet. Please bring your own and ensure you can remain afloat from 0600 till about 1900. Please

ensure you have appropriate personal kit to deal with both hot and cold weather.

Health and Safety - It is important that everybody on the safety boats is competent to drive their boat. Each boat has an

assigned skipper with a suitable qualification and an emergency contact mobile number. We would

expect the skipper to remain in control during a rescue operation.

Please always consider your own safety. Putting yourself in danger is not an option and may lead to

further casualties. Risk assessments are in place to cover most eventualities and these can be

viewed on request for those interested.

You can catch several infections from dirty water that may enter the body through cuts on the skin or

through rubbing your eyes or by ingestion. You can reduce your chances of getting this infection by

avoiding rubbing your eyes, covering all cuts with a waterproof plaster and by washing your hands

thoroughly before eating or drinking.

Environment -

Water Quality.

The water quality in the River Thames can vary vastly along its entire length. As with all water sports

you should never eat or drink after coming into contact with the water. Use hand wipes to clean your

hands and face before you eat or drink anything. During the morning briefing we will let you know of

any water quality issues.

Litter.

It is forbidden to dump any litter in to the River. Please ensure you and the participants take all litter

home.

Security -

The Houses of Parliament Please be aware that there is a security exclusion zone on the Thames to the south of the Houses of Parliament. The limit of the zone is clearly marked using yellow special interest buoys. Under no circumstances should ANYBODY enter this exclusion zone.

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Security Services In addition to the Houses of Parliament a security exclusion zone exists outside of the Security Services HQ next to Vauxhall Bridge on the SOUTH BANK. Once again, under no circumstance should ANYBODY enter this exclusion zone. The Port of London Authority has issued Notices to Mariners on this and they can be viewed at

www.pla.co.uk

Expenses - The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Foundation has generously offered to pay for boat fuel and the fuel used by vehicles towing boats to the event. Unfortunately we cannot pay set rates, group claims, crew transport costs or food. Claims must be made within 14 days and your two flags must be returned at the same time if not already handed back. We will process all claims as soon as possible. Please make sure you use the claim form shown below and include receipts to cover the amount you are claiming for.

The River Thames - A very busy commercial port The River Thames is one of the busiest commercial ports in the UK and has some unique features not found anywhere else. For this reason visiting safety boats are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the Port of London byelaws before attending the event. These can be viewed at www.pla.co.uk.

WARNING -

(1) Water sports can be considered a high risk activity and participants and volunteers

including safety boat crews are reminded that they are responsible for their own safety at all times.

(2) In the case of young people below the age of 18 on the day of the race, parents and/or guardians should ensure they are able to maintain control over the young person at all times and they should understand that as with adults, they are responsible for the young person’s safety at all times as well as their own. Under no circumstances will Northern Exposure Rescue or the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Foundation, assume “Loco Parentis” for any young person.

(3) The master of every vessel is responsible for the safety of every person onboard their boat and it is the master decision to put to sea or act upon any request of Northern Exposure Rescue, Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant Foundation or any other person in connection with the organisation of the event.

(4) The presence of safety boats does not does diminish this responsibility in any way and we cannot make any guarantees regarding the safety of participants or organisers as we operate on a best endeavours basis only.

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Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant - Expenses Claim Form

Safety Boat Number; ………………………………………. Skipper Name; ………..……………………………………………………….. Boat Details; Launching Details; Launch Site; ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Details of Claim; Tow vehicle fuel; £……………… (Mileage; ……………miles) Boat Fuel & Oil; £…………… Total; £ ………………………………

Please don’t forget to include the receipts to the amount shown above or greater

Payment Arrangements; Payments will only be made to the person and account named below. Name; ……………………….……….. Account Number; …………………………........... Sort Code; …………………………………… Do you want to become a member of Northern Exposure Rescue and attend more events like this? Tick this box if you’d like us to deduct the £5 membership fee from your Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant expenses MAKE A DONATION; Have you had a brilliant day on the water? Northern Exposure Rescue relies heavily on funding and donations in order to provide safety cover for many different events. If you would like to pledge your support to the charity, and donate your expenses from this event to Northern Exposure, please tick this box Declaration; As the skipper of this boat I declare that this expenses claim is truthful and I understand that the organisers of the Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant may refuse to make a payment to me if they feel the claim is excessive or untrue. Signed; ………………………………………………………… Date; …………………………………………………………………………

Completed expense claim forms should be sent within TWO WEEKS to; Chris Dunn, Treasurer, Northern Exposure Rescue, C/O 14 Muntjac Close, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 9FR

or email to Chris.Dunn@NorthernExposureRescue.org.uk

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Copyright protection - Northern Exposure Rescue owns the copyright on this document unless where otherwise indicated. The content is protected by intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced or appropriated in any manner without written permission of Northern Exposure Rescue's Management Committee. Such requests should be made to the Secretary of Northern Exposure Rescue for consideration. (Such requests are normally granted, provided we are credited as the source so please ask us before copying our documents.)

Accuracy of information - All the information is presented on a “best endeavours” basis and is without any form of guarantee or warranty. We shall not be liable for any injuries, death, loss or damages of any kind that result from any inaccuracies or omissions. If you do become aware of any inaccuracy please let us know so we can correct any errors.

How to join Northern Exposure Rescue -

Started 7 years ago by a group of RIB owners keen to support their friends taking part in sailing

events, we have now become one of the largest providers of safety boats in the UK.

You can now find NER supporting rowing, power boating, swimming, yachting and even kite surfing

events, all on an expenses only basis.

So if you’d like to get involved with us we can offer discounted training, opportunities to gain

experience, use of club boats and enjoy a great social scene. Membership costs £5 each year and is

open to all.

Check our website (www.northernexposurerescue.org.uk) for more information.