Changes
to Cowes General Directions now officially give the chain ferry right of way.

The announcement also gives details of the forthcoming new detached breakwater for Cowes, construction of which is due to begin in Spring 2014.

The revised direction (No. 6) gives the Cowes
Chain Ferry
right of way over most vessels from 1 January 2014, although it must still try to avoid
a close quarter situation or collision.

New safety
control measures include the introduction of a Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) Chain Ferry
Operator’s Certificate.

For details of the new detached breakwater for Cowes see General Directions numbers 3.17 and 10.1.

The changes follow a formal
consultation, which included CHC’s advisory committee and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

You can view the
full set of 2014 General Directions here.

Picture: View of the Harbour Office from East Cowes