5. PANORAMA

 

a.    Easy-access graphics of views from the Tower

There are two useful explanatory sketches of views from this Tower.  These are usually fixed to the right-hand side of the main window.  Copies of these sketches are shown at the end of this section.

b.    Bearings & Distances of various prominences.

These sketches are important aids because they help you to recognise the principal features of the local coastline and give their True Bearings and Distances from the Tower; among other uses, these sketches will help you to judge ‘visible distances’ when conditions arte less than perfect.

c.    Exmouth Waterfront – visible from the Tower

There may be an ’incident’ along the nearby beach when you may have to inform the RNLI, via Portland CG, of a position where a bearing and distance is of less use than the relative proximity to a building or prominence with which the RNLI crew are familiar.  The following list, that is visible from the Tower, may help; it begins at the Exmouth Dock and ends at Orcombe Point.

Mamhead Slip (Exmouth Dock)

Cavendish Hotel (prominently yellow)

Clock Tower

Octagon

Carlton Slipway

NCI Tower

***

Orcombe Point

 

*** Note that between this Tower and Orcombe Pt there are two features that are not visible to us – Maer Rocks, and Rodney Cove.

 

d.    Exe River channel buoys and navigation marks

It is important to note that the Exe channel buoys are liable to move position (or be moved) and any bearings and distances given can only ever be correct on the date measured.  However, these buoys can be used as relative reference points (not as fixed locations) when reporting casualties to the Coastguard, for guidance.

 

Note too that some of these buoys may be removed, by the authorities, for maintenance either temporarily or permanently.

 

 

 

Mark

Bearing

(true)

Miles

(nautical)

E.Exe pillar (cardinal buoy) – BYB – Q(3) 10s

117º

1.62

No.1 Exe starboard hand channel buoy (green conical) Q.G.

122º

 1.28

No.3 Exe starb’d hand channel buoy (green conical) – Fl.G.2s

124º

 0.93

No.4 Exe port hand channel buoy (red can)

123º

1.10

No.5 Exe starboard hand channel buoy (green conical)

125º

 0.72

No.6 Exe port hand channel buoy (red can) – VQ.R.

126º

 0.81

No.7 Exe starboard hand channel buoy (green conical) – Q.G.

136º

0.63

No.8 Exe port hand channel buoy (red can) – Q.R.

138º

0.53

No.9 Exe starboard hand channel buoy (green conical)

139º

0.47

No.10 Exe port hand channel buoy (red can) – closest to tower

238º

 0.10

No.12 Exe port hand channel buoy

287º

0.52

 

Landmarks  – true bearings and distances from Exmouth NCI Tower

 

 As viewed in a clockwise direction from the Tower

 

Mark

Bearing

(true)

Miles

(nautical)

Orcombe Point

110º

1.20

Berry Head

192º

 13.20

Ore Stone

195º

 9.50

Hope’s Nose

196º

 9.50

Shag Rock

217º

3.80

Langstone Rock

224º

1.80

Dawlish Warren

270º

0.60

Cockwood

280º

1.40

Docks (Exmouth)

293º

0.55

 

 

 

 

SEA HORIZON (visible distances)

When out of sight of land and other ships the only visibility marker available is the horizon. The distance of the horizon can be found easily, as under normal atmospheric conditions it depends only on the height above the sea surface from which it is observed. To a high degree of accuracy the distance is given by the relations:

- Horizon Distance (kilometers) = 3.84 (h in meters)

- Horizon Distance (naut. mi.) = 1.14 (h in feet)

where h is the height of the observer's eye above the sea surface. The following table gives the horizon distance when viewed from various heights.

TABLE III-2 DISTANCE TO THE HORIZON AT SEA
Height of eye above Horizon Distance the sea surface

Meters

Feet

Kilometers

Nautical Miles

2

6.6

5.4

2.9

4

13.1

7.7

4.1

6

19.7

9.4

5.1

8

26.2

10.9

5.8

10

32.8

12.1

6.5

12

39.4

13.3

7.2

14

45.9

14.4

7.7

16

52.5

15.4

8.3

18

59.1

16.3

8.8

20

65.6

17.2

9.2

22

72.2

18.0

9.7

24

78.7

18.8

10.1

26

85.3

19.6

10.5

28

91.9

20.3

10.9

30

98.4

21.0

11.3

 

If the horizon cannot be distinguished from a height of 15 meters (49 ft.) but can just be seen from a height of 6 meters (20 ft.), then the visibility would be estimated as 9.4 km. (5.1 mi.) and VV would be coded as 96. If the horizon appears sharp and clear from all heights on the ship, the visibility is probably greater than 50 km (27 n. mi.). In cases of exceptional clearness of the atmosphere stars may be seen to rise or set at night with the unaided eye. In this instance the visibility may be more than 200 km. The use of the horizon as a visibility marker cannot always be relied upon, as abnormal refraction may cause a misleading appearance of the horizon. However, it is the only method available in some circumstances.

Note: The height of the NCI Tower is given as approximately 11 metres above MHWS.

VOLUNTARY CODE OF CONDUCT             www.exe-kiteboarders.co.uk

Many people use the beaches and water around the Exe Estuary for a variety of activities and kiteboarding can be potentially hazardous unless certain precautions have been taken. This voluntary Code of Conduct has been developed in association with the Exe Estuary Management Partnership and is based on common sense and co-operation.

Kiteboarding must never be attempted unless you are a competent swimmer, hold third party insurance and have undertaken proper lessons from an IKO qualified instructor

Exe Estuary Kiteboarding Sites

There are two kiteboarding sites in Exmouth. Kiteboarders MUST have third party insurance before riding at either of them.

X      Kiteboarders wishing to ride the front must be competent and able to stay upwind.

There is a voluntary launch area opposite the Queens Road car park. The front should only be used to launch/land and never to practice land-based flying skills, especially jumping.

X    offering a large riding area where you can be pretty sure you are going to be within your depth, but always check the water is deep enough to avoid injury when falling. The duckpond can be used in most conditions;
learners should arrive early, launch on the sand, and avoid kiting at high tide unless able to stay upwind.

Kiteboarding Road Rules

X     Be sure that you can handle the prevailing weather conditions and never sail in offshore winds      " rinnht ri,

X   The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider -The upwind rider should stabilise at 12 o'clock - Downwind riders keep kites low.

X   The rider on the port tack gives way the rider on starboard tack.

X     Kiteboarders using the seafront should give way to other water users and retreat to a safe zone outside of the navigational channel when other craft approach.

X     The seafront can get exceptionally busy both on the beach and in the water. No matter how competent you are, or good the conditions look, never risk the safety of others

X     Always maintain a 75-metre downwind safety zone between yourself and other craft. In the event of coming into conflict with other water users stabilise your kite at 12 o'clock.

X   Never kiteboard within 75-metres upwind of any moored vessel.

X   Never kiteboard in or near to the bathing areas and swimmers, buoys and boat moorings.

X   Never practice jumping on land or close to the beach.

X   When returning to the beach, give way to riders who are launching.

General Safety Guidelines

X   Check the local weather conditions before riding and ensure you fully understand the tidal currents and how they might affect the riding area. The currents off Exmouth seafront can be more like a fast flowing river and are potentially dangerous.

X   If you lose your kite or board whilst on the water, always report you are safe to the rescue services so they do not waste time and money looking for you. It is recommended that you write your name, address and contact number on all your equipment.

X   Always keep your lines away from people, animals and craft on land or water. Do not leave your equipment unattended on the beach and be polite to other beach users.

X   Always act in a responsible manner. If new or careless riders show up, talk to them with your friends about what's at risk.   Take the time to explain how to safely get into the sport, and where to obtain adequate and professional instruction.

X   Under no circumstances should you kiteboard at dusk or in a fading light.

Equipment  

X   All manufacturers instructions and safety guidelines must be read and followed, in particular the limitations of the product. Equipment must be regularly checked for wear and tear and repaired before going out on the water. If in doubt seek advice from an authorised dealer, approved IKO instructor or more experienced local rider.

X   Always check your equipment thoroughly and ensure your kite is properly inflated. An under inflated kite is difficult to control and harder to re-launch from water.

X   Always use an effective kite leash and safety system so you can kill your kite instantly in the event of an emergency.

X   Never tether yourself to the kite with a closed system. Only use quick release harness systems and practice activating such systems under tension.

X   Carry a knife that is capable to easily cut the heaviest flying line you are using.

X   Always wear a helmet and particularly if using a board leash.

Setting Up, Launching & Landing

X   Do not lay lines across the path of other beach users and never launch in crowded areas.

X   Select a safe launch site and allow enough space for any difficulties you may get into. If it's possible, have a friend help you. Never ask an inexperienced member of the public to assist.

X   Extra care should be taken when the beach is busy. On occasions, it might be too busy to launch safely unless a specific launch area is in operation.

X   Prevent kites from re-launching with sand (or other ballast) to weigh them down and ensure that sand will not be dropped on other beach users when self-launching.

X   Fully disable unattended kites and return your lines to the kite so you don't cause inconvenience to other beach users.

X   Look out for riders returning to shore and be ready to help land their kites.

Water

Never kiteboard in congested areas with swimmers, boats, other craft or obstacles.

If you ride alone let someone know you are out and what time you expect to return.

Always maintain a downwind safety zone especially when jumping. Look before you jump.

Never ride so far away from the shore that you cannot swim back in an emergency.          "

All riders should be familiar with rescue signals and practice self-rescue pack down manoeuvres when undergoing kiteboarding instruction with qualified IKO instructors.

If you need to swim kill the power in your kite, wind the lines onto the bar and deflate the leading edge.

Dawlish Warren is a National Nature Reserve and has a Guide for Water Users. Kiteboarders are asked to follow this voluntary code and observe Nature Reserve byelaws.

If you are interested in Kiteboarding on the Exe Estuary or need advice then please call into either of the three local shops.   Each hold a list of IKO approved instructors and membership forms to join the British Kitesurfing Association and Exe Kiteboarders

TAD SHOP   01395227007 | info@tadshop.com  | www.tadshop.com  

WATERFRONT SPORTS    01395276599 | www.waterfrontports.co.uk  

EDGE WATERSPORTS   01395222551   www.edgewatersports.com

COASTGUARD EMERGENCY  SERVICE  999

www.exe-kiteboarders.co.uk 

Kiteboarders are solely responsible for their own safety and that of affected bystanders. Just because we've taken the care to publish this voluntary Code of Conduct we cannot be held liable for your actions. This Code of Conduct will be updated regularly as a result of continued developments in safety and kiteboarding equipment, consultation with local focus groups and other interested parties.