River Severn Pilot Crossing

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Crossing The River Severn

River Severn, the longest river in the UK, boasts the largest tidal range in Europe, making navigation particularly challenging. The strong currents, shifting sands, and powerful tides create a dynamic and often unpredictable environment for vessels traveling between Sharpness Dock, Lydney Harbour, Portishead Marina, and Cardiff Barrage. Ensuring safe passage through these waters requires extensive experience and local knowledge—qualities embodied by the Gloucester Pilots. These highly skilled maritime professionals play a crucial role in guiding vessels safely through the river’s demanding conditions, leveraging their deep understanding of its unique tidal patterns and navigational hazards.

Recognizing the importance of operational safety and efficiency, Clean Fuel Marine works closely with Gloucester Pilots to provide essential fuel quality checks and tank inspections. A key focus of our service is assessing contamination levels in the bottom of fuel tanks, as undetected impurities can significantly impact vessel performance and reliability. This inspection is not only a proactive maintenance measure but also a critical requirement within the Gloucester Pilots’ safety checklist, ensuring that vessels meet the highest standards before navigating the Severn.

By combining expert navigation with rigorous fuel management, we help ensure that vessels operating in these challenging waters remain both safe and efficient, minimizing risks and maximizing reliability.

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PILOT CHECK LIST

  • Fuel tank & fuel to be cleaned or inspected. (Full tank of fuel required) 
  • Full Engine serviced within the last 12 months. (All engine & gearbox levels to be checked before departure)
  • Spare belts and filters. (Basic tool kit)

     

  • Vents to be covered over/ no cratch cover requires doors to be taped up.

       

  • Engine to be able to vented by other means if needed. (commonly a board can be lifted to allow air in)

     

  • Weed hatch to be closed/Sealed and checked before departure.

       

  • Anchor with 10m chain & rope tied off to the boat. (anchor size bigger is best, commonly 20 to 25kg)

   

  • Lifejackets to be worn. (Pilots have their own)

   

  • Secure loose objects. 

     

  • Appropriate insurance (including salvage) in place.

       

  • If navigation lights fitted, check they are working. (Not a requirement for voyage) If available to use then may start or finish in darkness. 

Tank & Fuel Inspection
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