Exo Environmental have recently designed and created bespoke navigational videos. Two for Wells Harbour Commissioners (WBC) in Norfolk and one for Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners (BHC) in Essex. 

These videos are an important navigational aid to safely access any harbour or marina. They inform all users and customers about the layout, unique features and safe route when travelling from sea or main river.  It can provide a range of information, for example with regards to safety markers including buoys and speed restrictions, to be known before entering, reducing the risk of unsafe boat handling and accidents.

Wells Video

“Whilst the harbour team have clear guidance to verbally explain to skippers entering Wells Harbour, we feel nothing can compete with visually experiencing the approach from our West Cardinal all the way down to the pontoons. Many crews and skippers have all commented on its clarity and professional imagery and we feel it will encourage more boaters that perhaps might not have attempted to visit Wells because of the perceived complexities will be much more confident to visit us having seen the video. The team at Exo made the process from concept to reality seamless and their positive and flexible approach were key to the videos success.” – Simon Cooper, Wells Harbour

Video Features

Details on entering a harbour are shown, usually highlighting the location of key navigational buoys and the safe procedure to follow when notifying the harbour of your arrival, including which radio frequency channel (VHF) to use.

Navigational videos also aim to reduce risks to the mariners or other water users. They point out tricky and dangerous waters to avoid, this is especially important when the tide covers submerged obstacles. The videos point out areas of recreational use, such as beaches, swimming routes and sailing clubs, notifying boat users of dangers before entering these areas.

When entering a berthing area, navigational videos detail speed restrictions as well as bearing and turning position you should follow to moor up as safely as possible. This can be especially useful if there are frequent misunderstandings, incidents, or changes to navigation such as dredging or shifting sand bars.

In addition to navigation and safety advice, detailed information on location of harbour facilities such as washrooms, showers and water taxis services are highlighted. A key aspect to all navigational videos is to show the location of the harbour office, so customers and boat users know where to go to receive more information or utilise services.

As well as the above, further advantages of filming a navigational video include the customisable element, allowing certain features to be highlighted, capturing the unique nature of individual harbours, promoting heritage and environmental assets. This not only benefits the harbour but also the wider community, drawing more visitors and increasing economic output.

“Brightlingsea Harbour has made significant improvements to the navigational channels. By “Using Sediment As a Resource” we bolstered sea defences by restoring the saltmarsh in front of them using dredged sediment. Working with nature. We commissioned this video to help visitors to get a visual representation of our improved entry to the Harbour. The overall visitor experience and safety of our resident mooring holders and visitors is of the utmost importance to BHC. The video achieved what was required and has been well received by harbour users. We believe the team at Exo has professionally delivered the video using state of the art equipment and software.” – James Thomas, Harbour Master at Brightlingsea Harbour

Many of the boat users at both harbours have found the navigational videos a great addition and useful tool. Here are just a few of the comments the videos have received:

‘Brilliant! Many thanks for putting this together’.

‘Great, and very useful for the first time Visitor’.

‘Fantastic Video’

‘A very useful aid to coming into Wells’

Overall, navigational videos provide an unparalleled and detailed guide to safety, procedure, and services available within harbours and marinas. For your harbour or marina to benefit from a navigational video, simply get in touch using our Contact Page or on any of our social media accounts! (Twitter, Facebook).