Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what process is in place to ensure mariners are notified of training mines set in UK waters.

Mariners are notified of training mines through Notices to Mariners, Navigational Warnings (NAVWARNs), and real-time Maritime Safety Information broadcasts. These are coordinated by the Ministry of Defence, the UK Hydrographic Office, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure navigational safety.

The Royal Navy is represented at the Maritime Coastguard Agency’s United Kingdom Safety of Navigation Committee to ensure multi-agency alignment with regard to maritime safety.

Close liaison with UK Hydrographic Office ensures details on exercise areas and, where appropriate, any potential hazards are captured through routine navigational chart updates.