Unmanned boats in The Sound; West Hoe pier calamity; flags on The Hoe; radiation incident test... and more!

Friday June 12 2026

Government launches new approval scheme for autonomous vessels in Plymouth waters

By Andy Towcester

Plymouth's role as a national centre for autonomous maritime technology has taken another step forward following the launch of a new government scheme designed to help experimental vessels prove they are safe to operate at sea.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has announced a six-month "Proving at Sea" pilot programme that will allow prototype vessels to undergo structured trials under a formal regulatory framework.

At first glance, the announcement might appear to create new testing areas in Plymouth Harbour. However, designated trial zones for unmanned and autonomous vessels have existed locally for some time, with areas including Cawsand Bay and waters south of the Breakwater previously identified by the King's Harbour Master for such operations.

The significant change this week is that the MCA is now introducing a formal pathway for testing and assessing prototype vessels before they move towards commercial certification and wider deployment.

Plymouth is already home to a growing cluster of marine technology companies, researchers and defence-related organisations working on autonomous and remotely operated craft. The city's waters have hosted numerous trials in recent years, helping establish Plymouth as one of the UK's leading marine innovation hubs.

However, questions remain about how the new pilot scheme will operate in practice. So far, little information has been released about which organisations intend to participate, what types of vessels could be tested, or how frequently trials may take place.

Questions local water users may want answered - and that The Beagle has asked of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, include:

• Which companies or organisations will be taking part in the pilot?

• What types of autonomous or experimental vessels will be operating in Plymouth waters?

• Will any military or defence-related projects be involved?

• How will fishermen, sailors and leisure craft users be notified about trials?

• What criteria will determine whether the scheme is judged a success?

Read the MCGA announcement by clicking here

West Hoe Pier repairs will cost £1 million

There was panic and activity this week when the latest squally storm hit the waterfront. Scaffolding at the already-damaged West Hoe Pier collapsed, prompting an emergency response.

The scaffolding surrounding the pier was pulled away by waves (Plymouth City Council said contractors “reacted very quickly”, removed the structure, and said it would be rebuilt this week).

But remember, all this was necessary because bright sparks decided to begin initial repairs to the pier in the height of the winter storms - resulting in a huge hole being blasted out of the structure.

As revealed by The Beagle last week, ongoing work to the pier will include removing defective grout, which has reacted adversely with saltwater and caused structural failure. 

As one eyewitness wryly commented to The Beagle: "How much would it have cost if they hadn't cocked up the original repairs?"

Devonport radiation incident test

A routine exercise will test how agencies would notify the public about safety measures in the event of a radiation emergency at the Devonport Royal Dockyard.

The exercise on Wednesday (June 17 ) will test the public emergency notification system that would alert residents about an incident through a text message or email.

It will also involve personnel simulating the distribution of tablets to some households by posting a leaflet through doors. Residents receiving the leaflet will not need to take any action.

The measures focus on areas within a Detailed Emergency Planning Zone, which extends 1.5km from the submarine berths.

A similar alert for residents living near the Cattedown fuel depot site will also be tested on the same day.

Anyone wanting to sign up to receive the emergency alerts can do so on Plymouth City Council’s website.

Beagle briefs

• 3 Commando Royal Marines, based in Stonehouse Barracks, has been renamed the UK Commando Force. It's a "new era" fuelled by a historic identity, said a Navy spokesman. More details here
• Portuguese submarine NRP Arpão arrived in Plymouth waters yesterday (Thursday) and headed to Devonport.
• Look out for hundreds of sea swimmers this weekend - part of the Plymouth Multi Sport Festival, taking place at Mount Edgcumbe.

Flags and flagpoles on The Hoe

Dear Beagle. You sought suggestions for the flagpoles on The Hoe. Why not adopt ideas from Siena?  says David Carson

Siena, a medieval city in Tuscany, is divided into 17 contrade. Each contrada has its own area, flag and symbol. This sense of local identity may help explain Siena’s social cohesion.

So how about flying flags celebrating different parts of Plymouth on The Hoe’s flagpoles? This might require the creation of historically informed and geographically relevant flags representing distinctive parts of Plymouth.

Twice a year, Siena holds the Palio, a televised bareback horse race. The winning contrada gains bragging rights and the right to parade its flag.

Plymouth has nothing comparable — but it does have The Hoe, a beautiful and prominent public space. Why not use it for a day of competitions for different ages, skills and interests? Events could include cycling, skating, fancy-dress, obstacle races, kite flying, volleyball, chalk drawing, soapbox races, swimming, paddleboards, and rafts.

The winning ward would earn bragging rights and, when no special flags are being flown, pride of place on The Hoe.

Such an event could attract large crowds and generate funding through stallholders and exhibitors. It could also help build community pride and social cohesion.

A second competition could recognise the ward that has made the greatest improvement in pride in place over the previous year.

If the focus on Plymouth is too narrow, towns and villages across Devon and the South West Peninsula could also be invited to contribute flags for The Hoe.

What do you think? Email The Beagle by clicking here

Plans for painting, not graffiti?

Dear Beagle,

After enduring limited access on the top of Cliff Road’s footpath due to blue-painted plywood debris and potential risk to pedestrians, Plymouth City’s supply yard next to the Marine Labs finally has new boards to secure the site.

Are there plans to paint this? Perhaps decorate or create a mural such as on the Azure side of the yard?

The naked boards are a prime target for graffiti artists as evidenced by the new plywood put up on the entrance to the Millbay Marina. I’ve reached out to the artist of the lovely Beatles Yellow Submarine tribute mural but have not heard back. Does anyone know if there are plans in the works?
Thanks
Lisa

If you know, contact The Beagle: email contactthebeagle@gmail.com

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