Personal watercraft use
Personal Watercraft (PWC) using the waters of the Dockyard Port of Plymouth must comply with the speed limits and navigate in a safe and responsible manner.
A code of conduct and registration scheme for all PWC has been introduced by the Port of Plymouth Harbour Authorities Liaison Committee (HALC); Registration is free, and the application can be made via this link: Port of Plymouth Personal Watercraft Registration.
Operators of PWCs are required to confirm they hold suitable insurance cover for their vessel and are encouraged to have them data tagged. On completion a registration sticker will be issued for display on the craft.
Before venturing afloat PWC users should ensure that they are fully aware of Rules and Regulations that are in place for the safety of all water users. Particular attention is drawn to the speed limit of 10 knots throughout The Port (except when >400m from shore) reducing to 8 knots within the Cattewater and 4 knots in Sutton Channel and all designated Bathing Areas. PWC should, where possible, avoid the designated bathing areas.
There are several designated high speed areas (see Code of Conduct) within which speed is unrestricted, but PWC users should note the requirements of Rules 5 and 6 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), namely, to keep a good lookout and proceed at a safe speed. PWC do not have exclusive use of these areas. PWC operators remain responsible for their own safety and that of other water users and they are to ensure they remain a safe distance from other craft and people in the water at all times.
The PWC Code of Conduct provides further advice and useful information: Personal Watercraft Code of Conduct.”
