REPORTING OF ALLEGED ANTI-SOCIAL OR UNSAFE USE OF WATERCRAFT AND OTHER VESSELS

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the King’s Harbour Master (KHM) continues to receive reports concerning the operation of personal watercraft (PWC) and other vessels within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth, including allegations relating to excessive speed, navigation without due care and caution, misuse of the Small Boat Channel, and conduct impeding the safe passage of commercial vessels.

2. All mariners are reminded that vessels operating within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth are subject to the provisions of the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Order 2005, associated General Directions, and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.

3. Attention is also drawn to Section 50 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, relating to conduct endangering ships, structures, or individuals and The Merchant Shipping Watercraft Order 2023. Mariners are reminded that dangerous, negligent, or reckless operation of vessels may constitute offences under this legislation in addition to offences under local harbour regulations.

4. The King’s Harbour Master treats reports of unsafe or anti-social behaviour on the water seriously and will investigate alleged offences where appropriate. However, any enforcement action must be proportionate and supported by sufficient evidence to satisfy the relevant evidential thresholds. This includes, where possible:

•           identification of the vessel or watercraft involved;

•           identification of the operator;

•           evidence of the alleged offence or unsafe conduct; and

•           corroborating information or witness evidence.

5. Where appropriate, and where the evidential threshold is met, matters may also be referred to partner agencies or other authorities for consideration of further investigation or prosecution, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Hampshire Police, or the Ministry of Defence Police.

6. Mariners and members of the public are encouraged to report incidents promptly and provide as much information as possible to assist assessment and investigation. Useful information includes:

•           date and time of the incident;

•           precise location;

•           description of the craft;

•           registration numbers or distinguishing features;

•           description of the operator;

•           photographs or video footage, where safely obtained; and

•           witness details.

7. Submitting reports via the KHM website assists KHM in collating information, identifying repeat offenders and trends, and directing patrol and enforcement activity appropriately.

8. KHM works in cooperation with Hampshire Police and the Ministry of Defence Police in relation to marine safety and enforcement activity within the Dockyard Port. Each organisation operates within its own statutory responsibilities and operational priorities.

9. Mariners are advised that KHM patrol and enforcement resources are necessarily limited and must be targeted proportionately towards areas of greatest safety risk and operational requirement. Information received from harbour users assists in directing patrol activity, identifying trends, and supporting proportionate enforcement action.

10. The use of CCTV and other available monitoring systems may be utilised where appropriate to support enquiries and identification.

11. All harbour users are reminded of their responsibility to navigate safely, with due care and consideration for other water users, commercial traffic, and harbour operations.