The Poole Harbour Guide 2013 FREE

Personal
Watercraft
(PWs)
More commonly known as jet skis or water bikes, PWs
are permitted to use the harbour waters with some
restrictions.
A PW permit – which is the equivalent of harbour
dues for other recreational vessels, signifies the Harbour
Master’s written permission to operate within the
harbour.
Application forms are available from the Harbour
Office and on the Poole Harbour Recreational Website:
www.phc.co.uk
Before a permit is issued the applicant
must undertake:-
• That his craft is data tagged and the
number is clearly visible.
• Not to let any person under 16 years of
age ride his PW unless he is under the
direct supervision of the permit holder,
or holds the RYA Certificate of
Proficiency for PWs.
• To abide by the Harbour Master’s
directions.
As part of the Poole Harbour Commissioners’ Aquatic
Management Plan there are a number of designated
zones within the harbour to allow the segregation of
high speed activities. This reduces conflict with other
harbour users therefore reducing risk and improving
safety. Personal watercraft (jet skis) have such a zone
Recreational Activities
north of Brownsea Island where they must operate
with caution and have due regard for other harbour
users. PW operators are not allowed to speed outside
of this area and can only operate in the harbour with
written permission from the Harbour Master in the
form of a permit.
You may be stopped on the water by one of the PHC
Patrol Craft, including the PW ‘Viper’. The Patrol Officer
will ask to see evidence of having purchased a permit.
Failure to do so may result in prosecution with fines of
up to £1,000 plus costs.
PWs are prohibited from using the quiet area to the
south of Brownsea Island. In all other areas of the
harbour they are subject to the speed limit of 10 knots,
which is strictly enforced.
PWs must not linger in the harbour entrance or the
main shipping channels, and are not to ‘play the wake’ of
larger vessels.
The recommended area for launching is Baiter Public
Slipway where permits can be obtained. Permits may
also be obtained from the Harbour Office and Poole
Quay Boat Haven.
Daily £10, Weekly £30, Annual £100. Payment can
now be made on line via our website www.phc.co.uk
PW owners must have proper
insurance. If launching at Baiter Public
Slipway, third party liability cover is a
mandatory requirement of the
Borough of Poole Council
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