The Poole Harbour Guide 2012 - Poole Harbour Commissioners

Exemptions from Speed Limit
From time to time you will see craft exceeding the speed limit through the harbour.
The following list of vessels have permission to exceed the speed limit in
the circumstances described:
Police Vessels
Harbour Patrol Vessels
VANGUARD, VANDYKE (Standby Pilot Boat),
VIGILANT, SURVEY ONE, VIXEN (RIB), VIPER (PW).
These craft will all patrol within the speed limit under
normal circumstances, but will respond to emergencies,
byelaws and other infringements at high speed.
RNLI Lifeboat and Inshore Rescue Boat
When on rescue or lifesaving operations.
Coastguard RIB
When on rescue or lifesaving operations.
Royal Marines
The Royal Marines employ a number of fast training
craft and will exceed the speed limit when on
operational duties. They will normally fly the White
Ensign on these occasions.
Test Run Area
The half mile ‘Test Run’ between Nos. 36 and WH 2
buoys in the Wareham Channel is for the testing of
‘production craft’ (e.g. Sunseeker) when sea conditions
outside the Harbour are unsuitable. These boats have to
be launched and tested on a regular basis, often to meet
important export schedules. If you have a legitimate
need to use this facility apply to the Harbour Master.
Unauthorised high speed use of this facility will be
considered a breach of the speed limit byelaw.
The Poole Harbour Guide ~ 2012
PLEASE NOTE
Radar, CCTV, VHF communications and
telephone conversations to Harbour
Control are recorded for safety and
training purposes
The Speed Limit of 10 knots is
applicable throughout the year.
Mariners are advised that in
accordance with the Poole Harbour
Byelaw 2(aa) speed restrictions are
relaxed within the Wareham Channel,
Middle Ship Channel and North
Channel during the period 1st October
to 31st March. The speed limits still
apply throughout the rest of the
harbour, especially 6 knots in Little
Channel and Holes Bay, and 10 knots
in the harbour entrance area between
Bell Buoy and 1400 metres from South
Haven Point.
Speeding and excessive wash
offences are taken very seriously
and may result in prosecution