Harbour patrols and enforcement
River Hamble Harbour Authority patrols are on duty 364 days of the year (every day except Christmas Day). They are carried out using conspicuous, yellow patrol craft, clearly marked as Harbour Authority vessels. They will display a blue flashing light when attending an incident. Harbour patrol craft are contactable on VHF ch 68 and can help with general enquiries on safety matters.
Patrol Officers have the authority of the Harbour Master to give advice and specific instructions (known as a special direction) to skippers of any vessel; it will be an offence not to act on these instructions.
Keep a close eye on your speed and in particular your wash which may be substantial even when within the speed limit of six knots through the water. Please give consideration to other users, including those berthed, those in small vessels or tenders.
Body worn video (BWV) cameras are used by all our Patrol Officers. This evidential quality equipment is worn not only to contribute to prosecution ultimately but also to protect officers from aggressive behaviour.
The Harbour Authority also employs CCTV for monitoring and enforcement purposes at Warsash and intends to upgrade that system to cover the whole lower river.
Enforcement policy
The Harbour Authority’s enforcement policy is to implement effective enforcement of its regulations. Enforcement within the Harbour Authority’s jurisdiction includes the circulation of regulation and guidance, surveillance, incident investigation and, where necessary, formal warning and prosecution.
The policy will, however, aim in the first instance to develop a culture where those who use the river do so safely. The first stage in that process will therefore be education. Verbal or written formal warnings will generally be issued for first offences. However, where incidents are aggravated or of such a blatant or repeat nature as to merit it, prosecution may be pursued.
Marine Safety Management Plan
The Marine Safety Management Plan shows how we will manage and regulate use of the river. It describes how we’ll maintain safe access to the river, keep river users safe and conserve the river's environment.
