Speed
limits have been abolished in certain areas of Poole Harbour from now until
next Spring.

Mariners are
advised that speed restrictions have been relaxed within the Wareham Channel,
Middle Ship Channel and North Channel during the period of 1 October to 31
March.

Harbour Master
Brian Murphy warned that the Poole Harbour byelaw 2(a) still applies.

This states that ‘every vessel shall be navigated with care and caution and at such
speed and in such a manner as not to endanger the lives of or cause injury or
be a nuisance to persons or endanger the safety of or cause damage to other
vessels, moorings, buoys, beacons or other property.’

Captain Murphy added:
‘Speeding and excessive wash offences are taken very seriously and may result
in prosecution.’

The speed limits
still apply throughout the rest of the harbour, especially six knots in Little
Channel and Holes Bay and 10 knots in the harbour entrance area between Bell
Buoy and 1,400 metres from South Haven Point.

A spokesman for
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) said: ‘The abolishment of speed limits in
certain parts of the harbour is something that happens every winter through to
March.’

New protocol also announced

PHC have also
announced a new protocol that aims to improve the initial response to
recreational emergencies within the harbour.

The PHC, Maritime and Coastguard
Agency, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Royal Yachting Association
and local yacht clubs will monitor the same
communications channel to better co-ordinate their responses, particularly
during organised events where safety boats are being used.

All
organisers wishing to hold an event within Poole Harbour should contact the
harbour master to discuss the event, risk assessment and the voluntary
protocol.

Risk
assessments for consultation should be submitted to pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk

Pictures: An aerial view of Poole Harbour. Credit: Sue Sieger.

A Poole Harbour Commissioners map, the red area shows where the speed limit does not apply until 31 March 2013.