Licences, insurance and safety
All canoes must be:
- licensed by the Harbour Office before going afloat
- insured for third party liability to £3 million
We recommend that all canoeists join the British Canoeing Awarding Body and adhere to their water safety codes of practice. Non-members should familiarise themselves with the code of practice and adhere to the safety policies.
Clubs and organisations must have a suitable risk assessment for their activities as per the British Canoeing Awarding Body or organisation guidelines.
Under 16's are not allowed to use the harbour unless they're part of an organised group.
Organised groups must comply with any additional requirements as advised by the duty staff.
Before you get in the water
Canoeists should:
- be confident in deepwater conditions
- be wearing a buoyancy aid (except canoists above division 8 marathon)
- read the Local Notice to Mariners regarding Events and Marine related operations before going afloat
- read the water quality information sheet posted at the Harbour Office before going afloat
- check the closing time of the site before going afloat and vacate the site well before locking up time
All canoes should
- have built in buoyancy sufficient to support itself and crew
- be fitted with some means of being towed
Netham weir and sluices are hazardous.
Getting into the water
Canoes must launch from low key walls or pontoons provided for this purpose only.
Seal launching is not permitted without the permission of the Harbour Master.
In the water
Canoeing in the dark is not permitted unless as part of an organised group or club approved by the Harbour Master.
If you are operating in the dark, you must carry a white light that is visible from all directions.
Always keep close to the right side (starboard) of the harbour when canoeing in the harbour.
Do not obstruct other craft navigating in the harbour.
No deliberate immersions are permitted such as “Eskimo roll”.