Raft building and use can only be carried out in Bristol Harbour if it's:
- part of an organised session
- run by competent people or organisation
- been agreed by the Harbour Master
Safety
A full risk assessment of the proposed activities must be carried out before the event. The risk assessment must be with the Harbour Master and a copy must be delivered to the Harbour Office.
It's the organiser's responsibility to make sure all participants are aware that Bristol City Council and its officers may agree to the event taking place on council property, but:
- this does not imply a duty of care
- participants are taking part in the activity on the basis that they are responsible for the safety of their own vessels and persons on board
All crews must be made aware of the Bristol City Council water quality statement for the harbour
A qualified first aid person must be present with an up to date first aid kit.
All organisations must have adequate public liability insurance for the event.
Cancelling the event
The Harbour Master can cancel the event due to any unforeseen operational or safety matters if necessary.
The event must not take place in bad weather and can be cancelled by the Harbour Master.
Before you get in the water
All rafts must be checked for build quality by a competent person before it's launched.
All participants must be confident in deep water and be wearing a buoyancy aid.
Anybody who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances may not take part.
No baggage or drinks are permitted on the rafts.
On the water
No more than 6 people are allowed on any raft, except with permission from the Harbour Master.
A rescue boat manned by experienced and qualified crew must be in attendance when rafts are paddled away from the shore.
When racing is being carried out, a minimum of 2 extra safety boats will be needed.
All participants must obey any instructions and directions given by harbour staff
At racing events a course must be marked out as agreed by the Harbour Master and participants are required to stay within the marked area only
Raft debris
All raft debris must be removed from the water during and after the event
All raft and participants debris must be removed from the site at the end of any session