Navigate Safely

Port Marine Safety Code

Know Your Rules of the Road
A new lighthearted quiz to help improve and test your knowledge of the collision regulations. Each week a question is set in our Weekly Navigation Bulletin.

Q. Your new sail on your racing dinghy seems to be worth the money as you lead your class upto the first mark. Trouble is the Conservancy passenger vessel Solar Heritage is right in you racing line.
You know that as the overtaking boat you do not have the right of way - but it's not often you're in front. What shall you do?


A. The Skipper of Solar Heritage, who is also a racing sailor, sees your angst and moves out of your racing line out of courtesy despite not being required to do so under the Col Regs. He's only required to maintain his course and speed.

A smile and a friendly wave of thanks as you pass and everyone is happy (despite you nearly losing grip of the mainsheet as you wave and dropping two positions!)

Navigate Safely

Some 10,000 boats share the fabulous recreational facilities of Chichester Harbour. At peak times the harbour can be congested and this can cause problems. However, the Conservancy believe that with a little thought and understanding everyone can enjoy the harbour and problems can be prevented.

A series of guides have been published (revised 2008) that we strongly encourage you to download and read. Hard copes are available from the Harbour Office.

Tender Safety Advice
These postcard size cards are available from The Harbour Offices in Itchenor and Emsworth along with Sailing Clubs, Marinas and from our Harbour Patrol.

Rules of the Road - Navigating Safely in Chichester Harbour
A simple guide to the collision regulations that have particular significance in harbour settings.

Essential Safety: Chichester Harbour
This leaflet is aimed at the less experienced mariner and aims to steer them away from difficulties in their first years.

Sailing and Powerboating in Harmony in Chichester Harbour
Answers to questions commonly posed by powerboaters and suggestions for ways for sail boat racers to share the facilities without spoiling everyone's fun. Updated 2012.

Please note the speed limit throughout the harbour is 8 knots.

If you have any particular comments or would like to arrange for a talk to your club or group please contact the Harbour Master.

Port Marine Safety Code

Please download the Port Marine Safety Code as a pdf document. The complete document along with risk assessments is available to view at the Harbour Office. Please call 01243 512301 or email in advance of your visit.

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