Poole Harbour

Harbour Information

Poole is Europe's largest natural harbour and a stunning location for all types of watersports fringed with unspoilt woodland and coastal walks.  The harbour is a site of nature conservation, a wetland teeming with wading birds with many international protections in place.  It is a Ramsar site which recognises wetlands of international importance particularly for wildfoul.  It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) which recognises the country's most spectacular and beautiful habitats and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Just outside Poole Harbour, one mile from the beaches in Poole Bay is  Poole Marine Conservation Area. The four square kilometers of sea bed features 10 different types of habitat and is home to more than 360 different marine species.  The designation provides protection from damaging activities allowing marine wildlife and habitat to thrive.

Poole Harbour is a thriving mecca for watersports enthusiasts.  With over a dozen yacht clubs and marinas, the harbour is alive with all types of craft and the appeal of safe sailing attracts all ages and abilities keen to get on the water.

A booklet "Poole Harbour Guide" containing all facilities and services is available from Poole Tourist Information.

Harbour dues are payable by  all resident and visiting craft in Poole Harbour - details from Poole Harbour Commissioners, Berthing Office, The Quay. Contact 01202 440200. Email: pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk

Emergencies

In case of any emergency in the harbour please contact the Harbour Control Officer using VHF Channel 14 (or 16), Call Sign “Poole Harbour Control”, Tel: 01202 440230 email: harbourcontrol@phc.co.uk

Customs and Excise
HMRC, New Harbour Road South, Poole BH15 4AJ
National Customs and Excise Advice Services line – 0300 200 3700

Public Slipway Harbourside Park

Car park and boat launching site
For those wishing to launch boats or watersports equipment throughout the year, an annual ticket is available for Harbourside 1 Car Park to use the slipway facility for launching.  The season ticket covers the boat launch fee and parking for a car and trailer.  Further information on parking permits and fees can be found on the BCP Council Website.

Weather Information & Tide Timetables

BBC Radio Solent on 96.1FM and 103.8FM
BBC Weather for Poole (BH Postcode)
http://www.windguru.com/
www.metoffice.gov.uk

Poole Harbour Safety Regulations

Permits and other information Poole Harbour
In order to allow all harbour users to enjoy the water safely, to minimise conflict and to protect the rich variety of wildlife, the Harbour has been zoned for various activities. Please respect the Quiet Areas where the speed limit is 6 knots.

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Your attention is drawn to the following summary of the Bylaws, which are enforced for your safety:

Safe Navigation:

You must navigate with care throughout the Harbour. Stay clear of shipping and adhere to instruction given by the Harbour Master patrol officers.

Harbour Entrance:

This is a potentially hazardous area. Please navigate with extreme caution. Use your engine if you have one fitted.  The Harbour Entrance is only 300 metres wide, with very strong tidal streams particularly at spring tides. Slow moving chain ferry operates at its narrowest point which has right of way. Think ahead and pass well clear astern of it.

Speed Limit:

There is a speed limit of 10 knots throughout, except in the Quiet Areas, Little Channel and Holes Bay where the speed limit is 6 knots.

Waterskiing & Wakeboarding :

A permit is required for waterskiing inside the harbour. This can be obtained from the Harbour Office or the Poole Harbour website. The designated water ski area is in the Wareham Channel and is approximately 2000 metres long and varies in width between 300 metres and 600 metres. The area is marked by blue and white stakes, yellow buoys and notice boards. Water skiers are exempt from the speed limit when operating within this area. Launch at Rockley, Harbourside Park or Cobbs Quay.

Personal Water Craft (Jetskis & Waterbikes):

A permit is required for use of Personal Watercraft inside the harbour. This can be obtained from the Harbour Office or the Poole Harbour website: Use of a Personal Watercraft in excess of the speed limit is only allowed in the designated area to the north of Brownsea Island. Speed limits must be observed in all other areas. Personal Watercraft are not allowed in the quiet area to the south of Brownsea Island.

Kitesurfing/Windsurfing:

A permit is required for kitesurfing inside the harbour. This can be obtained from the Harbour Office or the Poole Harbour Poole Harbour is one of the best board sailing venues on the South Coast. There is a dedicated board sailing area in Whitley Lake at Sandbanks, which is shallow and safe, but dries out at low water. It is ideal for novices and the area is next to the road and a sandy beach and is very convenient for unloading and rigging. Wind Surfing is not allowed in the Harbour entrance or shipping channels.

Parascending

May only take place inside the Harbour with the permission of the Harbour Master.

See Local Notices for Mariners for specific restrictions that apply throughout the harbour.

If you have any questions please contact info@pooletourism.com or Poole Harbour Commissioners

Poole Harbour Oil Spill

As a result of the progress of the cleanup operations in Poole Harbour, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revised previous advice and indicated that people are able to once again use the beaches and water in the Poole Harbour area for recreational use.

This includes swimming, bathing and watersports. Pets are now safe to walk near the water in the Poole Harbour area. The public are however requested to stay clear from Ower Bay.

PHC will continue the cleanup operation. Should anyone see oil on the water, sightings should be reported to Harbour Control on 01202 440 230 or via pooleharbourcommissioners@phc.co.uk

Useful Links:

• Poole Harbour Commissioners Oil Spill FAQ's

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