Southwold Harbour byelaws and notices - Notice to skippers

All vessels using Southwold Harbour are to comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS). In particular vessels shall at all times proceed at a safe speed. The speed limit in the Harbour is dead slow. This is the minimum speed at which steerage and progress can be maintained.

There is a sand bar outside the Harbour entrance that extends NE of the North pier that shifts. Visitors to the Harbour MUST call the Harbour Master on VHF Channel 12 or telephone 01502 724712 before entering for information. The Harbour Master’s Office is manned from 0800 - 1600 during the Winter months and from 0800 - 1800 during the Summer months. Even though the Harbour Master may provide information the Skipper remains responsible for the conduct and safe navigation of his vessel at all times.

Please refer to the current recommended entry plan, which is posted at the Harbour Office, Notice Boards and also on the East Suffolk Council web site.

Beware of the shallows on the south side of the river. Keep close to the wall on the starboard side. At all states of tide keep to the prescribed track.

The minimum depth in the channel is prone to changing. Please call 01502 724712 or VHF channel 12 before entry.

When nearing and passing the ferry do so at very slow speed and with extreme caution.

Mooring on the North Wall is restricted, except with express permission from the Harbour Master.

The tide at the visitors’ berths is about an hour later than the entrance.

Visitors may be rafted at the visitors’ moorings. The ebb tide runs at up to 6 knots. Shore lines will be required.

There is a turning area adjacent the visitors’ moorings. Large vessels should only swing in this turning area.

Upstream of the visitors’ moorings is a bridge, which is lit Flashing Yellow (F.Y). Caution is required at all times.

Harbour Dues or Mooring fees are payable to the Harbour Authority by every vessel using the harbour regardless of size.

All users must report to the Harbour Master on arrival.