Southwold Harbour byelaws and notices - Speed in Southwold Harbour

All vessels regardless of size are required by law to comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

COLREG Rule 6 requires that every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

The Harbour Authority has imposed a maximum speed limit of dead slow. This is the minimum speed at which steerage and progress can be maintained. This speed limit applies from the Knuckle to the Bailey Bridge. Vessels exceeding this speed limit will be considered as not complying with COLREG Rule 6.

Not to comply with the COLREGS can lead to prosecution. Offenders can face unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison.

All skippers are requested to navigate with caution and to proceed at a speed that is safe and does not cause excessive wash. The Harbour Authority is committed to safety and will gather evidence and enforce the applicable law by prosecuting offenders whenever appropriate.