Safe Boat Use
If you are skippering a boat, please ensure that you and your crew follow the guidelines below.
- Check the weather and tides before setting off to ensure the conditions are safe.
- Wear a lifejacket. View information from the RNLI.
- Ensure that your vessel is well maintained and seaworthy, and check your engine before you set off.
- Find out if any commercial shipping movements may affect you. Please be aware that Falmouth Docks can be busy and that our visitors’ anchorage is in close proximity to Duchy Wharf. View shipping movements page.
- Be aware of other people on the water and keep a good lookout at all times.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the different buoys and their meanings. View information on navigation buoys from Trinity House.
- There is a six-knot speed limit within the Penryn River, Falmouth inner harbour and north of Turnaware Bar; and a five-knot speed limit within Percuil River, St Mawes, Portscatho, St Just Creek, Restronguet Creek and Mylor Creek. Please observe these limits.
- Generating excessive wash can put other vessels in danger and it is an offence to endanger others in this way. Please be aware.
- Tell someone on shore about the sailing trip you have planned, in case of emergency.
- Navigating a boat while under the influence of alcohol is an offence under the Harbour bye-laws. Please save your tipple for your return to shore. View Falmouth Harbour bye-laws.
