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Safety & Navigation

Harbour Patrols & Enforcement

Harbour Patrols and Enforcement

Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is responsible under the Port Marine Safety Code for the effective enforcement of its regulations, which are adopted in order to assist in managing the safety of navigation within the port. The majority of activities are regulated using the Cowes Harbour General Directions.

CHC has an educate first policy which can be escalated to formal measures including prosecution, for offences bringing significant risk of serious injury or loss of life, or for when users threaten or abuse our staff members. Any harbour users in breach of a General Direction or Special Direction shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine.

CHC Patrol Officers can be contacted on VHF Channel 69 call sign ‘HM1’

The harbour is divided into zones to ensure there is always a Patrol Officer nearby.

CHC Patrol Officers

The primary function of the Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) Patrol Officers is to enforce the Cowes Harbour General Directions and in particular the rules on speeding and wash. Body-worn cameras are used by Patrol Officers backed up by instant access to the harbour-wide CCTV system. Patrol Officers work closely with the Hampshire Police Marine Support Unit.

Patrol Officers are equipped to collect mooring fees from visitors. Patrol Officers are more than happy to assist you to get the most from your stay in Cowes. They operate from four vessels, as follows:

  • HM1 is a 9m aluminium jet RIB
  • HM2 is a 10m RIB
  • Two 21ft Duver workboats

Please see Enforcement and Prosecution Policy for more information