Safety & regulations

Staying safe on the Beaulieu River

The Beaulieu River team work hard to ensure all visitors and vessels remain safe when using the river. Please help us to achieve this by observing the following safety rules.

Obligations

wear lifejackets
keep your speed below the maximum of 5 knots and ensure minimum wash for the entire length of the river.
keep to the starboard side of Fairway.
wear kill cords where fitted.
ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times

Not permitted

swimming, jet-skiing, water-skiing or board sailing.
securing dogs or children to canoes or kayaks.
mooring onto navigation buoys, beacons or marks.
underwater diving activities without permission from the Harbour Master.
operating your vehicle while intoxicated.
the flying of drones at Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour and over the Beaulieu River which are part of the Beaulieu Estate within the New Forest National Park. The flying of drones without permission is prohibited on the Beaulieu Estate, in accordance with the New Forest National Park’s guidance, available here.

When arriving

all commercial vessels, vessels over 20m, and vessels not under command, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, or towing another vessel or structure, are requested to give notice of their movements by calling Beaulieu River Radio on VHF channel 68.

International visitors

Mariners are advised that from the 1st January 2022 the UK Government (HMRC) have updated their guidance for owners of recreational pleasure craft (non-commercial) who sail their craft to and from the United Kingdom (including the Channel Islands) must notify the UK border authorities upon their first arrival into a UK port.

Before leaving the UK (which includes going to the Channel Islands), you must advise the Border Force of your intentions by posting form C1331 (the address it must be posted to can be found on the form).

You must complete a passenger locator form at www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-detailsbefore-travel-uk.

Both non-UK flagged vessels and UK flagged vessels returning from a trip outside of UK territorial waters (12 miles from shore) must fly the ‘Q’ flag where it can be readily seen as soon as UK waters are entered. The flag must not be taken down until you have finished reporting to the customs authorities. Failure to comply will make you liable to a penalty.

When arriving direct from outside the UK you must phone the National Yachtline on 0300 123 2012. You will need to inform the Yachtline if any of the following apply:
• UK VAT has not been paid on the vessel
• you have on board goods which are to be treated as surplus stores as per Notice 69A
• you have any prohibited or restricted goods
• there is any notifiable illness on board
• there are any people on board who need immigration clearance
• any repairs or modifications, other than running repairs, have been carried out since the vessel last left the UK
• you have any goods for personal use on which you need to declare and pay UK tax or duty and cannot do so via the online service.
• If you have animals on board, you must have the correct paperwork from an authorised port of entry before entering the UK.

For further information, please view the Government Notice 8. Please contact us prior to arriving.

Man overboard

in a ‘man overboard’ situation, call for help and then try to assist but without putting yourself in danger. There are emergency ladders on all marina and river pontoons. Call channel 68.

Pontoon

take care on the pontoons when wet, frosty or icy.

Notices

Please also refer to our notices section for active notices.

Slipway safety

Pre-book your launch here
check weather and tidal conditions. We advise against launching and recovering in the hours of darkness unless you are familiar with the slipway
the slipway should not be used 2 hours either side of low water due to steep drop-off (other than for SUPs/kayaks).
do not block access; rig your boat away from the slipway.
be aware of pedestrians and other users of the slipway.
attach a safety line to your trailer
never stand behind a boat whilst it is being launched or recovered.
If you are going to leave your car attached to the trailer whilst launching, switch off the engine, leave in gear, and make sure the handbrake is fully applied.
when parking a boat and trailer in the dinghy park, check that both are secure.
pontoons are only to be used for the launching and recovery of vessels.
Check your car is in good working condition, particularly the handbrake.
If you are going to leave your car attached to the trailer whilst launching, switch off the engine, leave in gear, and make sure the handbrake is fully applied.
Check weather & tidal conditions. We advise against launching and recovering in the hours of darkness unless you are familiar with the slipway.
Do not block access; rig your boat away from the slipway.
Assess the area for risks such as slips, trips and falls.
Be aware of pedestrians and other users of the slipway.
Attach a safety line to your trailer.
Check any bungs are in place.
Never stand behind a boat whilst it is being launched or recovered.
When parking a boat and trailer in the dinghy park, check that both are secure.

Protecting the river and its inhabitants

The Beaulieu River is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and we request that there should be no discharge of pollutants into the harbour.

When in the river, crew of moored craft without holding tanks should use the shoreside facilities provided. For boats with holding tanks, a sewage pump-out facility is available, free of charge, on the visitor pontoon. There should be no discharging of holding tanks whilst in the harbour.

Further information can be found here.

Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code

We are committed to the safety of all users and comply with the requirements of the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code.

Hampshire Constabulary Marine Support Unit

The Solent – Harbour Authority Regulations

Any concerns?

The marina is manned from 08:00 – 20:30 in the summer and 08:00 – 16:30 in winter, with security outside these hours.

Please report any incidents or concerns to the Harbour Master’s Office via VHF channel 68 Beaulieu River Radio or by calling 01590 616200. Out of hours please call 999.