Important notice
To persons in charge of launched craft
You are using a Harbour Authority facility and are recommended to take note of the following:
- You should have valid third-party insurance cover to a minimum liability of £3 million.
- Check the weather forecast and observe the state of the sea before attempting to launch, ensure your vessel is capable of handling the conditions that will be encountered during any voyage. (The upper harbour is sheltered, and conditions may be very different at sea).
- Before proceeding to sea notify the coastguard or an appropriate person onshore.
- Ensure the safety strop/chain is connected when towing the trailer. Trailers must not be left on the slipway or where they may obstruct the launching and recovery of other boats.
- As a minimum you should carry on your vessel, distress flares, suitable lifejackets for all, a marine VHF radio and monitor channels 16 and 11. You should also have on-board a secondary means of propulsion.
- When in the Harbour or the Harbour entrance, proceed at a slow speed. Always ensure that your vessel is handled in a competent manner and that you avoid taking unnecessary risk.
- You are responsible for any damage or disturbance caused by your wash. COLREGS apply within the harbour.
If in any doubt, contact port control on CH 11 or Whitby Harbour on 01947 602272 / 602354 further advice is available from the RNLI lifeboat station or HM Coastguard.