Personal Water Craft
Public launch sites
There are two public launch sites in Dover District - other
launches should not be used for both your own and other’s
safety:
- Kingsdown
- St Margaret’s Bay
You may not launch your PWC from Deal beach.
Out on the water
When you are out on the water you are required to comply
with international regulations for the prevention of collisions at
sea and any local byelaws, which may restrict PWC use. You must
always observe local water safety regulations but, as a general
rule, must not exceed a speed of 8 knots/10mph when your craft is
within 300m of the shoreline, unless otherwise stated.
Stay safe, ride responsibly
Observe these basic rules to make sure you stay safe on the
water and do not endanger others:
- Always be considerate to other water users.
- Be aware of local byelaws that may restrict PWC use.
- Read and observe the rules posted at launch sites.
- Only launch from designated ramps.
- If you are in doubt about where you can launch or ride ask an
official before setting off - you could be breaking the law.
- Do not exceed 8 knots within 300m of the shore.
- Do not enter areas where PWCs are prohibited.
- Always carry the correct safety equipment, including a
waterproof radio and mini-flares, and wear suitable safety
clothing.
- Have, at a minimum, public liability insurance.
- Attend the RYA PWC
training course.
- Register with Datatag,
display your “Datatag Visible ID” clearly and keep your details up
to date.
- Where possible, join a local club and enjoy the many benefits
to be gained!
Reduce your impact
In order to make sure you have as little impact on Kent’s
wildlife as possible follow these simple rules:
- Avoid sensitive areas and stay clear of islands and sand
banks.
- Use designated launch sites and do not enter into restricted
areas - a number of these are designed to protect the
local wildlife.
- Do not launch from or approach roosting or nesting sites for
birds, especially around high tide.
- Do not beach at sandbanks occupied by seals or where seals are
in the vicinity.
- If you encounter birds or marine mammals (e.g. seals and
dolphins) slow down and give them a wide berth (c.200m).
- When passing wildlife, maintain a steady direction and slow ‘no
wake’ speed.
- Never harass or chase wildlife.
- Avoid shallow waters where you may erode the underwater
seabed.
- Avoid the low water mark where birds may be feeding.
- Do not dispose of any rubbish or contaminants at sea.
Personal Water Craft Code of Conduct
Follow this voluntary code of conduct and help to maintain the
good reputation of PWC riders in Kent.
Report incidents
- In an emergency contact the Coastguard on 999 or VHF channel
16.
- If you see any PWC rider acting irresponsibly, endangering
other water users or breaking the law you should report this by
contacting the Kent Police on 01622 798565 (Marine Unit) or 01622
690690.
Protecting wildlife
You should consider your impact on the area’s wildlife
- there are some areas on the coastline where the disturbance
caused by a PWC could have a lasting effect on Kent’s important
wildlife sites.
- Sandwich & Pegwell Bay is important as a site for wintering
birds, especially the golden plover, and breeding birds in the
summer. Seals also haul out in the River Stour Estuary area.
- Goodwin Sands where common and grey seals haul out and commons
pup. Deal to Dover where the chalk cliffs support a large colony of
breeding kittiwakes.
Where to go for further advice
Ports and marine safety advice
Wildlife advice and local information
PWC and water sport bodies
Where to use your PWC in Kent
A leaflet for Kent, including a map of where to use your PWC is
available here:
Contact
Tel: 01304 872394
Email: propertyservices@dover.gov.uk
