Port Marine Safety Code & Environment

	Marine Services
	Torbay Council
	Torquay Harbour Office Beacon Quay Torquay TQ1 2BG
	marine.services @torbay.gov.uk
	01803 292429
	01803 299257

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Brixham Sea Watch

port marine safety code & environment - A panoramic view of boats in Brixham Harbour. In the foreground is a mounted telescope. Visit our Gallery.

The responsibility of protecting and conserving the environment lies with us all. Within the confines of Tor Bay, the Harbour Authority strive to maintain and improve a high environmental quality, via sound management directives and environmental legislation.

Marine Services have identified activities which could have detrimental effect on the natural surroundings and have addressed these potential problems with recommendations, not only for the protection of this beautiful area but also to enhance the enjoyment of Tor Bay.

Oil and fuel entering the water can be disastrous. Please refrain from pumping contaminated bilge water over the side and have the appropriate measures at hand to minimise any fuel spills whilst filling up. The use of absorbent materials, rags or drip trays should be used wherever possible. There are facilities on the Harbourside for the safe disposal of waste oil but please contact the Harbour Office if you have any queries. Oil can be harmful to plant life, animals and even humans!

Marine Services provide several bins around the Harbour Estate for everyone to dispose of their litter responsibly, whilst "wheelie" bins provide a home for more substantial rubbish.

The ‘Gash Run’

Marine Services have a daily, harbour cleansing regime in the larger enclosed harbours, affectionately known as the ‘gash run’, where floating rubbish is literally scooped out of the harbour. It is a disheartening fact that much of this debris emanates mostly from the previous evening revellers in the form of fast food packaging, cans and bottles amongst others.

Throwing anything into the Harbour is a Bye Law offence but rubbish collecting around the shoreline not only looks unsightly but can be hazardous for humans or fatal for a multitude of birds, fish and animals. Discarded fishing line is a major culprit, along with old nets, ropes, bottles and bags - all of which are potential killers.

So please help by retrieving any rubbish if you can and disposing of it in the appropriate bin. You can also help by notifying the Harbour Office of any rubbish on the Harbour Estate.

Fishing within an enclosed harbour is prohibited without the consent of the Harbour Master, however, you are welcome to fish from the seaward side of the piers, keeping well clear of the harbour entrance. Anglers should refrain from leaving fish bait, guts, etc; on the quayside, ensuring that they take their waste home.

Pelagic Creatures

The South West coast are visited regularly by some amazing creatures such as Dolphins, Porpoise, Seals and Sharks, which have been spotted on many occasions within Tor Bay and sometimes within the enclosed Harbours much to the delight of spectators on the quay side. However, their presence creates a number of potential problems, some of them life threatening, so please follow the guidelines if you see them.

Give the animals the choice of which direction they want to go in by keeping at least 100 metres away, even further away if more vessels are nearby.

If the animals approach the vessel, do not change course or make repeated turns towards them as this may well distress them. Maintain a slow steady speed so as not to confuse them otherwise they run the risk of being struck by propellers.

Avoid approaching animals head on or manoeuvring between groups of animals when you could either scatter or separate them.

If you observe mothers with their young, take great care.

Never attempt to feed the animals in an attempt to get them close by. This action may also upset their natural diet.

Avoid spending more than 15 minutes with the animals.

By observing the above guidelines we can ensure the safety and protection of these wonderful creatures whilst enjoying and respecting them for the future, if in doubt contact Marine Services.

If you find a distrssed dolphin or one that has sadly, already died please contact Brixham Seawatch.

Enforcement and Prosecution Policy

The Harbour Authority regularly enforce byelaws and in order to do this correctly have an Enforcement and Prosecutions policy document.