Tor Bay Harbour

Following the fire incident on Monday 17th November, the Harbour Authority has undertaken a full review of emergency casualty evacuation procedures. As a result, we are now actively enforcing Byelaw 26 – Obstruction of Steps and Slipways.

This byelaw states: “No person shall allow any vessel to obstruct any steps or slipway or to lie at any slipway without permission of the Harbour Master.”

For clarity:

• All steps and accesses into the harbour must remain clear at all times to allow for casualty evacuation and safe transfer of injured persons.
• No vessel may be left unattended or in a state that cannot be immediately manoeuvred within a 5‑metre radius from the bottom of any steps.
• Mooring lines or ropes from nearby vessels must not impede access to steps.
• Any vessel found blocking access or moored within this radius will be towed, arrested, and may be subject to a release fee.

Additionally, within Brixham Inner Harbour, the designated maintenance berths are only to be used with prior permission of the Harbour Master. These berths are bookable (in some cases chargeable) and for limited, pre‑agreed periods. Vessels must remain readily manoeuvrable unless otherwise arranged. Unauthorised use will also result in towing, arrest, and potential release fees.