In a move to elevate safety and community engagement on the Milford Haven Waterway, the Port of Milford Haven is expanding its Harbour Patrol service.

The Milford Haven Waterway is the largest river estuary in Wales, with sheltered, tidal waters that are attractive to a diverse range of marine leisure enthusiasts. Established in 1992 and becoming the sole responsibility of the Port of Milford Haven in 2012, the Harbour Patrol team (formerly the Water Ranger) is charged with managing the safe use of the Waterway for leisure users.

In season, the team regularly patrol the entire Waterway from St Ann’s Head at the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway to Blackpool Mill on the Eastern Cleddau and Haverfordwest on the Western Cleddau. The expansion of the team means they can be on the water more frequently, and be on hand to offer advice and guidance, as well as overseeing enforcement of safety zoning and byelaw use.

Mike Ryan, Harbourmaster for the Port of Milford Haven, said:

“It is our duty as a Trust Port to ensure the safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway.

“Our Harbour Patrol team play a critical role in sharing this message with everyone on the water. By expanding this service, we are also expanding that role, helping us deepen our care for this special place, and for everyone that calls it home.”

 

The Port of Milford Haven is responsible for managing the safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway within the defined port limits. The Milford Haven Conservancy Act 1983, Milford Haven Harbour Byelaws (1984) and associated legislation provides the legal framework for these responsibilities and, where necessary and appropriate, gives the Port the authority to prosecute those that endanger safe use of the Waterway.

A successful prosecution of a jet ski owner in the last twelve months by the Harbour Patrol team for failing to comply with direction lawfully given by the Harbourmaster is a reminder that the Port can and will take legal action when infringements happen. All waterway users have a duty to behave safely while afloat – to protect themselves and others. 

To support leisure users to do this, the Harbour Patrol team have produced a series of helpful guides in support of the byelaws, all of which can be found on the Port’s website at www.mhpa.co.uk/enjoy-the-milford-haven-waterway. 

The Harbour Patrol team is also available for advice on the water by radioing Channel 12. If you observe dangerous behaviour on the Waterway, please contact VTS on 01646 696137 or email recreation@mhpa.co.uk.