Navigation rules for channels, exclusion zones, fairways and leisure activities to reduce risk and protect safe passage in Milford Haven.

Notice Summary

This Annual Standing Notice to Mariners (ANTM) consolidates and replaces the following notices:

  • ANTM 06 (Navigation Outside Recognised Channels)
  • ANTM 10 (Waterskiing/Aquaplaning)
  • ANTM 15 (Dive Exclusion Zone)
  • ANTM 20 (Controlled and Exclusion Zones – Moving Vessels)
  • ANTM 23 (Obstructing the Fairway)
  • ANTM 25 (Narrow Channels).

The Notice provides a single reference setting out navigational requirements, restrictions, and safety controls applicable to all Haven users. It is issued to protect the safe movement of large commercial vessels, reduce close-quarters risk, and manage leisure and small craft activity in accordance with the COLREGS, Port of Milford Haven Byelaws, General Directions, and the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code.

  1. Narrow Channels and Fairways
    1. Mariners are advised that the Milford Haven Waterway is defined as a “Narrow Channel” under Rule 9 of the COLREGS.
    2. In particular, mariners are reminded that:
      1. Vessels shall keep as near as safe and practicable to the starboard outer limit of the channel.
      2. Vessels less than 20 metres in length and sailing vessels shall not impede vessels that can safely navigate only within the channel.
      3. Fishing vessels shall not impede the passage of vessels navigating within the narrow channel.
      4. Vessels shall not cross the channel if such crossing impedes a vessel constrained by draft.
    3. Where doubt exists as to whether a vessel is constrained by draft, it must be assumed that it is, and action taken accordingly.
    4. Mariners are reminded that large commercial vessels may have restricted visibility, which must be considered when taking early and positive avoiding action.
    5. Port of Milford Haven Byelaw 20 (Vessels to be Navigated with Care) and Byelaw 22 (As to Fairway) apply at all times.
  2. Obstructing the Fairway
    1. Vessel movements may occur with limited under keel clearance, requiring such vessels to remain within the recognised channel.
    2. No vessel, whether under sail or power, which is not constrained by draft, shall obstruct the passage of a vessel that is constrained by draft.
    3. Mariners must plan manoeuvres early and avoid actions that could create close-quarters situations within the fairway.

  3. Controlled and Exclusion Zones – Moving Vessels
    1. For enhanced safety, certain specified vessels may be allocated Controlled Zones and Exclusion Zones while navigating within the Haven.
      1. Controlled Zone:
        Extends 1 mile ahead and astern of the specified vessel within the main channel.
        No commercial vessel of 20 metres or more may enter this zone except astern of the specified vessel, navigating away from it, and only with prior permission from VTS.
      2. Exclusion Zone:
        Extends ahead to the limit of line of sight from the bridge of the specified vessel within the channel.
        No vessel may enter this zone at any time.
        The astern limit extends to the stern of an escort tug where provided, or 100 metres where not.
    2. The limits of these zones may be controlled by a patrol vessel stationed ahead of the specified vessel.
  4. Navigation Outside Recognised Channels and Mooring Areas
    1. Mariners are reminded that vessels or objects moored to licensed permanent buoys within designated small craft mooring areas are not required to exhibit all-round white riding lights.
    2. Slow speed / minimum wash must be used within all mooring areas. Mariners are reminded of the additional risks associated with wash from passing vessels and tugs and should also refer to ANTM #2 – Tugs and Towage.
    3. Navigation outside recognised channels should only be undertaken by those with local knowledge, and with particular caution during the hours of darkness.
    4. Designated mooring areas are shown on Admiralty Charts 3273, 3274 and 3275 and include:

  5. Diving Exclusion Zone
    1. An exclusion zone for diving, fishing and potting is established within the Haven.
    2. These activities are prohibited within a 100-metre radius of position:
      51°42’.2N 004°57’.2W.
    3. This exclusion zone protects the wreck of a Sunderland Flying Boat.
    4. Any equipment found within this zone will be removed and may be destroyed without further notice.
  6. Waterskiing, Aquaplaning and Similar Activities
    1. Waterskiing, aquaplaning, and similar activities are not permitted amongst moorings or between moorings and the shore.
    2. Where such activities are otherwise permitted, participants must give moorings and moored vessels a wide berth, navigate with caution, and remain alert to wash from passing vessels and tugs (see ANTM #2 – Tugs and Towage).
  7. Charts and References
    1. Admiralty Charts 3273, 3274, 3275
    2. Imray Y26 & 2600 Atlas
    3. Milford Haven Harbour Byelaws 1984
    4. General Directions 2016
    5. Leisure Users Guide (available via the Port website)
  8. This Notice will self-cancel at 23:59hrs on 31st December 2026.