Newhaven Harbour Byelaws

The Newhaven Harbour Byelaws were enacted in 1931 but are still legally binding now. Contravening the Byelaws is an offence liable to prosecution.

Newhaven Harbour Byelaws

Listed below are the most relevant and important byelaws Port users should be aware of. Contravening the byelaws is an offence liable to prosecution.

The Byelaws are not just for vessels – they also include byelaws regarding fishing, dog walking, waste and litter.

1. All vessels will obey the Port Traffic Signals and directions given by the Harbour Master or his assistants and will only berth or moor as directed.
2. No vessel will be operated within port limits without a competent Master or Pilot in charge.
5. No vessel to delay or disrupt the operation of the Ferry.
6. Speed limit of 8 knots south of the East Pier Light and 5 knots north of the East Pier Light.
7. All vessels shall be sufficiently manned, have sufficient moorings and working anchors.
8. Vessels will only berth, moor, anchor, load or unload in a place as directed and will shift if required as directed. Vessels shall not then move without permission.
14. Vessels will only moor using the bollards, posts and rings provided.
15. There must be enough qualified and competent persons available at all times to tend the moorings and shift a vessel if required.
17. No vessel will obstruct the free passage of any part of the harbour.
29. No road vehicle to obstruct or impede the use of any quays or port land.
41. No dangerous materials allowed without permission.
42. No construction materials to be deposited in the river without permission.
43. No pollution allowed.
44. No dumping or discarding of rubbish, refuse, disused boats, gear or any other material.
51. Anybody within the harbour without lawful business to be there may be removed from it.
54. No person shall obstruct, impede, molest or interrupt the Harbour Master or any Port Authority employee during the execution of their duties.
57. No person will interfere with lights or signals.
58. No person will damage or deface port property.
59. No person will damage or deface port notices.
60. No person shall exhibit notices without permission.
61. There shall be no public or general meetings or addresses within the port without permission.
62. No person will be a nuisance within the harbour.
65. No person will enter port property without permission.
66. No person will be intoxicated, use bad language, be riotous or indecent.
68. No fishing within the harbour limits without permission.  No swimming or bathing within the harbour limits.
69. No stone or missile throwing. No firing guns or fireworks without permission.
71. Dogs to be under control.
73. No selling of merchandise or touting without permission.

Download the original Newhaven Harbour Byelaws