Teignbridge District Council in South Devon have developed a Personal Watercraft management strategy in response to public complaints and concerns over bather safety in the Teign Estuary and along the coastline of the Teignmouth area. The approach taken was one of common sense, not attempting to introduce a policy which is neither costly nor prohibitive. Teignmouth revised a number of existing byelaws on access, and speed limits supported by a registration scheme in partnership with the Harbour Authority and managing access through two launch points, use of such sites is encouraged by the presence of suitable facilities such as car and trailer storage.

The registration scheme identified a number of conditions suitable for the local situation and requires evidence of third party insurance and enforces an age policy restricting for under 12s and imposing conditions and requiring supervision for 12-14 year olds. This method provides an opportunity for the authority to inform users of the local byelaws and guidance. For an authority that has a small number of formal launch points this approach requires minimal resources and has been successful.

Langstone Harbour Board administers a permit scheme which identifies a number of restrictions and conditions, failure to comply with the conditions will result in the permit being revoked and the owner or rider being prosecuted. Conditions include prohibiting personal watercraft in certain areas and imposing speed limits of 10 knots in all areas of the harbour.

Langstone Harbour is heavily used by PWs during the summer, the primary aims of the control measures are to promote safety by minimising speed and noise nuisance. The Boards control measures include:

i) identification and collection of dues – all craft launching are required to pay dues and supply owner details.

ii) Issue of permits in accordance with harbour byelaw

iii) Education and information at first points of contact – the Board produces safety information leaflets and Harbour services guides detailing speed restrictions and prohibited areas. These are available to every slipway user.

iv) Co-operation with local PWs clubs and other organisations – incentives are provided to local clubs, who in return help to control PW use in the harbour. The Langstone Harbour Board is also in partnership with Hampshire Constabulary and HM Coastguard to enhance control and enforcement in the harbour. The Board provides necessary training for non- marine officers to accompany harbour staff afloat, including full risk assessment of activities.

v) Harbour patrols – during the summer season, the harbour will be patrolled by board vessels

vi) Enforcement policy – the Board encourages responsible behaviour through education and instruction but also supports this with an enforcement policy for breaches of harbour regulations. Informal warnings are followed by a formal warning and serious offences are prosecuted in the Magistrate’s Court.