This in from Yarmouth Harbour, in their own words – Ed
As with the fantastic infrastructure improvements made in 2011, Yarmouth is once again leading the way in UK Harbour development. On 1st March 2012, the Commissioners at Yarmouth introduced their General Directions (below) to supersede the 1973 Byelaws, becoming one of the first harbours in the country to do so.
Easier to understand
The rules for the use of Yarmouth Harbour are now clearer, easier to understand, and enable the harbour to be managed more effectively for the safety and benefit of all users. The General Directions outline exactly what users can and cannot do within the harbour, as well as providing clearer guidelines for staff.
Parliamentary approval no longer needed
The main difference between the outdated 1973 Byelaws and General Directions is that General Directions can be changed by the Harbour Commissioners after local consultation, whereas Byelaws have to be approved by Parliament. It has taken over 4 years of public consultation and public inquiry for Yarmouth Harbour to obtain the powers of General Direction.
Whilst many of the General Directions are similar to the Byelaws, the General Directions cover some new issues. The focus is on navigation and mooring, but fishing and Yarmouth Harbour property are also addressed. The range of issues covered includes the safety-focused; reckless driving and open fires and barbecues on boats (it does happen!) to hygiene and accessibility; pumping oil into the harbour, or leaving rubbish on the quay.
Risk of transgressors being taken to a Magistrates Court
Anyone transgressing the General Directions now risks being taken to a Magistrates Court by Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners where, if found guilty, they may be fined up to a maximum of £2,500, which is significantly more than under the previous Byelaws.
Because the new rules have been created specifically for Yarmouth Harbour, by experienced commissioners and harbour staff, they are more relevant than the byelaws they replace. For example, they include include guidelines on the use of the fuel pumps, relating to the pumps’location within the harbour, and the way in which they are used.
Chris Lisher, Commissioner at Yarmouth, believes the General Directions will “help continue to grow its reputation as a clean, safe, family-friendly harbour for visitors and residents.”
It is expected that many more harbours will follow Yarmouth’s example in drawing up General Directions. The General Directions are below …
