Harbour Regulations
Whilst navigating in the Bay and Rivers Taff and
Ely, you should be aware of the following: -
1.0 The navigation of vessels within the Rivers Taff or River Ely, at a speed in excess of 5 knots is prohibited.
Mariners should be aware that approved Harbour Authority licensed passenger carrying vehicles are permitted to travel at a maximum of 20 knots at the entrance to the River Taff as far as the last upstream port hand and starboard hand navigation buoys. From this point, upstream they are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 8 knots.
2.0 The navigation of vessels in a dangerous manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration is prohibited.
3.0 The use of a power driven vessel without a suitable silencer is prohibited.
4.0 The use of a vessel without Third Party Indemnity is prohibited.
5.0 Water skiing, the use of personal watercraft, jet skis, board sailing and canoes is permitted only with the prior approval the Harbour Authority.
6.0 Persons under the age of 18 years must not take charge of a power driven vessel with an engine in excess of 5 horse power.
7.0 Navigators who do not comply with Harbour Regulations may be:
Issued with a verbal warning
Issued with a formal written warning
Excluded from navigating in the Bay
Speed limits
The speed limit in all rivers, the Inner Harbour, around moored craft and in the approach to Barrage locks is 5 knots. As you navigate up the rivers, you are requested to keep your speed to a minimum to avoid the effects of your wash on moored boats and on the banks of the river.
1.0 The navigation of vessels within the Rivers Taff or River Ely, at a speed in excess of 5 knots is prohibited.
Mariners should be aware that approved Harbour Authority licensed passenger carrying vehicles are permitted to travel at a maximum of 20 knots at the entrance to the River Taff as far as the last upstream port hand and starboard hand navigation buoys. From this point, upstream they are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 8 knots.
2.0 The navigation of vessels in a dangerous manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration is prohibited.
3.0 The use of a power driven vessel without a suitable silencer is prohibited.
4.0 The use of a vessel without Third Party Indemnity is prohibited.
5.0 Water skiing, the use of personal watercraft, jet skis, board sailing and canoes is permitted only with the prior approval the Harbour Authority.
6.0 Persons under the age of 18 years must not take charge of a power driven vessel with an engine in excess of 5 horse power.
7.0 Navigators who do not comply with Harbour Regulations may be:
Issued with a verbal warning
Issued with a formal written warning
Excluded from navigating in the Bay
Speed limits
The speed limit in all rivers, the Inner Harbour, around moored craft and in the approach to Barrage locks is 5 knots. As you navigate up the rivers, you are requested to keep your speed to a minimum to avoid the effects of your wash on moored boats and on the banks of the river.
River Ely
At the mouth of the River Ely is Cardiff Bay Yacht Club and further upstream Cambrian Marina, both to starboard.It is possible for small boats to navigate a short distance up river, but you are advised to be especially aware of your air draught when passing under bridges.
River Taff
At the mouth of the River Taff is Cardiff Yacht Club. When navigating up the Taff it is advisable to take particular care when passing under bridges.The passage under the Bute Link road is clearly marked on either side by port and starboard marks, no other arches are navigable.
Further up river on the port side is Channel View Leisure Centre, Cardiff Bay Water Activity Centre, local moorings and a slipway. Please be aware of canoes and rowers in this area. Your wake can effect light sculling craft so be vigilant.
Care must be taken on this stretch of the river as the traffic can be heavy.
Further upstream are the Wood Street Railway Bridge and Millennium Stadium. Navigation for pleasure craft beyond this bridge is NOT ADVISABLE.
Caution is advised when navigating both the Rivers Taff and Ely as they can be subject to fast flows.
Navigation in the Bay:-
Please make boating in the Bay more enjoyable by abiding by the following:-
1. Passing moored craft at slow speed and observing speed limits.
2. Observing the rules of the road at sea.
3. Avoiding sailing boats, being aware that they have to tack.
4. Using waste bins, waste oil and battery disposal facilities.
5. Avoiding noise from engines and loud noises, particularly at night.
6. Tie halyards to prevent them banging against the mast.
7. Asking before coming alongside or crossing the deck of another boat and using plenty of tenders.
8. Not jumping onto another boat’s deck, nor putting weight on ropes or guardrails.
9. Turn off engine whilst in the lock.
10. Do not pump bilge in the locks or Bay.
