From April to October in Bournemouth and Poole, you’ll see yellow marker buoys across the bay, 200 metres away from the low water mark.
Watercraft in this area cannot:
- go beyond 6 knots
- annoy or endanger other beach users
- run ashore or launch from the beach
Powered watercrafts must have engine silencers fitted.
The area by Boscombe Artificial Reef, marked with yellow buoys, has a 6-knot speed limit all year.
Pleasure boat licences
You must have a licence to hire pleasure boats to the public or operate a passenger carrying boat.
A licence is required for:
- sailboards
- rowing boats
- canoes
- motorboats
- pedalos
- larger boats or ferries carrying fewer than 12 passengers
To operate in Christchurch Harbour applications must be accompanied by a current certificate or report of Suitability by a qualified Boat Surveyor.
To operate in Poole Harbour application forms must be endorsed by an authorised boat inspector.
Apply for a pleasure boat licence
Find out more how to apply for a pleasure boat licence.