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Watercraft and pleasure boat licences

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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.

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