At a meeting with representatives of Scarborough Harbour Users held at Scarborough Yacht Club on the 24 April 2002 the following acts of normal and best practice were agreed to be applicable within Scarborough harbour.
The Safety of Navigation Within Scarborough Harbour
If all harbour users apply the following examples of good and proper practice then the existing safe situation should be preserved within the harbour. The main area of concern regarding possible interaction between vessels is approaching and in the harbour entrance.
It was agreed that craft leaving the harbour should give way to craft entering.
Vessels equipped with VHF should maintain a listening watch on Channel 12, the harbour working channel in order that advice can be given by the harbour watchkeepers.
All vessels should proceed at a moderate speed. This will be set by Byelaw at 5 knots. The skippers of all craft should be aware that they are responsible for the wake caused by the passage of their vessel and should proceed at such a speed so as to minimise any effects. A sign will be erected at the entrance to the harbour to direct the skippers of vessels accordingly.
The practice of yachtsmen leaving the helm to adjust or set sail whilst still close to harbour entrance was discussed. It was felt that this practice is imprudent whilst within the confines of the entrance and skippers should ensure that their craft are well clear of any traffic entering or leaving the harbour prior to carrying out this activity.
The dangers of craft exiting the outer harbour underneath the Vincent Pier bridge was examined. A suggestion has been raised that a traffic light system to regulate the egress of vessels into the main harbour entrance could be an advantage. The possible provision of such a system is under examination.
The existing system of flag signals to give advice to passenger carrying vessels at the watch office was discussed and it was agreed that the system is a valuable aid to the safety of these vessels. It will be maintained in operation.
The harbour watchkeepers can be contacted on Channel 12 VHF, the port working channel, in order to provide information on tidal heights, weather conditions, the availability of berths and the movements of other vessels within the harbour. Any instructions which maybe given by the watchkeeper must be obeyed.
The international regulations for the prevention of collision at sea apply within Scarborough Harbour and the operators of all vessels are expected to have a thorough knowledge of them.
It is expected that new Byelaws will shortly be introduced to assist in the control of navigation within Scarborough Harbour, these will cover such areas as operating vessels under the influence of drink or drugs, proceeding at a safe speed, the movement and operation of large vessels, proper mooring within the harbour and other safety related issues.