The Milford Haven Waterway is a fantastic place to enjoy spending time on the water, however it's important to always be aware of what's happening around you to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Here are a few tips that may help you:
- Use a VHF radio to listen to Channel 12 when in the Milford Haven Waterway
- Be aware of your surroundings – look around, take note of what other vessels are doing, especially large tankers and tugs
- Consider professional training e.g. RYA sailing qualifications
- Anchoring in the channel is illegal and can be life-threatening
- Listen out for the sounding of horns and learn what they mean (check out the Port’s Leisure User Guide for more information)
- If you see pilot boats out on the water it usually means a large vessel is coming in or going out of the Waterway
- Do not get in between a tanker and a jetty
- Large vessels such as tankers can take around 20 minutes to stop
- Ensure you give a wide berth when passing a ship that is docking or turning around in the channel. Prop wash from tugs and ships coming off a berth could suddenly throw you off course
- Use every means available to see and be seen by all other vessels on the Waterway