Byelaws
The Broads Authority has a number of byelaws that are enforceable within the Broads navigation area.
These byelaws are grouped within five sections:
- Navigation Byelaws 1995 (Adobe Acrobat) [862kb]
- Speed Limit Byelaws 1992 (Adobe Acrobat) [42kb]
- Vessel Dimension Byelaws 1995 (Adobe Acrobat) [24kb]
- Vessel Registration Byelaws 1997 (Adobe Acrobat) [388kb]
- Boat Safety Standards 2006 (Adobe Acrobat) [523kb]
- These Navigation Byelaws came into force throughout the Broads Authority navigation area and are the principal code of navigational conduct in the Broads. They are based closely on the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea, but with certain amendments which reflect the special conditions of the Broads navigation. The byelaws also contain other measures relating to, for example, public moorings, obstructions, navigation by minors, conduct following an incident, navigating under the influence, firearms and weapons in the navigation area, and of course safe speed and navigating with care.
- The byelaws set out the speed limits on the Broads navigation area and are not affected by the Broads Navigation Byelaws.
Vessel Dimension Byelaws 1995
- Vessels of less than 14 metres (46") length and 3.8 metres(12' 6") beam are not affected by the byelaws.
- Craft of a greater length or beam are restricted in their use of certain waters, although there is provision for larger vessels to make up to four passages each year on any stretch of water if seven days' prior notice is given to the Authority.
Vessel Registration Byelaws 1997
- The byelaws bring all vessels (as opposed to merely power vessels) within the scope of Registration. They clarify the information the Authority may seek and record about a vessel, and procedure on sale/transfer of a vessel.
Breach of any of the above byelaws can carry a fine on conviction up to level 3 on the standard scale, currently £1,000. Further information can be obtained free of charge from the Tolls Office, Broads Authority.
- The Boat Safety Standards are a set of essential safety requirements and include safety criteria for boat systems. They are designed to help minimise the risk of pollution, fire and explosion.
