Patrol
The Broads is split up into five main patrol areas in summer and four in winter. There are ten full-time rangers and during the summer a further six seasonal rangers. In winter two seasonal rangers patrol at weekends and bank holidays. The Authority has eight patrol launches, a fast rigid inflatable boat (RIB) and two dories.
The work of the Broads Authority's rangers is one of the most effective methods of managing the Broads area and navigation. As well as enforcing speed limits and making sure that boats navigate properly, rangers play a vital role in educating people about important navigation and landbased issues.
They assist people in relation to day to day general issues, including safety procedures and tidal conditions, and they advise on planning issues. They liaise with the local police and other emergency services and respond to issues concerning pollution and oil spills. They also deal with countryside matters, some rights of way issues, and assist with education and the events programme.
They undertake training in first aid, VHF radio, boat handling, oil spill response, countryside management and enforcement, as well as practical skills such as chainsaw, brushcutter and knapsack spraying.
All enforcement is in accordance with the Broads Authority Navigation Enforcement Policy
Rangers have issued 90 navigation written warnings to helmsmen and over 40 notices of contravention of tolls offences so far in the 2011 toll year to date (June 2011).
If you want to contact the rangers, you can phone Broads Control on 01603 756056 or VHF channel 12 or email Broads.control@broads-authority.gov.uk
