• The Swash Channel from the Bar Buoy to the Chain Ferry
• The Haven Channel from the Chain Ferry to 16 buoy
• The Middle Ship Channel, from 16 buoy to Stakes
• The Turning Basin, off the Ferry Port
• The Little Channel from Stakes to Poole Bridge.

All recreational craft should take particular care of these areas, and must avoid impeding larger vessels which can navigate only within these channels. The North Channel is not maintained by dredging and is used by commercial shipping only in an emergency.