Byelaws are essential tools for the safe management of the harbour. While it is the Harbour Commissioners' policy to educate, it is unfortunate that prosecution action in the courts is necessary for those who refuse to behave in a responsible manner. These are the important byelaws which affect recreational users.

1. All vessels shall conform to the orders and directions of the Harbour Master.

2(a). Every vessel shall be navigated with care and caution and at such speed and in such manner as not to endanger the lives or cause injury or be a nuisance to persons or endanger the safety of or cause damage to other vessels, moorings, buoys, beacons or other property.

2(aa). Vessels shall not be navigated at a speed exceeding 10 knots through the water.

2(b). Vessels shall not be navigated at speed exceeding 6 knots in the Little Channel, between the Quays and in Holes Bay.

2(bb). No person shall engage in board sailing within the Middle Ship Channel or within the Haven Channel without the Harbour Master's written consent. Persons intending to cross these channels shall do so by the shortest possible route and so as not cause an obstruction to other vessels navigating in the channel.

2(e). No person shall engage in water skiing, ascending by towed kite or parachute, or use a jet ski or hovercraft except with the written permission of the Harbour Master.

12. Masters of vessels shall not obstruct or interfere with public landing places.