We treat safety as an issue of utmost importance. Please read the following guidance notes that set out our general procedures.

General

  • Take care on the pontoons, particularly at night and in periods of poor weather.
  • Wear appropriate shoes and avoid running.
  • Please do not allow children to ‘ride’ in marina trolleys.
  • Ensure that young children and non-swimmers wear lifejackets when on the pontoons.
  • Do not leave hazardous or flammable material on the pontoons or in the boatyard.
  • Allow water supply to run for approx’ 30 seconds before filling water tanks. It is recommended that water is boiled before consumption.
  • Report any defective or damaged marina equipment immediately.

Man overboard

In the event of falling in the water you should shout for assistance and swim to the nearest safety ladder. If you are unable to swim competently, think about using bathing platforms, transom ladders, dinghies or the mooring lines of nearby boats to help you get out. If a crew member should fall into the marina or into the water, use onboard rescue equipment to assist their recovery or assist them to a nearby fixed rescue ladder; if they are a weak swimmer or injured, take a portable rescue ladder to them.

First aid

Most members of marina staff are trained in first aid. First aid boxes are located in the marina office and in the staff room by the hoist dock. A defibrillator is available for public use. It is located on the ground floor of the marina office. Marina staff are trained in the use of the defibrillator.

Swimming & Diving

Swimming is not permitted within the confines of the marina. Diving operations are only permitted with the written permission of the Company.

Safety Stations

At strategic locations around the marina we have safety stations. Accommodated at each station is a lifebuoy and throwing line and a fire extinguisher. Rescue ladders are permanently deployed in the water (at least two on each pontoon leg). Portable rescue ladders are also available. Please locate the position of your nearest ladder – you may need it one day!

Hot Work

Hot work i.e. grinding, welding, burning etc is only permitted with the written permission of the Duty Manager.

Electricity

  • Please regularly inspect your electrical appliances to ensure they are safe to use.
  • Electricity can kill! Disconnect your vessel’s power lead at the pontoon outlet end first to avoid a ‘live end’.
  • Do not open electricity boxes on the pontoons. If you require assistance with your electricity supply please ask!
  • Please inspect your power leads regularly for wear and tear.

Fire Action

  1. Raise the alarm.
  2. Contact the marina office - 01752 556633.
  3. Clear the area of any people, particularly those downwind.
  4. Only attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so.
  5. Leave the area in an orderly manner. If this is not possible because you are trapped on the pontoons assemble away from the fire, upwind if possible and marina staff will collect persons with the work boat.
  6. Gather at the assembly point(s).

Fuel Berth

  • No smoking or cooking whilst on the fuel berth.
  • Mobile telephones are not to be used on the fuel berth.
  • Fuel will only be served into appropriate fuel containers.
  • Engines must be shut down prior to refuelling

Winter safety afloat

Berth holders are reminded that the winter poses increased hazards for boat users. In particular could we draw your attention to:

  • Cold sea water temperature
  • Increased frequency of stormy weather
  • Longer hours of darkness
  • Ice or frost on the pontoons

At this time of the year there are less people about and with hatches, doors and windows closed, your calls for assistance are less likely to be heard! Therefore, for your safety may we suggest the following:

  • Lifejackets are worn on the pontoons in icy or stormy weather and always after dark.
  • In inclement conditions you are much safer in pairs!
  • If you are staying onboard overnight please let our staff know.
  • If you walking alone to or from your boat at night let our staff know and they can monitor your progress using our CCTV cameras.
  • Buy a waterproof case for your phone (the chandlery has them!) so that you could summon assistance if you fell in and needed help. The marina phone number is 01752 556633 or at night 07840 116853
  • Remind yourself of the location of rescue ladders on the route to/from your berth.
  • If you have a boarding ladder un-tether it so that you could deploy it if you were in the water.
  • Check out ‘Float to Live’ by the RNLI Video

Pontoon salting

Please note that in frosty weather we will salt the access bridge and the main walkway pontoon up to the breakwater and the main walkway to the end of H pontoon. We will not salt finger pontoons unless we are specifically asked to do so by berth holders. A bucket of sea water is a quick and clean way to remove light deck frost.

Lastly, if you need assistance please ask – we’re happy to help!

Winter safety in the boatyard

Berth holders with boats ashore over the winter, are reminded that unfamiliar hazards are/could be present:

Walking on decks high above ground – Please be very careful when on the decks of your boat. There are plenty of things to trip over and the consequences of falling off your boat could be very serious.

Ladder access – Check that your ladder is in good condition and tie off the top so that it doesn’t slip. Remember that your ladder is a means of access and not a working platform.

Power cables draped across the car park – There are a myriad of power cables over the surface of the car park. Please watch your step, particularly at night.

Don't adjust cradles – Please don’t be tempted to adjust cradle legs when antifouling – ask a member of staff to do it for you.

Fire – With so many boats in such close proximity to each other, the consequences of a fire in the boatyard could be very serious. Please check that your electrical appliances are in good condition and let us know if you are staying onboard.