The Teign estuary is used extensively by a wide range of leisure
and commercial vessels varying in size from small dinghies
and powerboats to commercial fishing boats and merchant ships.
It requires courtesy and understanding from all users so everyone
can enjoy their activities or go about their business safely
without causing undue nuisance or creating hazards.
See Water Users Guide for further information.
Water Users Guide 2007.
All vessels are to give way to and keep well clear of any
ship entering or leaving the harbour. Ships are restricted
in their ability to manoeuvre in the channel and have right
of way at all times.
Keep to the 6 knots
speed over the ground.
(The limit applies to the whole estuary from the Ness to
Newton Abbot).
Proceed at slower speeds when deemed necessary.
Avoid undue wash particularly in the vicinity of other vessels
by reducing speed.
Keep to the starboard side of the channel at all times particularly
when entering or leaving the Harbour.
Follow the Collision Regulations at all times. Remember that power driven vessels must give way to vessels under oars or sails (ref. Collision Regulations 9, 10 and 13).
Be aware of the following restrictions that apply in the estuary:-
- Personal watercraft (jet-ski's) are prohibited in the estuary
but may proceed from the public slipways of Gales Hill and Polly Steps directly to the sea between sunrise
and sunset, subject to first obtaining a permit from either the Harbour Office or Dive Centre (cost £5 per annum). A sample of the registration form can be found on the Information Directory.
- Water-skiing is prohibited in the estuary except in the
designated area near Coombe Cellars which is subject to membership
of the South Devon Watersports Club. www.sdwaterskiclub.blogspot.com
Always check the weather and tides before contemplating
entering or leaving the estuary. (See Weather and Tide links at bottom of page). Winds from the NE,E SE and
S (onshore winds) will tend to build a sea state in the approaches
depending on strength and will cause broken water across
the bar. This will be accentuated on an ebb tide and at low
water. If in doubt delay your entry or departure or seek
advice from the Harbour Master. Also due consideration must
be given to the strength of the current in the entrance and
lower estuary during spring tides which can be as much as
5 knots during the peak. Particular caution needs to be taken
when passing underneath the bridge during these conditions
and also through the moorings.
- Must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea.
- Must not secure to or obstruct any navigation
mark, buoy or beacon.
- Keep a good look
out at all times.
It is important that the following is noted by all users
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