Regulations

Although the recreational sector is largely unregulated, some legislation applies to all craft, whether commercial or recreational. With respect to navigation and collision avoidance any vessel that proceeds to sea, irrespective of size, is required to comply with the Merchant Shipping (Distress Signals & Prevention of Collisions) Regulations 1996. It is of paramount importance that all vessels at sea comply with the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. These are contained within the Merchant Shipping regulations that also set out the penalties for non-compliance, which could be a fine of up to £50,000 in serious cases.

In addition local harbour bye laws and exclusion zones may apply in certain areas. It is the responsibility of the Canoeist to ascertain what regulations apply to the area they they will be using and to follow them.