Following a successful prosecution of dangerous jet ski use, the Port of Milford Haven reminds leisure users of their duty of care when using the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Waterway is a busy space balancing the needs of commercial operators and leisure users alike. While it is the Port’s role to oversee safe use of the Waterway, the need to behave safely and responsibly is a shared duty on all users. This means understanding the rules before going afloat.

In this recent prosecution, a jet ski user was found guilty of failing to uphold three of the Port’s byelaws - including aquaplaning in a minimum wake zone - resulting in fines and costs totalling £2,840. Their actions had endangered many waterway users: around 40 small vessels and a commercial vessel carrying passengers, as well as themselves and their passenger.

For leisure users, the Port provides information about safe use on its website and in publications like the tide tables and leisure user guide. In addition, throughout the season, the Port’s Harbour Patrol team plays a key role in providing guidance on use of the Waterway, advising on zonation and highlighting unsafe practice. Under the Port’s byelaws, they can intercede to halt dangerous activity and bring about prosecutions in the most serious instances.

Port of Milford Haven Harbour Patrol Officer Brian MacFarlane said: “The Port takes its duties to ensure safe use of the Milford Haven Waterway extremely seriously. This prosecution is an important reminder for all users that they have a duty to act safely both for themselves and for others while afloat. We’d remind everyone to re-read the byelaws which can be found in our tide tables and online before going afloat. Knowing and understanding the rules will help save lives and ensure everyone can safely enjoy this incredible Waterway.”