These directions are generally enforceable under the Wells Harbour Revision Order of 1994 that contains details of penalties for non-compliance.

Navigation

1. All vessels should comply with Collision Regulations but sailing and small craft vessels do not have automatic right of way due to depth limitations of the channel
2. Speed limits must be observed. A speed limit of 8 knots is in force for all navigable water from Number 6 buoy to Number 19 Buoy and 5 knots from Number 19 Buoy to the East End. However, vessels must always navigate with consideration for other Harbour users particularly as regards wash created by your vessel
3. Jet-ski (personal watercraft) and hovercraft type craft are not permitted in the Harbour
4. High speed craft (other than members of Wells Waterski Club) intending to operate at more than 15 knots are not allowed to use the Harbour except for entry and exit unless specifically authorised by the Harbour Master
5. Vessels must be kept clear of navigation marks
6. Power vessels over 4.57m (15ft) must carry third party insurance to a minimum specified by the Commissioners
7. Collisions, strandings, vessels adrift or any obstructions to the channel must be reported to the Harbour Master. Incidents may be entered in the report book in the Harbour Office
8. Persons under 16 years of age may not operate powered boats capable of more than 8 knots within the harbour
9. Vessels proceeding to sea should be properly and safely fitted out and be open to the Harbour Master’s inspection
10. Masters of visiting vessels must complete a visitor’s registration form and, if from foreign Ports, must ensure they obtain Customs clearance and have the correct documentation for any animals
11. Swimming is not permitted in the quayside area 2.5hrs either side of high tide. Swimmers are not to use pontoons, moored boats at quayside or to climb on navigation marks

Moorings

1. No vessel may be launched or brought into the Harbour without the prior consent of the Harbour Master and payment of dues. Permit discs must be displayed
2. No moorings may be laid or ownership transferred without prior approval of the Harbour Master who must be given notice of intent if a mooring is to be vacated for more than seven days
3. Boats must be kept properly moored at all times and rigging muffled on overwintering boats
4. Boats’ names should be displayed and moorings marked as directed by the Harbour Master
5. Visiting vessels will be charged at the visitor’s rate as determined on the current list of charges
6. Masters are responsible for their vessels during shipping movements and must allow access to the quays to vessels wishing to load or unload cargo or passengers
7. Vessels with quay berths may be required to double berth and access must be allowed to the outside vessel. Masters are responsible for properly mooring and fendering their own vessels

General

1. No Oil, bait, rubbish, sewage or any other substance may be allowed to enter the Harbour and any accidental discharge must be reported to the Harbour Master immediately. Vessels with direct discharge toilets should seal off exit Ports. Persons causing pollution are liable to substantial fines
2. Public landing and launching places must not be obstructed
3. Vessels who need information on entry to the Port, please contact the Harbour Master. Prior notice of entry if possible
4. Automatic bilge pumps must not be used within the Harbour limits

Commercial Operators

1. The Harbour Master must be given at least eight hours prior notice of the arrival of ships and his clearance obtained before entry or movement within the Harbour
2. Movements must be under the supervision of the Harbour Master and masters must ensure sufficient crew is available at all times to ensure the safety of the vessel
3. Ships’ engines are not to be run except when manoeuvring and there must be no pumping of bilges or other discharge within the Harbour
4. Safe and proper access to ships must be maintained at all times
5. No permanent storage of pots, fish boxes or gear at any time on quayside
6. Passenger carrying vessels must be properly licensed

Definition

The Harbour is all navigable water inside Number 1 and Number 2 buoys

Harbour Limits

To the west – the middle of Holkham Bay, to the east – the stiffkey pipeline and to the north the West Cardinal.

Bounded west by line of longitude 0°50’E

Bounded east by line of longitude 0°55’E

Bounded north by parallel of latitude 53°00’N