West India & Millwall Docks Regulations

The Canal & River Trust is the Statutory Harbour Authority (SHA) for the West India and Millwall Dock System (the Docks). As such the SHA has legal obligations to comply with marine and harbour legislation and The Port Marine Safety Code (The Code). 

The SHA is responsible for managing and running a safe and efficient harbour: they have responsibilities in relation to the safety of people and vessels within the harbour, efficient navigation, and protection of the port environment.

As visitors the ATYC we have submitted a risk assessment document for this event.

Whilst there are many rules and regulations within the docks we have listed a few key ones in the bullet points below that apply to our visit.

Operation in and around the harbour and on Trust land is implicit acceptance of these terms and conditions.

• All vessels within the port are to comply with the appropriate International, National and Local Regulations for the type of vessels.
• All vessels within the port are to be licenced with the relevant authority, insured and in possession of a valid BSS certificate. 
• No vessel is to enter the Trust waters without appropriate insurance covering Third Party claim and Harbour Insurance, including cover against foundering, salvage and wreck raising claims.
• Insurance cover is to be maintained throughout the time the vessel is in Trust waters. 
• The Master of any vessel and its crew in the port or alongside any berth are to comply with any directions by the Harbour Master or his/her authorised representative.
• Ensure your vessel is secured properly: a minimum of head and stern lines, together with springs are recommended.
• The Master of a vessel shall not use or permit her to be used for drift trawling or other net or line fishing in any part of the port without permission of the Harbour Master.
• BBQs are not permitted on and by moored vessels and Trust land without prior permission, see events.
• Discharge of sewage is prohibited as are the use of sea toilets. 
• All vessels may be the subject of a security check conducted by the Trust or other agencies as directed by the Police HMRC, MCA or the Trust.
• Unless previously agreed with the Harbour Master, programmed, and published, vessels are not to move unless the Master considers it an emergency. Masters or Owners wishing to move their vessel outside of a published programme are to seek and achieve written Harbour Masters approval before moving. 
• Non-Commercial diving in not permitted within the port unless in exceptional circumstances, and only after following due process. Diving operations are to be approved by the Harbour Master.
• West India Marine Control VHF Channel 13, manned 30 mins before planned moves.
• West India Lock Side (line handlers) use VHF Channel 13 to communicate.