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Leisure

Frequently asked questions

  • Slipways can be found at:

  • All vessels are required to pay harbour dues. This includes SUPs, kayaks, wing surfers, windsurfers, canoes and all other vessels.

    Some activities require specific permits such as PWCs and kitesurfing. Refer to the relevant pages on the website for details.

  • This can be found on our website, there are lots of documents and charts which cover various sports and rules of the harbour e.g. where you can and cannot go.

    Look in the leisure and notices in force section of the website.

  • Yes, but only those who have received a level of training, can do a deep-water pack down, self-rescue and have purchased a kitesurfing permit.

    You will also need at least third-party insurance for this.

    If you kitesurf without a permit you can be asked to leave the water and it can lead to prosecution.

    For more information about kitesurfing in Portland Harbour, click on this link.

  • It is easier to list where you cannot go.

    Vessels are prohibited from entering the controlled area around the commercial dockyard and the small harbour at Bincleaves in the NE corner of the harbour.

    A chart of the restricted areas can be found on the ‘Permit application forms & charts’ page.

     

  • The easiest way is to pay online here.

    Alternatively check our list of local agents who sell harbour dues on our behalf or download an application form here and return the completed form to leisure@portland-port.co.uk

  • There is a chart to show where you can and cannot go diving.

    The chart can be viewed on the ‘Permit application forms & charts’ page.

  • Unfortunately, you cannot.

    The port is a secure establishment and members of the public are not allowed access.

    You can dive from a boat in the bay, but you are not permitted to land on the beach in Balaclava Bay.  There are signs to notify people of this.

  • The traffic lights, when turned on, either show water users that there is a commercial vessel going in or out of the harbour, or that the entrance is closed to all traffic.

    1. Three fixed green lights show that a commercial vessel is coming into the harbour.
    2. Three fixed red lights mean that there is a commercial vessel going out of the harbour.
    3. If there are three lights flashing red, this means there is an emergency and the entrance is closed to ALL traffic.

  • No, fishing from the breakwaters is prohibited due to health and safety concerns and insurance liabilities.

    Landing is against the byelaws and may lead to prosecution.

  • Landing at the breakwater fort is prohibited due to health and safety concerns and insurance liabilities.

    Many of the buildings are in a poor state of repair.

    There are signs to notify people of this.

    Landing is against the byelaws and may lead to prosecution.

  • You can access the live wind speed on the breakwaters from Weather File – Portland North Ship Channel.

  • You might find a range of ships of different sizes:

    • Yachts
    • Sailing dinghies (mono hulls, catamarans, foiling types)
    • Motorboats
    • Pleasure tripping boats
    • Diving boats
    • Fishing boats
    • Stand up paddleboards
    • Windsurfers
    • Kitesurfers
    • Commercial vessels from tankers to cruise ships

    At times it can be remarkably busy, and all vessels should maintain a good lookout and operate in line with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

  • Portland Marina port and harbour dues cover you for the vessel berthed and a tender up to 3.05m, marked with the vessel’s name.

    The marina annual stickers renew in April each year so please ensure you have a valid sticker displayed.

    Any other vessels used such as tenders or SIBS over 3.05m, SUPs, kayaks, towable inflatables etc. will require separate harbour dues or permits.

    For more information please look at the following pages:

  • If you own kitesurf and windsurf equipment, you will only need a kitesurf permit, as it covers you for kitesurfing, windsurfing, SUP, foil variants of the latter and kayak equipment.

    For more information please look at the following pages:

  • An example would be if you owned a RIB and windsurf equipment; you would need to pay separate harbour dues for both.

    For more information please look at the following pages:

    If you are ever unsure, please contact the leisure department, by phone or email, and they will be happy to help.

  • If you purchase an annual permit, it will be active from the 1st January through to the 31st December of the year of purchase.

    It does not start from the day of purchase and run for a year from that date.

    If you purchase a seasonal permit, it will be active from 1st April to 1st October of the year of purchase.

    For more information please look at the following pages: