PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (PWC) MANAGEMENT POLICY

To use a PWC in Langstone Harbour you must first have:
1. a valid Licence;
Any individual using a ski in Langstone must have a Licence. It is an offence to use a ski in the harbour without a Licence.
2. a Permit to use the ski.
Permits are available daily or yearly (valid between 1 April and end of March) and annual permit-holders must display the adhesive plaque provided by the Board as evidence that they have obtained a permit prior to launching.
 

Licence Conditions
1. Jet skiing is prohibited in The Run (Harbour entrance) and in all mooring areas without a Licence.
2. Jet skiing is permitted in other areas of the Harbour only when navigating at or below the 10 knots Harbour speed limit (equivalent to 11.5 mph or 18.5kph).
3. Launching and recovery of jet skis is allowed at all points of access to the Harbour. In The Run, however, the jet ski must proceed as nearly as practicable in a straight line to or from the sea at or below the 10 knots speed limit. The use of jet skis in The Run is prohibited except for access to or from the sea.
4. The Licence must be produced for inspection on demand by the Board’s authorised officers. Only Licence holders may use a PWC for which a valid Permit has been issued. It is the responsibility of the Permit holder to ensure that this condition is met.
5. Persons under the age of 12 years are not permitted to operate or take charge of a jet ski. Direct supervision by an adult is strongly recommended for those aged 12–16.
6. Failure to comply with the above conditions will be a breach of the Jet Ski Byelaw and may result in this permit being revoked and the Owner and/or Rider being prosecuted.
7. This Licence is non-transferable.

A Licence will be issued to an individual once only and remain valid, unless revoked in writing. To obtain a licence, evidence of successful completion of rigorous and structured marine training course is required (RYA PWC Proficiency/PB2 or other STCW compliant Certificate of Competence). The Harbour Master may use discretion in approving appropriate courses on a case-by-case basis.

Personal Watercraft Permits
1. Your PWC Permit entitles you to single daily or unlimited launching during the year for which it is valid. You may choose to pay fees either daily or annually but the Permit is valid either for the day of issue (daily) or for the year - or remainder of- (annual) for which it is issued.
2. Permit charges are not refundable.
3. Evidence that an annual Permit has been issued will be provided in the form of an adhesive plaque, which must be prominently displayed on the PWC for which it was issued.
4. A separate Permit is required for each PWC.
5. The Data-tag registration number on your PWC must be shown on your Permit.
6. To obtain a Permit the PWC must be insured.

Insurance

To obtain a Permit you should be covered for third party risks with a valid insurance policy for up to £3,000,000 per claim. Proof of insurance will be required before the issue of a Permit and can be supplied in hard-copy in person at the Harbour Office or electronically in advance by emailing the Harbour Office on admin@langstoneharbour.org.uk.

Payment

Credit and Debit cards and Cash are all accepted at the Harbour Office. For new applicants, it will be necessary to attend the Harbour Office in person to obtain a PWC Licence because the Licence application must be signed by the applicant and countersigned on the Board’s behalf. It will assist us if you apply for your Licence and pay for your Permit in advance, as this is a major cause of congestion on the slipways.

 

Please read your Licence conditions carefully before launching.

 

Notification of Changes

It is essential that you advise the Harbour Office immediately of any change in ownership or owner details relating to a PWC which has been issued with a Permit. If you dispose of your PWC you should remove the Permit sticker or you may become liable for prosecution if the craft is still registered in your name.

Previous Langstone Permit Holders
Skiers who have previously held a Langstone Harbour PWC Permit (i.e. who have attended the Harbour Office to sign up to Conditions of Use before 2022) may apply in advance for a Licence from January 2022 without the need to attend the Harbour Office. It will remain necessary to demonstrate a suitable qualification is held but electronic copies sent to the harbour Office will be accepted.

Instruction and Tuition
Individuals with a valid instructor’s qualification (i.e. RYA Power Boat Instructor or RYA PWC Instructor) will be permitted to carry out instruction within the harbour, provided they hold a valid Licence and Permit, without the need for students to hold a Langstone Harbour PWC Licence.
 

Students using PWCs under instruction within the harbour will still require a PWC Permit, however, if instruction is taking place at an accredited training centre operating within the harbour (i.e. Portsmouth Marine Training or Andrew Simpson Watersports
Centre) students will be excused the requirement to obtain a Permit only on days where instruction is taking place.