A Plymouth Magistrates’ Court has found a powerboat operator guilty of unsafe use of a vessel following actions that endangered passengers and other water users in the vicinity of local moorings and a public slipway.
First use here of 2023 watercraft legislation
The prosecution was led by the Devon and Cornwall Marine Unit, supported by evidence supplied by the Cattewater Harbour Commissioners. It marks the first occasion the Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023 has been used in Devon and Cornwall.
The court ordered the defendant to pay a total of £1,205, which includes associated court costs. In addition to the fine, a collaborative enforcement measure was imposed: a Community Protection Notice Warning (CPNW) that bars the individual from using any waterways within Plymouth for a period of 12 months.
Enforcement, deterrence and local safety
Cattewater Harbour Commissioners described the outcome as showing the utility of recent national legislation alongside existing local directions and byelaws in keeping Plymouth’s waterways safe. They thanked members of the public who reported the behaviour and provided evidence to the authorities.
"We are pleased with today's result, which demonstrates the flexibility and effectiveness of both newly established national legislation as well as existing local Directions and Byelaws in maintaining safety on our waterways,"
The commissioners added that safety is their top priority and that those who use the water have a responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of other users. They said they hoped the case would act as a deterrent to reckless behaviour.
- Prosecuting authority: Devon and Cornwall Marine Unit
- Evidence provided by: Cattewater Harbour Commissioners
- Court: Plymouth Magistrates’ Court
- Legislation cited: Merchant Shipping (Watercraft) Order 2023
| Outcome | Details |
|---|---|
| Fine | £1,205 (including costs) |
| Ban | Prohibited from using Plymouth waterways for 12 months (CPNW) |
| Significance | First reported use of the 2023 order in Devon and Cornwall |
For residents and recreational users, the case underscores increasing enforcement activity on local waters and the willingness of statutory bodies to use newly available powers. Those who witness unsafe operation of craft are advised to report incidents to the harbour authorities or police so that evidence can be gathered and, where appropriate, prosecutions pursued.
Local harbour bodies and the police have signalled they will continue to work together to tackle dangerous behaviour and to protect swimmers, small craft, and people launching or retrieving vessels at slipways and busy mooring areas.
