Stretching over 22 miles, the Milford Haven Waterway is an essential commercial and recreational route in Pembrokeshire.

From swimmers to large commercial vessels, this busy Waterway includes narrow channels, strong currents, and high traffic areas, which demands that everyone maintains a vigilant lookout. This isn't just good practice, it's essential for safety.

The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), provides clear guidelines for everyone on the water, and Rule 5 encapsulates the essence of safety at sea. This rule states that "every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions…".

On the Milford Haven Waterway, this means being constantly aware as to what's happening around you. The Waterway is a dynamic environment, and it's essential to recognise that you may not always be easily visible to others, just as they might not be easily visible to you.

To maintain a proper lookout, you can make use of all the resources available to you, which includes visually checking all around your surroundings frequently, including behind you, and paying attention to any sound signals or engine noises that might indicate the presence of other Waterway users nearby. This is vital in challenging conditions such as bad weather, limited visibility, or at night.

If your vessel is equipped with a VHF radio, all vessels in the Milford Haven Waterway are required to monitor VHF Channel 12 (Call Sign: Milford Haven VTS) for traffic updates and safety information. This channel is essential for staying informed about vessel movements and potential hazards within the area. Large commercial vessels have limited manoeuvrability and other Waterway users should give these vessels ample space to navigate safely.

The Milford Haven Waterway is a busy and diverse environment, with zones designated for water skiing and dead slow minimum wake. Understanding and respecting these zones is imperative, as it protects other Waterway users and is crucial for maintaining navigational safety. You can find more detailed guidance in our 2024 Leisure Safety Guide.

We also share the Waterway with a fantastic variety of marine life, so keeping your distance, respecting wildlife zones and avoiding disturbances to their habitats is extremely important.

Adhering to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code's established codes of conduct and access restriction maps will help minimise disturbances and ensure that everyone can appreciate and preserve Pembrokeshire's wildlife.

Remember, the Milford Haven Waterway is a shared space, and it's up to all of us to navigate it responsibly. Let's all do our part to keep our waters a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.