There are a lot of different speed limits in place for the harbours around the Solent. We thought sharing the guide would make it easy to understand where reduced speed limits apply.

COLREGS – Rule 6, Safe Speed
Every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within the distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.
The following factors should be among those taken into account:
- The state of visibility
- The traffic density including concentrations of fishing vessels or any other vessels
- The manoeuvrability of the vessel with special reference to stopping distance and turning ability in the prevailing conditions
- The state of wind, sea and current, and the proximity of navigational hazards
- At night the presence of background light such as from shore lights or other back scatter
- In instances where radar is being used, the limitations associated with your radar device and general radar navigation must be considered
For more information, search Hampshire Marine Unit online.
The police, MCA and harbour masters can and do prosecute, don’t end up in court.