St Catherine’s Harbour – Safety Improvement Trial

Please find below a message from the Harbour Master Captain Bill Sadler on the safety improvement trial taking place at St Catherine’s Breakwater:

Dear St. Catherine’s Harbour Users,

St. Catherine’s Harbour is one of Jersey’s most valued coastal spaces, enjoyed by swimmers, boaters, anglers, paddleboarders, harbour users and visitors throughout the year. The variety of activities taking place side by side is part of what makes the harbour such a unique and vibrant place.

As the harbour has become increasingly busy, particularly during the summer months, we have seen a rise in near misses and situations where different users are operating in close proximity around the slipway, fairway and mooring areas. Following an independent safety review, alongside observations and feedback from harbour users, it became clear that there are opportunities to improve how the harbour functions as a shared space.

With that in mind, Ports of Jersey will be introducing a number of measures aimed at improving safety, reducing the likelihood of conflicts between different activities and making it easier for all users to understand how the harbour is being shared. The intention is not to restrict enjoyment of the harbour, create exclusive areas, or favour one group over another. Rather, it is to support the continued safe and enjoyable use of St Catherine’s by everyone who uses it.

Importantly, these measures will initially be introduced as a trial scheme. We recognise that the harbour is used in many different ways, and it is important that any changes work in practice as well as on paper. Throughout the summer season we will monitor how the arrangements operate, review feedback from users and consider any reported incidents or concerns. Where improvements can be made, we will endeavour to make them.

Ultimately, our objective is to create a safer, more predictable and welcoming environment while preserving the character of St Catherine’s as a shared harbour enjoyed by a wide range of users. We would encourage everyone to engage positively with the trial and share their experiences so that any long-term arrangements are shaped by those who use the harbour most.

The measure taken are as follow:

• Clear shared-space signage at the main access point, showing the fairway, mooring areas, vessel manoeuvring area, recommended swimming area and recommended fishing line, together with practical guidance for boaters, swimmers and anglers;
• The continued use of a clearly marked seasonal navigational channel and seasonal 5-knot markers, helping vessels to approach the slipway and moorings in a more consistent and predictable manner;
• A recommended marked swimming area and swimming platform, positioned to encourage swimmers away from the main vessel loading, launching and recovery area while recognising that vessels may still need to transit nearby;
• Review and, where necessary, repositioning of moorings that encroach on the fairway, with locations managed carefully to minimise avoidable or repeated seabed disturbance;
• Public-realm improvements around the slipway and an activity information board to highlight planned operations, regattas or organised swims; and

A visible, proportionate harbour presence during peak periods, focused primarily on advice, education and responsible behaviour, with existing General Directions and regulations continuing to apply.