NORFOLK BROADS NATIONAL PARK BOATING HOLIDAYS, HIRE BOATS or SAILING CRUISERS on the NORFOLK or SUFFOLK BROADS in EAST ANGLIA UK. This section of the NORFOLK BROADS web site is devoted to all your boating and sailing requirements.

The Norfolk Broads web site is Your Webguide to East Anglia with the Boating, Sailing, Accommodation, Attractions and Business guide for East Anglia and the East of England UK.

Quick Link :  ---------- Rules & Tips for Navigators ---------- Rules of the River Hints and Tips for Navigators Bridge Heights

Rules of the River

The legislation covering navigation on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is contained within the 1995 Navigation Byelaws, Broads Authority Speed Limit Bylaws of 1992 and the Broads Authority Vessel Dimension Bylaws of 1995. None of this legislation applies to the River Bure downstream of the upriver end of the Port of Yarmouth Marina, the River Yare downstream of the Turntide jetty or the Waveney downstream of a point 229 metres upstream of Burgh Castle Marina. These areas, which of course include Breydon Water fall under the jurisdiction of Great Yarmouth Port Authority. The “salt side” of Mutford Lock to Lowestoft Harbour similarly is administered by Associated British Ports. In these waters International Collision Regulations generally apply to pleasure craft. In the event of any doubt, queries should be addressed to either the Broads Authority, the Great Yarmouth Port Authority or Associated British Ports at Lowestoft. The Broads Authority employ a number of River Inspectors in clearly marked launches who are also helpful in this respect.

• Craft keep to the right of the river or channel. Channels are clearly marked.
• Sailing craft have right of way over motor boats who are often best to slow right down and pass astern of sailing boat, altering course if necessary.
• All pleasure craft must keep clear of commercial traffic, usually on the River Yare.
• Boats being towed should be allowed a wide berth.
• Speed Limits are marked over all the river under the jurisdiction of the Broads Authority and fines are sought against offenders.
• River Tolls apply to all pleasure craft and current details are obtainable from the Broads Authority.
• Navigation lights are required after dark.
• All yachts are recommended to carry adequate insurance including third party insurance to a very minimum of £500,000.

Hints and Tips for Navigators
Safety on the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads

While the Broads Authority is vigorously working on improving and updating the Code of Practice for Safety on the Broads, all boat owners should take the responsibility of seeing that their own boat complies with the present safety standards. i.e. Gas Installations, Fuel Installations, Adequate Ventilation for Gas Appliances, Suitable Fire Extinguishers and buoyancy aids, especially for the young.

All boatyards belonging to the Broads Hire Cruiser Federation and also Marine Surveyors will be aware of the updates to the Code of Practice and professional advice should be taken.

All owners should make certain that their boats are properly insured.

The Chief Navigation and Recreation Officer of the Broads Authority and his staff are always willing to answer queries regarding Navigational Matters, prior to the passing of new Navigation Byelaws.

Rowing and sailing takes place on the Yare between Norwich and Surlingham. When you see a rowing boat or a sailing boat please slow down in plenty of time. These boats may be coming towards you quite fast and may travel quite a distance in the time it takes for your wash to die down. Excessive wash can easily swamp a rowing boat and may even sink it.

Bridge Heights

Acle	3.66m	12'	Potter Heigham Old	2.03m	6' 8"
Beccles New	4.27m	14'	Postwick Viaduct	10.67m	35'
Beccles Old	1.98m	6' 6"	Reedham	3.05m	10'
Breydon Lifting Span	3.50m	11' 6"	St. Olaves	2.44m	8'
Breydon Fixed Span	3.96m	13'	Somerleyton	2.60m	8' 6"
Haddiscoe	7.32m	24'	Thorpe Railway	1.83m	6'
Ludham	2.60m	8'6"	Wayford	2.13m	7'
Norwich Carrow	4.27m	14'	Wroxham Railway	4.57m	15'
Norwich Foundry	3.05m	10'	Wroxham Road	2.34m	7' 8"
Norwich Railway Trowse	3.05m	10'	Yarmouth Acle Road	2.13m	7'
Oulton Broad Mutford	2.40m	7' 10"	Yarmouth Haven	2.90m	9' 6"
Oulton Broad L/Lothing	4.57m	15'	Yarmouth Vauxhall	2.13m	7'
Potter Heigham New	2.36m	7' 9"