The Broads are generally a safe and trouble free environment for boating. But there are certain
hazards of which the navigator should be aware.

Over the next 20 years, BAM Nuttall, contractors for Broads Environmental Services Ltd (BESL), will be moving heavy plant and equipment around the waterways while working on flood defences throughout the Broads. Navigators should take note of warning signs and give the machinery a wide berth. Other contractors and the Broads Authority also operate plant. Work vessels have to be left around the system. They are lit but great care should be exercised when navigating at night or in bad visibility.

At Haddiscoe Cut take care to avoid gabion wire baskets, which contain flints, on the western, railway side of the cut. They are there to help build up the flood banks. In the Cut and throughout the Broads area, stay well within the marked posts on both sides of channels. There are new channel markers on the Rivers Chet, Ant, Bure and Yare.

There are a number of hazards caused by old flood defence piling which have yet to be replaced or removed by BESL. These hazards are marked by either buoys, red markers or the newly introduced yellow markers. If you observe any unmarked hazards, please contact Broads Radio Control on 01603 756056 to report the matter. Always take care when mooring where works have recently been completed until the new banks are established.

You may meet coasters travelling up to Cantley from Great Yarmouth. It is important that other
craft comply with the directions of the escorting Broads Authority navigation rangers.

Speeding and other bad behaviour
The Broads Authority is tightening up on speeding. Among several new measures being
introduced is the method of timing a boat over a known distance.This tried and tested method will
be used to target persistent offenders in problem areas and will help to prevent boats getting
away with speeding once out of sight of a navigation ranger. Other measures designed to deal
with persistent offenders in specific areas include navigation rangers in unmarked boats, more
speed signs, radar speed checks and uniformed patrolling. Navigation rangers work closely with
other staff and members of the public to reduce speeding. The maximum penalty for speeding is
a £1,000 fine plus costs.

You can help combat speeding and bad behaviour generally by noting the name and number of
the offending vessel, together with a description of the helmsperson, and phoning Broads Radio
Control on 01603 756056. You may need to be prepared to go to court as a witness if the Broads
Authority brings a prosecution. Also, If you see an oil spill, please report it promptly to River
Control on the above number.

For emergencies, or serious oil spills out of hours, phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Auxiliary Navigation Rangers needed
The Broads Authority is looking for more uniformed auxiliary navigation rangers. The duties are
many and varied, including practical work and attending events, but the main role is patrolling the
rivers and assisting the public. Training is provided and volunteers are expected to put in one day
a fortnight in the summer. If you are interested, please contact Maggie Engledow on 01493
367810 or 01692 582753.