Marine safety in Norfolk

Our Marine Unit operates across Norfolk’s inland waterways and coastal areas, including the iconic Broads. Our officers provide a visible policing presence, promote safety, and work with communities and partners to prevent crime and respond to incidents. While our work is varied, it’s all about keeping people safe on the water.

The unit is supported by the Broads Beat sponsorship scheme, which plays a vital role in maintaining our presence on the Broads.

Broads safety advice and byelaws guidance

Navigating the Broads safely means understanding and respecting local regulations. The Broads Authority enforces byelaws under the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 and the Broads Authority Act 2009.

Byelaws include:

• Speed limits: Typically 3 to 6mph, clearly marked on riverbanks.
• Navigation rules: Based on international collision regulations, adapted for local conditions.
• Conduct rules: Covering safe speed, navigation under the influence, and behaviour following incidents.
• Vessel registration, tolls and dimensions: Specific rules apply to all craft operating in the navigation area including paddle craft.
• Mooring: Rules and limits on mooring of vessels on Broads Authority managed moorings.

These byelaws are enforced and managed by the Broads Authority rangers who regularly patrol the Broads. You can contact the rangers by phoning Broads Control on 01603 610734.

Find out more at the Broads Authority website.

Coastal safety and harbour byelaws

We work closely with harbour authorities in Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Overy.

Each area enforces its own byelaws and regulations to ensure safe navigation and port operation. These are the responsibility of the respective harbour masters.

These include:

• speed and navigation conduct
• tug and towage regulations
• mooring and berthing
• notification requirements for vessel arrivals

Foreign-flagged pleasure craft arriving in any UK ports must comply with UK customs and immigration procedures. Key advice includes:

• flying the yellow Q flag upon entering UK waters
• submitting a pleasure craft report to HMRC and Border Force
• declaring goods and pets as required
• obtaining immigration clearance for non-UK/Irish nationals 

More details are available on GOV.UK.

Reporting suspicious activity with Project Kraken

Project Kraken is a national initiative to help combat:

• maritime crime
• smuggling
• potential terrorism

Norfolk Police, the National Crime Agency, Border Force, and the Royal Navy work together to safeguard the UK coastline.

Find out more about Project Kraken and how to report possible crime.

Crime prevention advice

The Marine Unit works with local communities and partner agencies to help prevent crime on Norfolk’s waterways. Below are our key areas of focus:

Boats and trailers

You should:

• use multiple locks on trailers and hitches
• park trailers in secure, obstructed locations
• consider removing wheels or using wheel clamps
• consider fitting alarms and CCTV to your vessel
• keep your vessel in a recognised marina which is access controlled, secure and covered by security lighting and cameras
• remove valuables from your vessel, including VHFs, sonar/chart plotters and fuel tanks when leaving your vessel unattended

Outboard engines

Outboard engines are particularly vulnerable to theft due to their portability and resale value. To combat this, Norfolk Constabulary offers custom outboard engine covers that replace the top plastic cowling of your engine.

These custom outboard engine covers:

• feature the Norfolk Police logo, acting as a visible deterrent
• are made of durable PVC with breathable holes to reduce condensation
• help prevent resale by requiring the thief to replace the cowling

They are available in the following sizes and prices:

• Small (up to 6HP): £40
• Medium (up to 15HP): £44
• Large (up to 40HP): £46
• Extra-Large (up to 90HP): £50

To order a cover or for more information, email [email protected]

General crime prevention tips

To help protect yourself against crime, you can:

• secure engines with anti-theft clamps or cable locks
• use engine covers to deter theft and aid identification
• consider GPS tracking devices and geofencing alarms
• mark equipment with serial numbers and keep detailed records

For specific advice please don’t hesitate to contact the Marine Unit who would be happy to assist.

Find out more about crime prevention.

Broads Beat sponsors

Broads Beat is proudly supported by local sponsors whose contributions help maintain a visible policing presence on the Norfolk Broads. Uniquely, it remains the only police sponsorship scheme of its kind in the UK, reflecting a strong partnership between law enforcement and the local community.

The sponsors are:

• A R Peachment
• Broads Authority
• Norfolk Broads Direct
• Norfolk Broads Yacht Club
• Norfolk Marine
• Norfolk Trailers
• Norfolk Yacht Agency
• Petans Professional Safety Training
• Roys of Wroxham
• Survitec Group
• Tingdene Group
• Viking Life-Saving Equipment