Navigational Safety, VHF Monitoring & Proper Lookout
15 September 2025
A reminder to vessels operating in and around Weymouth Harbour about the importance of maintaining awareness of Port Safety Information and adhering to navigational protocols.
Monitor VHF CH12 - Channel 12 is the designated Port Working Channel for Weymouth Harbour. All vessels must monitor this channel when approaching or operating within the harbour limits to receive traffic updates, safety instructions, and other essential communications.
Subscribe to Port Safety Notices - Stay informed by subscribing to our Port Safety Email List, which provides timely updates on Notices to Mariners, operational changes, and safety alerts. You can subscribe here.
Maintain a Proper Lookout - COLREGs Rule 5 - As per the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Rule 5 states: “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.”
This includes:
- Visual observation (360° awareness)
- Auditory monitoring (including fog signals and VHF communications)
- Use of radar, AIS, and binoculars where appropriate
- Ensuring visibility from the helm is unobstructed
- Assigning a dedicated lookout when conditions warrant it (e.g., restricted visibility, busy waterways).
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping Weymouth Harbour safe for all users.
