Tor Bay is one of the most popular venues in the UK for personal watercraft (jet ski) enthusiasts with its 22 miles of coastline to explore, and a short distance to the three enclosed harbours of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
Within Tor Bay, you may only launch Personal Water Craft (PWC) within the three harbours. Before launching, you must first register your PWC with the Harbour Authority, completing a simple form and signing acceptance of the Harbour Masters directions and declaration of adequate third party insurance. In return, you will receive free safety advice telling you where you can and cannot operate within Tor Bay. You will also receive a local registration sticker to display on your PWC.
The current PWC registration fee is £23.00.
If your PWC is used anywhere within Tor Bay Harbour limits, it must display a Tor Bay Harbour Authority registration sticker.
It is always advisable to seek advice from either the Harbour Office, during registration or when paying for your launch, or heed the advice from ‘Oscar 4’, the Harbour Authority Beach Patrol RIB, on areas where Personal Watercraft can and can’t go. Five minutes spent here can provide hours of trouble free pleasure on the water!
The RYA offer a PWC proficiency course. Whether you just want to have a go on holiday or buy your own machine, the course will teach you how to get the best from it.
Please note that within the confines of Tor Bay Harbour (16 square miles) under 18’s are strictly prohibited from driving a Personal Water Craft, irrespective of their qualifications. Within the registration process, you will confirm valid insurance cover, however, should anyone else use your PWC, you must ensure that adequate insurance cover extends to other users.
PWC specific permanent berthing is available at Torquay’s Town Dock and at Torquay and Brixham marinas subject to availability.
Read the Personal Watercraft Management Strategy
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
